County Building Permits
Benzie County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benzie County, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Benzie County unincorporated areas; county guide also says the department enforces state construction codes in Benzie County and Springdale Township in Manistee County
- Department
- Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department
- Address
- 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617
- Phone
- 231-882-9673
- Website
- https://www.benzieco.gov
Application Process
- Start with the applicable permit form and any required zoning or health clearances
- If a septic system is required, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department approval must come first
- Submit plans when required for the project type and valuation
- County staff review the application and plans, then issue the permit
- Inspections are scheduled with the county building department during construction
Source: Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department
General Requirements
County materials say permits are issued for new construction, existing buildings, accessory structures, remodels, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, and maintenance of existing buildings
Required Documents
- Permit application
- Owner and contractor information
- Tax parcel information
- Description of work
- Plans where required
- Permit validity
- Permit remains valid while work is progressing and inspections are requested and conducted; invalid after 180 days without commencement or after 180 days of suspension/abandonment; closed permits are not refundable
- Building code
- Michigan state construction codes
- Owner-builder
- The form allows an owner-occupant to claim they will do the work themselves and not allow anyone else to perform the work
- Contractor requirements
- The form references contractor license number, expiration date, workers compensation insurance, and the state prohibition on circumventing licensing rules
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Contact county building department (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Rough/openings and final inspections follow the project type, with trade inspections for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building as applicable
Additional Resources
- Building code: Michigan state construction codes
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- County road commission permits
- Health department sewage permitting
- County government
- License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benzie County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Benzie County, MI?
- County materials say permits are issued for new construction, existing buildings, accessory structures, remodels, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, and maintenance of existing buildings
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benzie County, MI?
- 1. Start with the applicable permit form and any required zoning or health clearances 2. If a septic system is required, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department approval must come first 3. Submit plans when required for the project type and valuation 4. County staff review the application and plans, then issue the permit 5. Inspections are scheduled with the county building department during construction
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benzie County, MI?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact county building department.
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