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County building permits

Unincorporated Benzie County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benzie County, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Code adoption
Michigan state construction codes
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department

Street address
448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617
Coverage
Benzie County unincorporated areas; county guide also says the department enforces state construction codes in Benzie County and Springdale Township in Manistee County
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Benzie County

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
Building code
Michigan state construction codes
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
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
§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    Start with the applicable permit form and any required zoning or health clearances
  2. 02
    If a septic system is required, Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department approval must come first
  3. 03
    Submit plans when required for the project type and valuation
  4. 04
    County staff review the application and plans, then issue the permit
  5. 05
    Inspections are scheduled with the county building department during construction

Source: Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • Contact county building department (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: Rough/openings and final inspections follow the project type, with trade inspections for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building as applicable

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Benzie County permits

01 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
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benzie County, MI?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benzie County, MI, follow these steps: 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
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benzie County, MI?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benzie County, MI via: Contact county building department.
last verified April 2026 source Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department ↗ entry id permits/michigan/benzie/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Benzie County Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.