How much does a building permit cost in New Buffalo, MI?

Fees are calculated as: fee schedule PDF.

How do I apply for a building permit in New Buffalo, MI?

1. As of January 1, 2025 the city no longer uses SafeBUILT; Municipal Inspection Authority is the building services contractor.

City Building Permits

New Buffalo, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in New Buffalo, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Michigan Berrien County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of New Buffalo

Department: Building Department / Municipal Inspection Authority contractor
Address: 224 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI 49117
Phone: (269) 469-1500 ext. 111
Email: permits@cityofnewbuffalomi.gov
Website: https://cityofnewbuffalomi.gov/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: municipal website documents and email submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

As of January 1, 2025 the city no longer uses SafeBUILT; Municipal Inspection Authority is the building services contractor.

Source: Building Department / Municipal Inspection Authority contractor

General Requirements

Permits are required before construction, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or signage work.

Required Documents

permit forms
project-specific materials

Building code: Michigan Building Code baseline

Fees

Permit fee formula: fee schedule PDF

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department / Municipal Inspection Authority contractor to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspections scheduled by phone at 269-286-8484 after January 1, 2025; plumbing/mechanical and electrical inspectors have separate numbers on the city page.

Additional Resources

Building code: Michigan Building Code baseline
Zoning information: View zoning info
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 Building Department / Municipal Inspection Authority contractor before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Buffalo Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in New Buffalo, MI?: Permits are required before construction, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or signage work.
How much does a building permit cost in New Buffalo, MI?: Fees are calculated as: fee schedule PDF.
How do I apply for a building permit in New Buffalo, MI?: 1. As of January 1, 2025 the city no longer uses SafeBUILT; Municipal Inspection Authority is the building services contractor.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in New Buffalo can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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