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City building permits

City of St. Johns

How to apply for a building permit in City of St. Johns, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Clinton County Building Department; City of St. Johns Community Development and Zoning

Coverage
Building permits are obtained from Clinton County; zoning permits are city-issued.
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for St. Johns

Zoning permit is required before constructing a building, fence, pool, deck, patio, driveway, shed, or sidewalk. In addition to zoning, a building permit is required for all commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

  1. 01
    For zoning permits, apply online through the city website or BS&A.
  2. 02
    The city says zoning permits are required before constructing a building, fence, pool, deck, patio, driveway, shed, or sidewalk.
  3. 03
    For building permits, contact Clinton County Building Department.
  4. 04
    Site plan and other development applications are also handled in BS&A.

Source: Clinton County Building Department; City of St. Johns Community Development and Zoning ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

Typical sequence: Zoning approval first for city-controlled land use items, then county building permit where applicable.

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about St. Johns permits

01 Do I need a building permit in St. Johns, MI?
Zoning permit is required before constructing a building, fence, pool, deck, patio, driveway, shed, or sidewalk. In addition to zoning, a building permit is required for all commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in St. Johns, MI?
To apply for a building permit in St. Johns, MI, follow these steps: 1. For zoning permits, apply online through the city website or BS&A. 2. The city says zoning permits are required before constructing a building, fence, pool, deck, patio, driveway, shed, or sidewalk. 3. For building permits, contact Clinton County Building Department. 4. Site plan and other development applications are also handled in BS&A.

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clinton County Building Department; City of St. Johns Community Development and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

§   Adjacent

Other jurisdictions in Clinton County.

Same county, different permit office. Click for that jurisdiction's full guide.

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