Crawford County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County unincorporated area and county-administered jurisdictions

Department

Crawford County Department of Building and Safety

Address

200 W Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738

Phone

989-344-3233

Website

https://www.crawfordco.org/offices-departments/building-safety/

Application Process

1. Start with the relevant county permit application form.
2. Obtain required approvals before issuance, including zoning, soil and erosion, well and septic, driveway, and state permits where applicable.
3. Submit two sets of plans for building permits.
4. The county will not issue the permit until all other issuing agencies have granted approvals.

Source: Crawford County Department of Building and Safety

General Requirements

Permit required when work is not exempt under the code or county guidance.

Required Documents

• Two sets of plans
• Relevant permit application form
• Supporting approvals from zoning, soil and erosion, well and septic, driveway, and state agencies where applicable

Building code

Michigan construction codes, Michigan Residential Code, Michigan Energy Code, State Mechanical Code, and Michigan Plumbing Code

Owner-builder

County guidance says an owner may obtain a building permit for off-site built structures without a licensed contractor if doing the work for own occupancy, but licensed contractors are required if others are hired.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractors are required when hiring others; a county contractor registration form is posted.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Building permit fees are based on use group and size, then multiplied by an R factor for one- and two-family residential or an O factor for other uses.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fee required for additional inspections; stop-work risk if inspection sequence is skipped.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached accessory structures to a single or two-family dwelling on the same property at 200 square feet or smaller may be exempt.
• Detached accessory structures to a nonresidential principal building on the same property at 120 square feet or smaller may be exempt.
• Agricultural use buildings may be exempt depending on code official review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call the Building Department (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Plumbing permit instructions say provide 24 hours notice.

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, foundation, framing, rough, insulation, final. Accessory buildings may combine inspections depending on scope.

A temporary certificate of occupancy requires reinspection of corrections plus reinspection fee.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Michigan construction codes, Michigan Residential Code, Michigan Energy Code, State Mechanical Code, and Michigan Plumbing Code
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Crawford County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Crawford County, MI?

Permit required when work is not exempt under the code or county guidance.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Crawford County, MI?

Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are based on use group and size, then multiplied by an R factor for one- and two-family residential or an O factor for other uses..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Crawford County, MI?

1. Start with the relevant county permit application form. 2. Obtain required approvals before issuance, including zoning, soil and erosion, well and septic, driveway, and state permits where applicable. 3. Submit two sets of plans for building permits. 4. The county will not issue the permit until all other issuing agencies have granted approvals.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Crawford County, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures to a single or two-family dwelling on the same property at 200 square feet or smaller may be exempt.; Detached accessory structures to a nonresidential principal building on the same property at 120 square feet or smaller may be exempt.; Agricultural use buildings may be exempt depending on code official review..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Crawford County, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the Building Department. Plumbing permit instructions say provide 24 hours notice..