On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Crawford County
Permit required when work is not exempt under the code or county guidance.
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.
- Exempt Detached accessory structures to a single or two-family dwelling on the same property at 200 square feet or smaller may be exempt.
- Exempt Detached accessory structures to a nonresidential principal building on the same property at 120 square feet or smaller may be exempt.
- Exempt Agricultural use buildings may be exempt depending on code official review.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Start with the relevant county permit application form.
- 02 Obtain required approvals before issuance, including zoning, soil and erosion, well and septic, driveway, and state permits where applicable.
- 03 Submit two sets of plans for building permits.
- 04 The county will not issue the permit until all other issuing agencies have granted approvals.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Crawford County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
Reinspection fee
Reinspection fee required for additional inspections; stop-work risk if inspection sequence is skipped.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Crawford County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Crawford County, MI? ▸
Permit required when work is not exempt under the code or county guidance.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Crawford County, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Crawford County, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Crawford County, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Crawford County, MI, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Crawford County, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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.. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Crawford County, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Crawford County, MI via: Call the Building Department. Plumbing permit instructions say provide 24 hours notice..
last verified April 2026
source Crawford County Department of Building and Safety ↗
entry id permits/michigan/crawford/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Crawford County Department of Building and Safety before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.