Gladwin County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County department administers building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, zoning, address assignments, plan review, inspections, and certificates of occupancy within Gladwin County. The county site states it handles state and local codes "within its corporate limits" and the permit application indicates the county handles property in the county, including city/township location fields.

Department

Gladwin County Construction Codes Department

Address

555 W. Cedar Ave., Suite C, Gladwin, MI 48624

Phone

989-426-5931

Website

https://gladwincounty-mi.gov/departments/construction-codes/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the work needs a building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, zoning, or address application.
2. Complete the correct county application form and include owner, contractor, project, and site information.
3. For building permits, include zoning, flood zone, septic, water supply, and other local approvals as required on the form.
4. Submit the application with payment. The county building application says the application must be completed, signed, and accompanied by the proper fee or the permit will not be issued.
5. County staff performs plan review, issues the permit, and then schedules inspections as work progresses.

Source: Gladwin County Construction Codes Department

General Requirements

County and state applications indicate permits are required for regulated construction work, including new construction, additions, alterations, roofs, demolition, mobile home setup, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work.

Required Documents

• Completed application, site/location data, owner and contractor data, license and insurance information, project description, and, where required, plan sets or supporting approvals.

Permit validity

All county permits are good for 18 months. If work is not progressing, the county sends a letter. Extensions cost $50 each and are good for 6 months. If the extension fee is not received within 10 days, the permit closes and new permits are required.

Owner-builder

The forms include a homeowner certification and reference Section 23A of the State Construction Code Act, which prohibits circumvention of licensing requirements. The plumbing form allows a homeowner to apply for work in a personal home where they live or are about to occupy.

Contractor requirements

Contractor license number, expiration date, workers compensation, FEIN or exemption reason, and MESC number or exemption reason are requested on forms.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential building fee schedule states a minimum regular building permit fee of $20 plus base fee, and a base fee of $75 is added to each permit for administrative costs.

Permit fee formula

Residential schedule charges per square foot by project type, plus a $75 base fee. Examples published on the fee sheet include slab/crawl/pier, basement, additions, decks, locate buildings, roofs, demolition, and flat-fee items.

Reinspection fee

The residential fee sheet lists special/additional or re-inspections at $50 plus base fee. The electrical fee sheet lists additional inspection at $50 each. The county building application says a $5 mail processing fee is added if applying by mail.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• The forms and fee schedules show that some minor alterations and repair work may be treated as plan-not-required for plumbing, and some small or simple items are charged as flat or minimal fees rather than full plan review.
• For exact exemptions, the county relies on Michigan code and department review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call the county office using the permit number and work location details. The plumbing form says to call the office with (phone)

Inspection hours

County office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Electrical and plumbing inspections are done on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Typical inspection sequence: Work must be inspected before it is covered. Plumbing instructions state no work shall be concealed until inspected. Electrical application states the applicant is responsible for arranging required inspections before covering work.

County electrical fees include additional inspection at $50 each. Plumbing fee sheet includes additional inspection and final inspection charges.

Additional Resources

• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Current zoning ordinance
• Building permit application
• Residential building fee schedule
• Electrical permit and fees
• Plumbing permit and fee sheet
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Gladwin County Building Permit FAQ

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

County and state applications indicate permits are required for regulated construction work, including new construction, additions, alterations, roofs, demolition, mobile home setup, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work.

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

The minimum permit fee is Residential building fee schedule states a minimum regular building permit fee of $20 plus base fee, and a base fee of $75 is added to each permit for administrative costs.. Fees are calculated as: Residential schedule charges per square foot by project type, plus a $75 base fee. Examples published on the fee sheet include slab/crawl/pier, basement, additions, decks, locate buildings, roofs, demolition, and flat-fee items..

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

1. Confirm whether the work needs a building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, zoning, or address application. 2. Complete the correct county application form and include owner, contractor, project, and site information. 3. For building permits, include zoning, flood zone, septic, water supply, and other local approvals as required on the form. 4. Submit the application with payment. The county building application says the application must be completed, signed, and accompanied by the proper fee or the permit will not be issued. 5. County staff performs plan review, issues the permit, and then schedules inspections as work progresses.

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

The following work is generally exempt: The forms and fee schedules show that some minor alterations and repair work may be treated as plan-not-required for plumbing, and some small or simple items are charged as flat or minimal fees rather than full plan review.; For exact exemptions, the county relies on Michigan code and department review..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the county office using the permit number and work location details. The plumbing form says to call the office with.