How much does a building permit cost in St. Louis, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $50 in the published schedule. Fees are calculated as: $50 to $2,500 ECV; $100 for $2,501 to $7,500; $140 for $7,501 to $10,000; $140 plus $5 per $1,000 over $10,000 for $10,001 to $100,000; $545 plus $2 per $1,000 over $10,000 for $100,001 and over. Plan check fee: $0.08 per square foot up to $5,000,000, then $942 plus $0.075 per square foot over that.

How do I apply for a building permit in St. Louis, MI?

1. Select the correct packet for residential, commercial, roofing, demolition, or soil erosion work. 2. Include the checklist, building permit application, zoning application, and notices required by the packet. 3. Submit the packet to the city. 4. City/community services coordinates with the county inspector for inspections.

How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Louis, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: contact Gratiot County Building Inspector Tony Miller at 989-875-5201 for inspections.

City Building Permits

St. Louis, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Gratiot County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

city zoning, code enforcement, rental inspections, and building permits; county inspector performs inspections for the city

Department: Community Services Department
Address: 300 North Mill Street, St. Louis, MI 48880
Phone: 989-681-2137
Email: not exposed in the captured community services page
Website: https://www.stlouismi.com/government/community-services/

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: city website with expandable application packets and PDF forms • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Select the correct packet for residential, commercial, roofing, demolition, or soil erosion work.
Include the checklist, building permit application, zoning application, and notices required by the packet.
Submit the packet to the city.
City/community services coordinates with the county inspector for inspections.

General Requirements

residential construction, additions, alterations, roofing, demolition, commercial work, and certain zoning items

Required Documents

packet-specific checklist, building permit application, zoning application, notices, and site plan when required

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50 in the published schedule
Plan check fee: $0.08 per square foot up to $5,000,000, then $942 plus $0.075 per square foot over that
Permit fee formula: $50 to $2,500 ECV; $100 for $2,501 to $7,500; $140 for $7,501 to $10,000; $140 plus $5 per $1,000 over $10,000 for $10,001 to $100,000; $545 plus $2 per $1,000 over $10,000 for $100,001 and over

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Community Services Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

contact Gratiot County Building Inspector Tony Miller at 989-875-5201 for inspections (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: packet specific; residential and commercial packets include mandatory inspections

Additional Resources

Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning Commission
Fee resolution
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 Community Services Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in St. Louis, MI?: residential construction, additions, alterations, roofing, demolition, commercial work, and certain zoning items
How much does a building permit cost in St. Louis, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $50 in the published schedule. Fees are calculated as: $50 to $2,500 ECV; $100 for $2,501 to $7,500; $140 for $7,501 to $10,000; $140 plus $5 per $1,000 over $10,000 for $10,001 to $100,000; $545 plus $2 per $1,000 over $10,000 for $100,001 and over. Plan check fee: $0.08 per square foot up to $5,000,000, then $942 plus $0.075 per square foot over that.
How do I apply for a building permit in St. Louis, MI?: 1. Select the correct packet for residential, commercial, roofing, demolition, or soil erosion work. 2. Include the checklist, building permit application, zoning application, and notices required by the packet. 3. Submit the packet to the city. 4. City/community services coordinates with the county inspector for inspections.
How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Louis, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: contact Gratiot County Building Inspector Tony Miller at 989-875-5201 for inspections.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in St. Louis can be complicated.

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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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