How much does a building permit cost in East Lansing, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $60 application or zoning review base fee, plus permit-calculated charges; valuation-based building fee table starts at $70.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed: valuation-based building fees plus application and inspection fees, with flat fees for some permit types such as residential application, rough, and final inspections.. Plan check fee: No building plan review charge up to $50,000 valuation; 5% of permit fee over $50,000..

How do I apply for a building permit in East Lansing, MI?

1. Register in BS&A Online and keep homeowner or contractor license information current. 2. Upload the permit application and required attachments through the homeowner or contractor online permit link. 3. City staff reviews the submittal and sends email notifications as the permit moves through review. 4. Pay the invoice once the permit has been processed and is ready for payment. 5. Print the issued permit from BS&A Online. 6. Schedule inspections online through BS&A and close out the permit after final inspection.

What work is exempt from building permits in East Lansing, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground residential pools less than 24 inches deep and not greater than 5,000 gallons; Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- or two-family dwellings; Certain window awnings; Detached decks meeting posted size, height, attachment, and clearance limits; Minor electrical repairs and maintenance; Minor mechanical repairs and portable appliances and equipment; Limited plumbing repairs such as clearing stoppages and certain leak repairs. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in East Lansing, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online homeowner or contractor inspection scheduling.

City Building Permits

East Lansing, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Ingham County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of East Lansing corporate limits, including the Ingham County portion.

Department: City of East Lansing Planning, Building & Housing, Building Division
Address: East Lansing City Hall, 410 Abbot Road, Room 217, East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-319-6921
Email: tschultz@cityofeastlansing.com
Website: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/1125/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

Platform: BS&A Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Register in BS&A Online and keep homeowner or contractor license information current.
Upload the permit application and required attachments through the homeowner or contractor online permit link.
City staff reviews the submittal and sends email notifications as the permit moves through review.
Pay the invoice once the permit has been processed and is ready for payment.
Print the issued permit from BS&A Online.
Schedule inspections online through BS&A and close out the permit after final inspection.

Typical processing time: Small projects typically take 1 to 5 business days; large projects typically take 5 to 15 business days.

Source: City of East Lansing Planning, Building & Housing, Building Division

General Requirements

Permits are required for regulated building, roofing, paving, sign, solar, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work unless specifically exempt.

Required Documents

Fillable PDF permit application
Plans (where required)
Contractor or homeowner information
Special inspection materials (where applicable)

Building code: 2015 Michigan Residential Code; the city enforces applicable Michigan building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing code requirements.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may do work on their own home and may obtain permits in their own name. Refer to the owner affidavit on the permit application.
Contractor requirements: Residential builders working on homes they do not own must hold the required Michigan residential builder license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $60 application or zoning review base fee, plus permit-calculated charges; valuation-based building fee table starts at $70.
Plan check fee: No building plan review charge up to $50,000 valuation; 5% of permit fee over $50,000.
Permit fee formula: Mixed: valuation-based building fees plus application and inspection fees, with flat fees for some permit types such as residential application, rough, and final inspections.
Reinspection fee: $70 inspection, reinspection, or final inspection fee; $100 investigation inspection; $115 per hour minimum for after-hours inspection.
Payment note: The city reviews and verifies fees after receipt of the online application and then issues an invoice; payments are not accepted until the invoice is generated.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated above-ground residential pools less than 24 inches deep and not greater than 5,000 gallons
Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- or two-family dwellings
Certain window awnings
Detached decks meeting posted size, height, attachment, and clearance limits
Minor electrical repairs and maintenance
Minor mechanical repairs and portable appliances and equipment
Limited plumbing repairs such as clearing stoppages and certain leak repairs

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

BS&A Online homeowner or contractor inspection scheduling (online)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Application review, permit issue, rough inspection where applicable, final inspection, and permit closeout.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2015 Michigan Residential Code; the city enforces applicable Michigan building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing code requirements.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
License Requirements
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 City of East Lansing Planning, Building & Housing, Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

East Lansing Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in East Lansing, MI?: Permits are required for regulated building, roofing, paving, sign, solar, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work unless specifically exempt.
How much does a building permit cost in East Lansing, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $60 application or zoning review base fee, plus permit-calculated charges; valuation-based building fee table starts at $70.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed: valuation-based building fees plus application and inspection fees, with flat fees for some permit types such as residential application, rough, and final inspections.. Plan check fee: No building plan review charge up to $50,000 valuation; 5% of permit fee over $50,000..
How do I apply for a building permit in East Lansing, MI?: 1. Register in BS&A Online and keep homeowner or contractor license information current. 2. Upload the permit application and required attachments through the homeowner or contractor online permit link. 3. City staff reviews the submittal and sends email notifications as the permit moves through review. 4. Pay the invoice once the permit has been processed and is ready for payment. 5. Print the issued permit from BS&A Online. 6. Schedule inspections online through BS&A and close out the permit after final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in East Lansing, MI?: Typical processing time is Small projects typically take 1 to 5 business days; large projects typically take 5 to 15 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in East Lansing, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground residential pools less than 24 inches deep and not greater than 5,000 gallons; Swings and playground equipment accessory to detached one- or two-family dwellings; Certain window awnings; Detached decks meeting posted size, height, attachment, and clearance limits; Minor electrical repairs and maintenance; Minor mechanical repairs and portable appliances and equipment; Limited plumbing repairs such as clearing stoppages and certain leak repairs. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in East Lansing, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online homeowner or contractor inspection scheduling.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in East Lansing can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Ingham County

Lansing Mason Meridian Township

View all Ingham County jurisdictions →