How much does a building permit cost in Tawas City, MI?

The minimum permit fee is simple fee $50.00; zoning permit simple fee also appears in the city internal review appendix. Fees are calculated as: site plan review fee $180.00 plus $100 publication/mailing deposit plus $320 professional-fee deposit; ZBA, public hearing, rezoning, special land use, ordinance amendment, and rehearing fees are $180.00 plus the same deposits; planning commission special meeting is $50.00 plus application fee. Plan check fee: included in the site plan / professional review deposit structure, but not separately labeled as a plan check fee.

What work is exempt from building permits in Tawas City, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: The published internal review process distinguishes zoning permits that do not require site plan approval, but it does not publish a clean exempt-work list.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Tawas City, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: contact City Hall or the Zoning Administrator.

City Building Permits

Tawas City, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Iosco County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City zoning and planning within Tawas City; county issues building permits in the city

Department: City of Tawas City Zoning Administrator for zoning; Iosco County Building Department for building permits
Address: 550 W. Lake St., P.O. Box 568, Tawas City, MI 48764-0568
Phone: 989-362-8688
Website: https://tawascity.org/

Application Process

Source: City of Tawas City Zoning Administrator for zoning; Iosco County Building Department for building permits

General Requirements

any zoning permit application or land use change requires city review; county handles building permits for the city

Required Documents

completed application, email address if possible, site plan if required, parcel lookup if necessary, payment based on the fee schedule

Building code: county building department cites Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code; city zoning materials do not publish a separate code adoption in the reviewed pages

Fees

Minimum permit fee: simple fee $50.00; zoning permit simple fee also appears in the city internal review appendix
Plan check fee: included in the site plan / professional review deposit structure, but not separately labeled as a plan check fee
Permit fee formula: site plan review fee $180.00 plus $100 publication/mailing deposit plus $320 professional-fee deposit; ZBA, public hearing, rezoning, special land use, ordinance amendment, and rehearing fees are $180.00 plus the same deposits; planning commission special meeting is $50.00 plus application fee

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

The published internal review process distinguishes zoning permits that do not require site plan approval, but it does not publish a clean exempt-work list

Inspections

How to Schedule

contact City Hall or the Zoning Administrator (contact)

Inspection hours: city office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: application intake, fee processing, zoning review, consultant review if needed, Planning Commission or ZBA hearing if required, then decision and filing

Additional Resources

Building code: county building department cites Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code; city zoning materials do not publish a separate code adoption in the reviewed pages
Zoning information: View zoning info
Ordinance URL
Forms URL
County building department URL
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 Tawas City Zoning Administrator for zoning; Iosco County Building Department for building permits before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tawas City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Tawas City, MI?: any zoning permit application or land use change requires city review; county handles building permits for the city
How much does a building permit cost in Tawas City, MI?: The minimum permit fee is simple fee $50.00; zoning permit simple fee also appears in the city internal review appendix. Fees are calculated as: site plan review fee $180.00 plus $100 publication/mailing deposit plus $320 professional-fee deposit; ZBA, public hearing, rezoning, special land use, ordinance amendment, and rehearing fees are $180.00 plus the same deposits; planning commission special meeting is $50.00 plus application fee. Plan check fee: included in the site plan / professional review deposit structure, but not separately labeled as a plan check fee.
What work is exempt from building permits in Tawas City, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: The published internal review process distinguishes zoning permits that do not require site plan approval, but it does not publish a clean exempt-work list.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Tawas City, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: contact City Hall or the Zoning Administrator.

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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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