City Building Permits

Comstock Township, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Kalamazoo County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

KABA processes building code permits and inspections for Comstock Township. Comstock Township separately requires zoning review and approval before a building permit is issued or before some construction that does not require a building permit.

Department
Comstock Township Building Department (KABA administered)
Address
KABA office, 2322 Nazareth Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048; township office, 5858 King Highway, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Phone
KABA (269) 216-9511; Township (269) 381-2360

Online Permit Portal

Platform: KABA online permit forms • Account required: No • Submission: Online or in-person

Application Process

  1. Start with Comstock zoning compliance review; the township requires all construction-related activity to have zoning review and approval before building permit issuance.
  2. Obtain the zoning compliance application from Comstock Township if needed.
  3. Submit the building permit application to KABA online or through the KABA office.
  4. KABA reviews the application, calculates fees, and issues the permit when approvals are complete.
  5. Pay KABA fees using approved payment methods.
  6. Request inspections through KABA and complete all finals before occupancy or project closeout.

Typical processing time: KABA homepage says trade permits are commonly same day and building permits typically run about 7 to 10 business days depending on completeness and review needs.

Source: Comstock Township Building Department (KABA administered)

General Requirements

KABA handles building, demolition, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for participating jurisdictions, including Comstock Township.

Required Documents

  • KABA permit application
  • Project details and plans as required
  • Comstock zoning compliance approval before issuance
  • Any county or road permits required by site conditions
Building code
KABA resources page lists 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2021 Michigan Building Code, 2021 Michigan Energy Code, 2023 Michigan Electrical Code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, and 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code.
Owner-builder
Public KABA pages do not publish a detailed owner-builder summary. Apply Michigan owner-builder rules.
Contractor requirements
Trade permits and work subject to Michigan licensing rules require licensed contractors. KABA publishes separate online trade permit applications and fee schedules.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Detached accessory structures under 600 square feet at $75 and one- and two-family residential structures and accessory structures at $150.
Plan check fee
Not clearly broken out on the public building fee PDF snippet. Confirm with KABA for project-specific review charges.
Permit fee formula
KABA publishes flat building fee classes for common categories and line-item trade permit schedules.
Trade permit fee
Separate line-item schedules; $50 application fees shown on searchable online forms
Reinspection fee
Building fee PDF states permit cost can double if application is not submitted within 5 business days after notification, and a $55 fine applies when a site visit or stop work order is required within that period.
Penalty (no permit)
Permit cost can double if application is not submitted within 5 business days after notification; $55 fine when a site visit or stop work order is required
Payment note
KABA accepts payment over the phone by credit card and in person by cash, check, or credit card. Searchable FAQ states card fees are $3 per $100 charged.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2021).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
  • Fences up to 7 feet high
  • Ordinary finish work such as painting, carpeting, cabinetry, and similar finish work

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Comstock zoning compliance can still be required even where a building permit is not.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Provide at least 24 hours notice.
Inspection hours
Building Monday through Friday; electrical Monday and Wednesday; mechanical Monday through Friday with Tuesday afternoon only; plumbing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Time windows
Multiple inspection windows based on trade type.

Typical inspection sequence: KABA inspection request form lists footing, foundation, radon, framing, energy compliance, and final for building work, plus standard rough and final inspections for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Comstock Township Building Department (KABA administered) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Comstock Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Comstock Township, MI?
KABA handles building, demolition, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for participating jurisdictions, including Comstock Township.
How much does a building permit cost in Comstock Township, MI?
The minimum permit fee is Detached accessory structures under 600 square feet at $75 and one- and two-family residential structures and accessory structures at $150.. Fees are calculated as: KABA publishes flat building fee classes for common categories and line-item trade permit schedules.. Plan check fee: Not clearly broken out on the public building fee PDF snippet. Confirm with KABA for project-specific review charges..
How do I apply for a building permit in Comstock Township, MI?
1. Start with Comstock zoning compliance review; the township requires all construction-related activity to have zoning review and approval before building permit issuance. 2. Obtain the zoning compliance application from Comstock Township if needed. 3. Submit the building permit application to KABA online or through the KABA office. 4. KABA reviews the application, calculates fees, and issues the permit when approvals are complete. 5. Pay KABA fees using approved payment methods. 6. Request inspections through KABA and complete all finals before occupancy or project closeout.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Comstock Township, MI?
Typical processing time is KABA homepage says trade permits are commonly same day and building permits typically run about 7 to 10 business days depending on completeness and review needs..
What work is exempt from building permits in Comstock Township, MI?
The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; Fences up to 7 feet high; Ordinary finish work such as painting, carpeting, cabinetry, and similar finish work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Comstock zoning compliance can still be required even where a building permit is not.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Comstock Township, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: KABA Online Inspection Request, (269) 216-9511. Provide at least 24 hours notice..

Need help with your project?

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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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