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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ada Township
Building permits route through Ada zoning review first, then Cascade issuance and inspections.
- Exempt Michigan code baseline exemptions generally apply, but Ada zoning approval may still be required for exterior or site-related work.
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Ada Township before proceeding.
- Permit application
- Three sets of plans
- Zoning review materials
- Water or sewer fee documentation required by Ada
- Building code
- Cascade's published adopted-code page lists 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2015 Michigan Building Code, 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code, 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code.
- Owner-builder
- Not separately summarized on the reviewed public pages.
- Contractor requirements
- Cascade contractor registration form requires registration before applying and is valid across all jurisdictions served by Cascade Inspection Services.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Submit the permit application form and three sets of supporting plans to Ada Township Planning and Zoning.
- 02 Ada reviews the submittal for zoning conformance and collects any required water or sewer connection fees.
- 03 After zoning sign-off, Ada forwards the application and plans to Cascade Township for permit issuance.
- 04 Cascade reviews the building portion and contacts the applicant when the permit is ready.
- 05 Pay building permit fees to Cascade Township when the permit is picked up.
- 06 Schedule inspections through Cascade during construction.
Fee schedule
Ada Township building permit fees
Ada collects applicable water and sewer connection fees during zoning review; building permit fees are paid to Cascade when permit is ready.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Cascade BS&A Online (online)
- Cascade 616-949-3765 (phone)
- Cascade 616-240-4693 (text)
- Inspection hours
- Cascade office hours are Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Typical sequence: Zoning approval, permit issuance by Cascade, then building and trade inspections through final approval.
Remote video inspections are available for certain occupied-home interior remodels through Cascade.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Ada Township permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Ada Township, MI? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Ada Township, MI? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Ada Township, MI? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Ada Township, MI? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Ada Township, MI? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Ada Township Planning and Zoning, with permit issuance and inspections by Cascade Township Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.