How much does a building permit cost in Kentwood, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Residential building permits use $50 base plus $6 per $1,000 up to $199,999, $6.50 per $1,000 from $200,000 to $399,999, and $7 per $1,000 above $400,000; commercial and industrial use $50 base plus $7 per $1,000 up to $15 million and $5 per $1,000 above that.. Plan check fee: Commercial and industrial plan review is 10% of permit fee with $400 minimum; residential plan review is $350 for qualifying projects, $50 for interior-only residential remodel and decks, and $75 for certain fireplace or hot tub reviews.

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

1. Choose the appropriate intake path: General Building, Single Family Residential, or Development. 2. Submit plans and the building permit application to the Inspections Department. 3. For larger general building projects, submit plan review applications with sealed plans where required. 4. Inspections coordinates necessary internal reviews and any utility or development review steps. 5. Revise plans if requested. 6. Pay fees when the permit is ready. 7. Schedule inspections through construction and request certificate of occupancy after finals.

What work is exempt from building permits in Kentwood, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Kentwood does not publish a single exempt-work page in the reviewed materials.; City forms imply some small accessory work is handled through zoning-only approvals, including accessory structures at 200 square feet or less.; Michigan code baseline exemptions generally include small detached accessory structures, certain fences, some retaining walls, and ordinary finish work, subject to zoning review.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with City of Kentwood before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Kentwood, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Kentwood City Hall.

City Building Permits

Kentwood, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Kent County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered zoning, planning, and building review within Kentwood city limits.

Department: City of Kentwood Community Development Department
Address: 4900 Breton Ave SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Phone: 616-554-0707
Email: ePlanning@Kentwood.us
Website: https://www.kentwood.us/city_services/city_departments/planning/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Planning Forms & Applications

Platform: Revize • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Choose the appropriate intake path: General Building, Single Family Residential, or Development.
Submit plans and the building permit application to the Inspections Department.
For larger general building projects, submit plan review applications with sealed plans where required.
Inspections coordinates necessary internal reviews and any utility or development review steps.
Revise plans if requested.
Pay fees when the permit is ready.
Schedule inspections through construction and request certificate of occupancy after finals.

Source: City of Kentwood Community Development Department

General Requirements

City materials publish separate processes for general building, single-family residential, development, fences, signs, tents, and other planning-related permits.

Required Documents

Building permit application
Plans
Site plan
Utility-service district or development-process materials triggered by the project

Building code: Michigan construction codes; City references State of Michigan construction code enforcement.
Owner-builder: Public flowcharts do not publish a separate owner-builder affidavit page, but homeowners are included in the permit workflows.
Contractor requirements: Fee schedule lists contractor registration at $15 per licensed cycle; state licensing remains required where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Plan check fee: Commercial and industrial plan review is 10% of permit fee with $400 minimum; residential plan review is $350 for qualifying projects, $50 for interior-only residential remodel and decks, and $75 for certain fireplace or hot tub reviews
Permit fee formula: Residential building permits use $50 base plus $6 per $1,000 up to $199,999, $6.50 per $1,000 from $200,000 to $399,999, and $7 per $1,000 above $400,000; commercial and industrial use $50 base plus $7 per $1,000 up to $15 million and $5 per $1,000 above that.
Reinspection fee: $50 residential, $100 commercial
Penalty (no permit): Work started prior to permit is $350 residential and $600 commercial
Payment note: Public flowcharts state fees are paid when the permit is ready.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Kentwood does not publish a single exempt-work page in the reviewed materials.
City forms imply some small accessory work is handled through zoning-only approvals, including accessory structures at 200 square feet or less.
Michigan code baseline exemptions generally include small detached accessory structures, certain fences, some retaining walls, and ordinary finish work, subject to zoning review.

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with City of Kentwood before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Kentwood City Hall (in-person)

Inspection hours: Monday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Friday 7:30 AM to noon

Typical inspection sequence: Internal reviews, permit issuance, progress inspections, and final certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: Michigan construction codes; City references State of Michigan construction code enforcement.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning Forms & Applications
Fee Schedule
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 Kentwood Community Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kentwood Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Kentwood, MI?: City materials publish separate processes for general building, single-family residential, development, fences, signs, tents, and other planning-related permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Kentwood, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Residential building permits use $50 base plus $6 per $1,000 up to $199,999, $6.50 per $1,000 from $200,000 to $399,999, and $7 per $1,000 above $400,000; commercial and industrial use $50 base plus $7 per $1,000 up to $15 million and $5 per $1,000 above that.. Plan check fee: Commercial and industrial plan review is 10% of permit fee with $400 minimum; residential plan review is $350 for qualifying projects, $50 for interior-only residential remodel and decks, and $75 for certain fireplace or hot tub reviews.
How do I apply for a building permit in Kentwood, MI?: 1. Choose the appropriate intake path: General Building, Single Family Residential, or Development. 2. Submit plans and the building permit application to the Inspections Department. 3. For larger general building projects, submit plan review applications with sealed plans where required. 4. Inspections coordinates necessary internal reviews and any utility or development review steps. 5. Revise plans if requested. 6. Pay fees when the permit is ready. 7. Schedule inspections through construction and request certificate of occupancy after finals.
What work is exempt from building permits in Kentwood, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: Kentwood does not publish a single exempt-work page in the reviewed materials.; City forms imply some small accessory work is handled through zoning-only approvals, including accessory structures at 200 square feet or less.; Michigan code baseline exemptions generally include small detached accessory structures, certain fences, some retaining walls, and ordinary finish work, subject to zoning review.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with City of Kentwood before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Kentwood, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Kentwood City Hall.

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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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