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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kentwood
City materials publish separate processes for general building, single-family residential, development, fences, signs, tents, and other planning-related permits.
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.
- Exempt Kentwood does not publish a single exempt-work page in the reviewed materials.
- Exempt City forms imply some small accessory work is handled through zoning-only approvals, including accessory structures at 200 square feet or less.
- Exempt 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.
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- Public flowcharts do not publish a separate owner-builder affidavit page, but homeowners are included in the permit workflows.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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Choose the appropriate intake path: General Building, Single Family Residential, or Development.
- 02 Submit plans and the building permit application to the Inspections Department.
- 03 For larger general building projects, submit plan review applications with sealed plans where required.
- 04 Inspections coordinates necessary internal reviews and any utility or development review steps.
- 05 Revise plans if requested.
- 06 Pay fees when the permit is ready.
- 07 Schedule inspections through construction and request certificate of occupancy after finals.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Kentwood building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
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
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
$50 residential, $100 commercial
05
Penalty (no permit)
Work started prior to permit is $350 residential and $600 commercial
Public flowcharts state fees are paid when the permit is ready.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Internal reviews, permit issuance, progress inspections, and final certificate of occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kentwood permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Kentwood, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in Kentwood, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Kentwood, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Kentwood, MI, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Kentwood, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Kentwood, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Kentwood, MI via: Kentwood City Hall.
last verified April 2026
source City of Kentwood Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/michigan/kent/kentwood
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Kentwood Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.