City Building Permits
Village of Empire, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Village of Empire, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Village land use permits and zoning compliance; county Building Safety handles building permits and inspections
- Department
- Village of Empire Zoning Administrator and Village administration
- Address
- 11518 S. LaCore Street, P.O. Box 253, Empire, MI 49630
- Phone
- 231-326-5466 village office; 231-429-6703 zoning administrator
Application Process
- File a village land use permit application with the zoning administrator.
- Include site plan or sketch and other ordinance-required information.
- Obtain village zoning approval.
- Apply to Leelanau County Building Safety for the building permit.
- Receive county inspections during construction.
Source: Village of Empire Zoning Administrator and Village administration
General Requirements
No building or structure subject to the ordinance may be erected, structurally altered, reconstructed, used, or moved until a land use permit has been filed and issued
Required Documents
- Signed application, site plan or sketch, dimensions, utility and sewage information as required by the ordinance
- Building code
- Village zoning ordinance governs land use; county/state building code governs building permits
- Owner-builder
- Application must be signed by the owner or agent and certify compliance
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- A land use permit is not required for a lawful existing use
- A land use permit is not required for an accessory structure less than 100 square feet
Inspections
How to Schedule
- County Building Safety handles building inspections; village zoning administrator handles ordinance review (contact)
Typical inspection sequence: Village land use permit first, then county building permit, then county inspections
Additional Resources
- Building code: Village zoning ordinance governs land use; county/state building code governs building permits
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Other useful links
- Other useful links
- 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 Village of Empire Zoning Administrator and Village administration before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Village of Empire Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Village of Empire, MI?
- No building or structure subject to the ordinance may be erected, structurally altered, reconstructed, used, or moved until a land use permit has been filed and issued
- How do I apply for a building permit in Village of Empire, MI?
- 1. File a village land use permit application with the zoning administrator. 2. Include site plan or sketch and other ordinance-required information. 3. Obtain village zoning approval. 4. Apply to Leelanau County Building Safety for the building permit. 5. Receive county inspections during construction.
- What work is exempt from building permits in Village of Empire, MI?
- The following work is generally exempt: A land use permit is not required for a lawful existing use; A land use permit is not required for an accessory structure less than 100 square feet.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Village of Empire, MI?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: County Building Safety handles building inspections; village zoning administrator handles ordinance review.
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