Manistee County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Countywide planning, countywide addressing, countywide soil erosion, and contracted zoning / code enforcement services for local units of government. For building permits in county territory, the county permit page points to the state building department.

Department

Address

395 Third Street, Manistee, MI 49660

Phone

231-723-6041

Email

planning@manisteecountymi.gov

Website

https://www.manisteecountymi.gov/239/Planning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is not an ordinary repair.
2. Submit the application to the appropriate enforcing agency.
3. Include construction documents when required; LARA says these are required with each application unless waived by the building official.
4. Submit online through Accela or by mail.
5. Await review / issuance and then schedule inspections with the enforcing agency.

Source:

General Requirements

Before construction of a building or structure, and when the use or occupancy of a structure changes.

Required Documents

• Construction documents; may be waived by the building official if code compliance can be determined from the application. Sealed / signed plans are required except for listed statutory exceptions.

Building code

Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.

Owner-builder

The state page says the owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, may submit the application.

Contractor requirements

A person constructing a residential structure or a mixed residential / commercial structure must be licensed as a Residential Builder, subject to statutory exceptions.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs to structures do not require a permit, but the state specifically excludes work affecting structural members, egress, or public health / safety systems from that exemption.
• Additional state exemptions may apply under LARA and the code.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Standard state building process after permit issuance; local inspections should be scheduled with the enforcing agency.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.
• County planning
• County permits page
• Soil erosion
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Manistee County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Manistee County, MI?

Before construction of a building or structure, and when the use or occupancy of a structure changes.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Manistee County, MI?

1. Confirm the project is not an ordinary repair. 2. Submit the application to the appropriate enforcing agency. 3. Include construction documents when required; LARA says these are required with each application unless waived by the building official. 4. Submit online through Accela or by mail. 5. Await review / issuance and then schedule inspections with the enforcing agency.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Manistee County, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs to structures do not require a permit, but the state specifically excludes work affecting structural members, egress, or public health / safety systems from that exemption.; Additional state exemptions may apply under LARA and the code..