Missaukee County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County-administered building permits for Missaukee County areas outside incorporated city permit programs; the county form also references townships and county review items.

Department

Missaukee County Building Department

Phone

231-839-4200

Email

building@missaukee.org

Website

https://missaukee.org

Application Process

1. Complete the county permit application and assemble required documents.
2. Include site plan, contractor and owner information, and any zoning, septic, well, sewer, soil erosion, or EGLE items that apply.
3. Submit by email, mail, or in person.
4. County review occurs before permit issuance.
5. Permit holder must post the permit at the road and keep plans on site.
6. Inspections are requested with at least 24 hours notice.

Source: Missaukee County Building Department

General Requirements

Any owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• Completed application, property owner info, contractor info, contractor license number and expiration, property ID/tax ID, deed/land contract/lease if needed, public sewer letter if connecting to municipal sewer, well permit, septic permit, zoning permit, soil erosion and sedimentation control permit where applicable, EGLE permit where applicable, one set of construction documents, site plan, and project-specific engineered or stamped drawings for larger or commercial work.

Building code

2015 Michigan Building Code and 2015 Michigan Residential Code are referenced on the county application.

Owner-builder

The form allows work by property owner or contractor. The county form also cites Michigan Section 23a anti-circumvention language for residential work licensing.

Contractor requirements

Contractor license number and expiration are required on the form; licensed work requirements apply under state law.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structure not over 200 square feet.
• Fence not more than 7 feet high.
• Retaining wall not more than 4 feet high from footing to top unless supporting a surcharge.
• Water tank on grade under 5,000 gallons and ratio not greater than 2 to 1.
• Sidewalk and driveway not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not part of an accessible route.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
• Prefabricated swimming pool under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, installed above ground.
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached 1 or 2 family dwellings.
• Window awnings in qualifying R-3 or U occupancies.
• Decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and not attached or serving ingress or egress.
• Roofing, siding, windows, and doors are listed on the county application as not requiring a building permit if there are no structural changes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County form says inspection requests should be made to the building department; electrical form references calling the o (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Work must not proceed beyond each inspection stage without approval; concealed work cannot be covered until authorized.

At least 24 hours notice is required. No Friday inspections are stated on the building application. Permit and approved documents must remain on site.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 Michigan Building Code and 2015 Michigan Residential Code are referenced on the county application.
• County website
• County soil erosion page
• State building permit guidance
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Missaukee County Building Permit FAQ

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

Any owner or authorized agent intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change occupancy, or install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

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

1. Complete the county permit application and assemble required documents. 2. Include site plan, contractor and owner information, and any zoning, septic, well, sewer, soil erosion, or EGLE items that apply. 3. Submit by email, mail, or in person. 4. County review occurs before permit issuance. 5. Permit holder must post the permit at the road and keep plans on site. 6. Inspections are requested with at least 24 hours notice.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structure not over 200 square feet.; Fence not more than 7 feet high.; Retaining wall not more than 4 feet high from footing to top unless supporting a surcharge.; Water tank on grade under 5,000 gallons and ratio not greater than 2 to 1.; Sidewalk and driveway not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not part of an accessible route.; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.; Prefabricated swimming pool under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons, installed above ground.; Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached 1 or 2 family dwellings.; Window awnings in qualifying R-3 or U occupancies.; Decks not over 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, and not attached or serving ingress or egress.; Roofing, siding, windows, and doors are listed on the county application as not requiring a building permit if there are no structural changes..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Missaukee County, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: County form says inspection requests should be made to the building department; electrical form references calling the o.