County Building Permits

Montcalm County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

countywide building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for areas not served by local township or city enforcement; also SESC and permit guidance

Department
Montcalm County Department of Building Safety
Address
211 W Main Street, Stanton, MI 48888
Phone
989-831-7394
Website
https://www.montcalm.us/161/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: BS&A Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Confirm zoning approval and other prerequisite permits such as driveway, well, septic, address assignment, and SESC if applicable.
  2. Prepare plans with site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevation plan, and cross section.
  3. Email permit forms and plans to Building@montcalm.us or use the county's published permit application forms.
  4. County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance.
  5. Permit is issued after review and fee payment.

Source: Montcalm County Department of Building Safety

General Requirements

Required Documents

  • zoning approval, variance documentation if needed, address assignment, driveway permit, well permit, septic permit, ResCheck, SESC, mobile home age verification, and signed plans.
Building code
2021 Michigan Building Code effective April 9, 2025; 2015 Michigan Building Code effective April 20, 2017; 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code effective April 9, 2025; 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code effective March 12, 2024; 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code effective March 12, 2024; 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code effective April 22, 2025; 2023 NEC effective March 12, 2024; 2015 Michigan Residential Code effective February 8, 2016.
Owner-builder
no explicit owner-builder rule was published on the county page reviewed.
Contractor requirements
licensed contractors can use the county's BSA contractor login; the county also publishes contractor contact and license information forms.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Base building permit fee is $75
Plan check fee
$40 per hour for electrical and mechanical; $40 for plumbing plan review; $100 plan review for soil erosion commercial up to 10 acres
Permit fee formula
examples published include foundation, garage, deck, and roof permits at $6.00 per 100 square feet; single family home permit fee at $30.00 per 100 square feet
Reinspection fee
additional inspection fee $60; rough/additional/reinspection fee $60 for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing; work started without permit fee $100; billing for incomplete forms fee $20

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Re-siding of a structure
  • Re-roofing that does not involve structural repairs
  • Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet, as described in the county permit rules

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • phone or in person only (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

Typical inspection sequence: footing, foundation, framing, rough trade inspections, insulation, final, plus other project-specific inspections

address must be clearly posted at the roadside to avoid reinspection delays; do not email inspection requests

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Montcalm County Department of Building Safety before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montcalm County Building Permit FAQ

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Montcalm County, MI?
The minimum permit fee is Base building permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: examples published include foundation, garage, deck, and roof permits at $6.00 per 100 square feet; single family home permit fee at $30.00 per 100 square feet. Plan check fee: $40 per hour for electrical and mechanical; $40 for plumbing plan review; $100 plan review for soil erosion commercial up to 10 acres.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montcalm County, MI?
1. Confirm zoning approval and other prerequisite permits such as driveway, well, septic, address assignment, and SESC if applicable. 2. Prepare plans with site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, elevation plan, and cross section. 3. Email permit forms and plans to Building@montcalm.us or use the county's published permit application forms. 4. County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance. 5. Permit is issued after review and fee payment.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Montcalm County, MI?
The following work is generally exempt: Re-siding of a structure; Re-roofing that does not involve structural repairs; Residential accessory structures under 200 square feet, as described in the county permit rules.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Montcalm County, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: phone or in person only.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Montcalm County unincorporated area can be complicated.

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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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