City Building Permits

Montague, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Muskegon County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Montague plus White Lake Area Building Inspection Board coverage for Montague Township and Whitehall Township building inspection services.

Department
Building Inspection Department / White Lake Area Building Inspection Board
Address
8778 Ferry Street, Montague, MI 49437
Phone
231-893-1155

Application Process

  1. Confirm whether zoning approval is needed before the building permit.
  2. Submit the building permit application and any required drawings.
  3. If plans are required, wait for plan review.
  4. Pay permit fee and contractor registration if applicable.
  5. Receive issued permit and schedule inspections.

Source: Building Inspection Department / White Lake Area Building Inspection Board

General Requirements

New construction, additions, repairs, decks, garages, alterations, trade work, and zoning-controlled improvements.

Required Documents

  • Application, cross section form for houses and garages where applicable, contractor registration, and plans.
Permit validity
Zoning permit application says work must start within 6 months or permit becomes null and void.
Building code
Michigan code baseline; public pages do not list a full local code adoption table.
Contractor requirements
Contractor registration form is published.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Base rate $80 up to $20,000 valuation, then $155 above that on the posted schedule.
Plan check fee
Not clearly isolated on the public schedule reviewed.
Permit fee formula
Mixed valuation and square-foot based schedule.
Reinspection fee
Extra inspections $60 per hour; administrative fee $30 added to all permits after inspection fee is determined.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Local zoning permit materials indicate some minor work may be handled as zoning-only or may not require a building permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Call or email the building department and inspectors directly. (phone)
Inspection hours
Permit coordinator office hours Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm; building inspector office hours Tuesdays 2 pm to 5 pm.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit review, issuance, then staged inspections as required.

Extra inspections billed hourly.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspection Department / White Lake Area Building Inspection Board before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Montague Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Montague, MI?
New construction, additions, repairs, decks, garages, alterations, trade work, and zoning-controlled improvements.
How much does a building permit cost in Montague, MI?
The minimum permit fee is Base rate $80 up to $20,000 valuation, then $155 above that on the posted schedule.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed valuation and square-foot based schedule.. Plan check fee: Not clearly isolated on the public schedule reviewed..
How do I apply for a building permit in Montague, MI?
1. Confirm whether zoning approval is needed before the building permit. 2. Submit the building permit application and any required drawings. 3. If plans are required, wait for plan review. 4. Pay permit fee and contractor registration if applicable. 5. Receive issued permit and schedule inspections.
What work is exempt from building permits in Montague, MI?
The following work is generally exempt: Local zoning permit materials indicate some minor work may be handled as zoning-only or may not require a building permit..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Montague, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Call or email the building department and inspectors directly..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Montague 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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