Newaygo County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County-administered building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits for unincorporated Newaygo County and several local jurisdictions that do not run their own building department.

Department

Newaygo County Department of Building Safety and Permits

Address

306 North St, P.O. Box 885, White Cloud, MI 49349

Phone

(231) 689-7216

Email

buildingdept@newaygocountymi.gov

Website

https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/departments/building-inspector/home/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning approval first with the township or city zoning official.
2. Obtain any required septic or sewer, well or water, soil erosion, driveway, floodplain, and energy code approvals.
3. Complete the county building permit application and attach duplicate working plans or blueprints.
4. Submit the packet to the county building department by mail or by contacting the office directly.
5. County staff reviews plans, issues the permit when complete, and assigns inspection stages.
6. Schedule footing, foundation, rough, final, and trade inspections as work progresses.
7. Obtain certificate of occupancy before occupancy of a new structure.

Source: Newaygo County Department of Building Safety and Permits

General Requirements

Before any construction, enlargement, alteration, total removal, demolition, or change in principal use. Ordinary repairs are exempt.

Required Documents

• Zoning compliance permit or zoning written statement, septic or sewer approval, well or water approval, driveway permit if needed, soil erosion permit if needed, floodplain or wetland approval if needed, energy code information if needed, duplicate plans or blueprints, truss drawings if engineered trusses are used, and sealed engineer or architect plans for larger residential projects as stated by the county.

Permit validity

Permits remain valid for one year if work is progressing and inspections are requested and conducted. The county closes a permit if no inspection is requested or conducted within 180 days of issuance or the last inspection.

Building code

Michigan Building Code baseline, with Michigan Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings, per state law and county enforcement.

Owner-builder

A homeowner may obtain a permit for work on a single family dwelling that he or she owns and occupies or is about to occupy.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractor or eligible homeowner. Residential builders must be licensed under Michigan law where applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Public county pages clearly state demolition base fees of $70 residential and $100 commercial; a general minimum building fee schedule was not fully published in plain text on the pages reviewed.

Reinspection fee

Work started prior to permit is doubled, not to exceed $600. Stop work orders cost $100. Failure to obtain a certificate of occupancy before occupancy costs $100. A $25 fee applies to certain later certificate of occupancy requests.

Payment note

Checks are payable to Newaygo County Building Department. Major credit cards are accepted with a non-refundable service fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs.
• Improvements that do not affect the integrity of the structure.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• County office phone and staff contact; inspection requests must allow a reasonable amount of time under code. (online)

Inspection hours

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, foundation, rough framing, final building, plus trade-specific underground, rough-in, and final inspections.

Same-day inspection requests when the permit is applied for are treated as though work has already started.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Michigan Building Code baseline, with Michigan Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings, per state law and county enforcement.
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newaygo County Building Permit FAQ

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

Before any construction, enlargement, alteration, total removal, demolition, or change in principal use. Ordinary repairs are exempt.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Newaygo County, MI?

The minimum permit fee is Public county pages clearly state demolition base fees of $70 residential and $100 commercial; a general minimum building fee schedule was not fully published in plain text on the pages reviewed..

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

1. Confirm zoning approval first with the township or city zoning official. 2. Obtain any required septic or sewer, well or water, soil erosion, driveway, floodplain, and energy code approvals. 3. Complete the county building permit application and attach duplicate working plans or blueprints. 4. Submit the packet to the county building department by mail or by contacting the office directly. 5. County staff reviews plans, issues the permit when complete, and assigns inspection stages. 6. Schedule footing, foundation, rough, final, and trade inspections as work progresses. 7. Obtain certificate of occupancy before occupancy of a new structure.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs.; Improvements that do not affect the integrity of the structure..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: County office phone and staff contact; inspection requests must allow a reasonable amount of time under code..