Ontonagon County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

State permit authority applies where no local enforcing agency is listed.

Department

Address

611 W Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933 (state office; BCC is state administered)

Phone

517-241-9313

Email

bccpermits@michigan.gov

Website

https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/permit-section/permits/building-permit-information

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the correct enforcing agency using the statewide jurisdiction list.
2. Prepare building permit application and construction documents.
3. Submit online through Accela or mail the application to LARA.
4. BCC reviews application, plans, and fee payment.
5. Permit is issued after review and payment are accepted.

Source:

General Requirements

Required Documents

• Building permit application; construction documents usually required unless waived by the building official.

Permit validity

State fee schedule includes a re-open expired permit fee; exact validity period is not published on the cited page.

Building code

Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.

Owner-builder

An owner or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent may apply.

Contractor requirements

Residential builders must be licensed under state law unless an exception applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75 permit fee for improvement cost up to $1,000; first $100 of application fee is non-refundable.

Plan check fee

For $0-$500,000 valuation, 0.0013 of building valuation, not less than $125; over $500,000, $650 plus 0.0003 over $500,000. Plan review services for permits issued by BCC are assessed at 30% of the building permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Cost tiers based on total cost of improvement using the BCC square foot construction cost table.

Reinspection fee

Additional inspection $100; reopen expired permit $75; island inspection fee $50 where applicable.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs that do not cut structural members, change required egress, or alter plumbing, electrical, gas, or mechanical systems affecting safety.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Permits are issued through BCC; inspections occur under the permit type and fee schedule.

Additional inspection fee $100; expired permits may be reopened for $75.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.
• Statewide jurisdiction list
• BCC home
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontonagon County Building Permit FAQ

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

The minimum permit fee is $75 permit fee for improvement cost up to $1,000; first $100 of application fee is non-refundable.. Fees are calculated as: Cost tiers based on total cost of improvement using the BCC square foot construction cost table.. Plan check fee: For $0-$500,000 valuation, 0.0013 of building valuation, not less than $125; over $500,000, $650 plus 0.0003 over $500,000. Plan review services for permits issued by BCC are assessed at 30% of the building permit fee..

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

1. Confirm the correct enforcing agency using the statewide jurisdiction list. 2. Prepare building permit application and construction documents. 3. Submit online through Accela or mail the application to LARA. 4. BCC reviews application, plans, and fee payment. 5. Permit is issued after review and payment are accepted.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs that do not cut structural members, change required egress, or alter plumbing, electrical, gas, or mechanical systems affecting safety..