Otsego County, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Otsego County and county-administered building permits; county site also publishes permit materials for use countywide

Department

Otsego County Land Use Services, Building Department

Address

225 West Main Street, Gaylord, MI 49735

Phone

989-731-7392

Email

DMacMaster@otsegocountymi.gov

Website

https://otsegocountymi.gov/206/Building-Department

Application Process

Source: Otsego County Land Use Services, Building Department

General Requirements

Required Documents

• completed application, site plan, construction drawings or specs as applicable, contractor license information when applicable, and utility/foundation details as required by the reviewer

Building code

Michigan Construction Code / state construction code baseline, administered locally by the county

Owner-builder

Michigan owner-builder exemption may apply only if the owner qualifies; county form requires an owner or contractor signature

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractor information is typically required for regulated work

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$55 appears on the county fee schedule for permits under $3,000

Permit fee formula

The county fee schedule uses valuation-based fee brackets; example brackets shown on the public schedule include $55 minimum under $3,000 and 2% of valuation for higher tiers, subject to the published schedule

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Work listed on the county permit application as not requiring a building permit:
• Fences
• Swimming pools with less than 24 inch water depth
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height from footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or hazardous condition
• Sidewalks or paving
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call the county building office; no online inspection portal found (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Standard Michigan sequence applies, typically footing, foundation, framing, rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation, and final inspections

Additional Resources

• Building code: Michigan Construction Code / state construction code baseline, administered locally by the county
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Permit forms
• Fee schedule
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Otsego County Building Permit FAQ

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

The minimum permit fee is $55 appears on the county fee schedule for permits under $3,000. Fees are calculated as: The county fee schedule uses valuation-based fee brackets; example brackets shown on the public schedule include $55 minimum under $3,000 and 2% of valuation for higher tiers, subject to the published schedule.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Work listed on the county permit application as not requiring a building permit:; Fences; Swimming pools with less than 24 inch water depth; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height from footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge or hazardous condition; Sidewalks or paving; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call the county building office; no online inspection portal found.