Holland (Ottawa portion), MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City-run permitting for properties inside Holland city limits, including the Ottawa County portion of the city.

Department

City of Holland Community and Neighborhood Services, Building

Address

270 S River Avenue, 3rd Floor, Holland, MI 49423

Phone

616-355-1330

Email

permits@cityofholland.com

Website

https://www.cityofholland.com/228/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm permit need against the city permit list or brochure, then assemble plans and a site plan or survey.
2. Submit the completed application and plans to Community and Neighborhood Services by email at permits@cityofholland.com or by drop-off at City Hall, 3rd Floor.
3. For new one- and two-family dwellings, additions, and accessory buildings over 200 square feet, submit the building application plus the plan review list and any sealed plans required by the city.
4. Pay assessed fees after review; separate building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are issued as needed.
5. Receive permit documents before starting work.
6. Request inspections with at least 24 hours notice and complete finals before occupancy or closeout.

Typical processing time: City states review may take 2 to 4 weeks after submission.

Source: City of Holland Community and Neighborhood Services, Building

General Requirements

City examples include additions, decks, fences, basement finishing, garages, gazebos, new houses, pools, reroofing over 25 percent, bath remodels, sheds of any size, siding, new drywall, and window or door size changes.

Required Documents

• Permit application, plans, and an accurate site plan or survey; sealed plans when required; trade permit applications for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work; contractor registration for contractors using city workflows.

Permit validity

Permits expire after 180 days. Expired permits cannot be refunded or reinstated.

Building code

City pages state the city administers current State of Michigan construction codes. Statewide as of March 25, 2026 this means the 2021 Michigan Building Code and 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code are in effect, while the 2015 Michigan Residential Code remains in effect pending the 2025 court-ordered injunction on the proposed residential code update.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may apply directly for work on their property; city forms distinguish owner and contractor applicants.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must register with the city; state licensing anti-circumvention notice appears on permit forms for residential work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$70 for projects valued from $0 to $1,000 on the building permit fee page; the 2026 fee book shows $150 for one- or two-family residential permits in the broader fee book, so verify the currently applied schedule with the city before quoting.

Plan check fee

Included through plan review requirements where applicable; permit-specific forms should be checked for exact review charges.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based. City states $70 for $0 to $1,000, then $7 per additional $1,000 up to $50,000, then $413 for the first $50,000 and $5 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereafter.

Reinspection fee

Late fee of $100 per day for work started before permit issuance on city permit forms.

Payment note

The 2026 fee book states credit cards are not accepted for City of Holland invoices and no credit card payments are accepted over $5,000. BS&A online payment tools are linked from the permit pages.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ceramic tile
• Curtains
• Install storm door
• Landscaping
• Linoleum
• Locks
• New carpet
• Painting
• Repair drywall
• Repair steps or ceiling
• Replace broken window glass
• Replace door
• Wallpaper

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call Community and Neighborhood Services at 616-355-1330; contractors can also use the Access My Gov account workflow de (phone)

Inspection hours

Minimum 24 hours notice required. Building, plumbing, and mechanical inspections are scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. depending on inspector availability.

Typical inspection sequence: Progress inspections by trade and building discipline before concealment, then final inspection, then certificate or closeout as applicable.

No standard published reinspection fee was located on the main building pages; failed inspections can delay closeout and permit holders should confirm charges with the city.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City pages state the city administers current State of Michigan construction codes. Statewide as of March 25, 2026 this means the 2021 Michigan Building Code and 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code are in effect, while the 2015 Michigan Residential Code remains in effect pending the 2025 court-ordered injunction on the proposed residential code update.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Other useful links
• 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

Holland (Ottawa portion) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Holland (Ottawa portion), MI?

City examples include additions, decks, fences, basement finishing, garages, gazebos, new houses, pools, reroofing over 25 percent, bath remodels, sheds of any size, siding, new drywall, and window or door size changes.

How much does a building permit cost in Holland (Ottawa portion), MI?

The minimum permit fee is $70 for projects valued from $0 to $1,000 on the building permit fee page; the 2026 fee book shows $150 for one- or two-family residential permits in the broader fee book, so verify the currently applied schedule with the city before quoting.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. City states $70 for $0 to $1,000, then $7 per additional $1,000 up to $50,000, then $413 for the first $50,000 and $5 per additional $1,000 or fraction thereafter.. Plan check fee: Included through plan review requirements where applicable; permit-specific forms should be checked for exact review charges..

How do I apply for a building permit in Holland (Ottawa portion), MI?

1. Confirm permit need against the city permit list or brochure, then assemble plans and a site plan or survey. 2. Submit the completed application and plans to Community and Neighborhood Services by email at permits@cityofholland.com or by drop-off at City Hall, 3rd Floor. 3. For new one- and two-family dwellings, additions, and accessory buildings over 200 square feet, submit the building application plus the plan review list and any sealed plans required by the city. 4. Pay assessed fees after review; separate building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits are issued as needed. 5. Receive permit documents before starting work. 6. Request inspections with at least 24 hours notice and complete finals before occupancy or closeout.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Holland (Ottawa portion), MI?

Typical processing time is City states review may take 2 to 4 weeks after submission..

What work is exempt from building permits in Holland (Ottawa portion), MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Ceramic tile; Curtains; Install storm door; Landscaping; Linoleum; Locks; New carpet; Painting; Repair drywall; Repair steps or ceiling; Replace broken window glass; Replace door; Wallpaper.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Holland (Ottawa portion), MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call Community and Neighborhood Services at 616-355-1330; contractors can also use the Access My Gov account workflow de.

Other cities in Ottawa County