City Building Permits

Holland, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Ottawa County Updated March 2026

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

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Holland Permits

Platform: CivicPlus forms, BS&A Online, Access My Gov • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

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
  • 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 administers current State of Michigan construction codes. 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
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
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 (effective 2026).

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

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with City of Holland before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 616-355-1330 (phone)
  • Access My Gov (contractors) (online)
Scheduling deadline
Minimum 24 hours notice required
Inspection hours
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.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Holland Community and Neighborhood Services, Building before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Holland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Holland, 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, MI?
The minimum permit fee is $70. 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, 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, 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, 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. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with City of Holland before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Holland, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 616-355-1330, Access My Gov (contractors). Minimum 24 hours notice required.

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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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