How much does a building permit cost in Spring Lake Township, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Township zoning fees shown on the public page include $50 for accessory buildings, decks, fences, solar zoning permit, additions, pools or hot tubs; $100 for new single-family homes and $100 per unit for new multifamily homes. MTSM building and trade permit fees are separate and not summarized on the township page reviewed.. Plan check fee: Township planning review charges include $750 fee plus $1,180 escrow deposit for site plan or special use review, and $500 fee plus $3,000 escrow deposit for planned unit development large-scale residential review. MTSM plan review charges were not summarized on the reviewed pages..

How do I apply for a building permit in Spring Lake Township, MI?

1. Determine first whether zoning approval is needed. Spring Lake Township states zoning permits are required for many additions, new residences, sheds, fences, pools, hot tubs, decks, retaining walls, and signs. 2. Submit the township zoning permit application and fee to Spring Lake Township for the zoning portion of the project. 3. After zoning approval, submit construction documents to Michigan Township Services Muskegon for building and trade permits. 4. Obtain related outside approvals where applicable, including Ottawa County soil erosion permits, Ottawa County Road Commission driveway permits, and county well or septic permits. 5. Pay township zoning fees to Spring Lake Township and building or trade fees to Spring Lake Township or by credit card at MTSM as directed. 6. Complete MTSM building and trade inspections and any township closeout requirements before occupancy or use.

What work is exempt from building permits in Spring Lake Township, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Fences do not require a building permit, but they do require a township zoning permit; Applicants should still confirm minor work with the township because zoning approvals remain common even when a building permit is not required. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Spring Lake Township before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Spring Lake Township, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MTSM 231-865-6977 or 231-865-3310.

City Building Permits

Spring Lake Township, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Ottawa County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Spring Lake Township separately administers zoning permits and land use reviews, while MTSM performs plan review, permit issuance, and inspections for building and trade permits.

Department: Spring Lake Township Building and Planning Department for zoning permits; Michigan Township Services Muskegon for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits
Address: Spring Lake Township, 101 S. Buchanan St., Spring Lake, MI 49456; Michigan Township Services Muskegon, 5855 Airline Rd, Fruitport, MI 49415
Phone: Township 616-842-1340; MTSM 231-865-6977 or 231-865-3310
Email: info@springlaketwp.org , mtsm@frontier.com
Website: https://springlaketwp.org/departments/building-planning-department/

Online Permit Portal

Open Building & Planning Department

Platform: Township web forms, MTSM permit workflow • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine first whether zoning approval is needed. Spring Lake Township states zoning permits are required for many additions, new residences, sheds, fences, pools, hot tubs, decks, retaining walls, and signs.
Submit the township zoning permit application and fee to Spring Lake Township for the zoning portion of the project.
After zoning approval, submit construction documents to Michigan Township Services Muskegon for building and trade permits.
Obtain related outside approvals where applicable, including Ottawa County soil erosion permits, Ottawa County Road Commission driveway permits, and county well or septic permits.
Pay township zoning fees to Spring Lake Township and building or trade fees to Spring Lake Township or by credit card at MTSM as directed.
Complete MTSM building and trade inspections and any township closeout requirements before occupancy or use.

Source: Spring Lake Township Building and Planning Department for zoning permits; Michigan Township Services Muskegon for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits

General Requirements

Township page states the State of Michigan and Spring Lake Township require permits for many building activities. Zoning permits are required for additions beyond the original foundation, new residences, sheds, fences, pools over 2 feet deep, hot tubs, decks, retaining walls, and signs. Building and trade permits are required from MTSM for new homes, additions, solar panels, pools or hot tubs, and other code-regulated work.

Required Documents

Zoning permit application
Scaled site plan or Ottawa County mapping printout as applicable
Township-specific review forms for special uses
Separate MTSM permit applications with plans and supporting documents

Permit validity: MTSM occupancy permit form states permits are valid for one year only and are considered abandoned if work is suspended or has not begun for six consecutive months.
Building code: Township states the State of Michigan and Spring Lake Township require permits for many building activities; building and trade code administration is through MTSM under current Michigan construction codes.
Owner-builder: MTSM forms allow owner or authorized agent applicants; township public pages do not summarize additional owner-builder restrictions.
Contractor requirements: Township notes state law anti-circumvention rules apply; MTSM links to LARA builder and trade license verification resources.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Plan check fee: Township planning review charges include $750 fee plus $1,180 escrow deposit for site plan or special use review, and $500 fee plus $3,000 escrow deposit for planned unit development large-scale residential review. MTSM plan review charges were not summarized on the reviewed pages.
Permit fee formula: Township zoning fees shown on the public page include $50 for accessory buildings, decks, fences, solar zoning permit, additions, pools or hot tubs; $100 for new single-family homes and $100 per unit for new multifamily homes. MTSM building and trade permit fees are separate and not summarized on the township page reviewed.
Payment note: Township fees may be paid by check to Spring Lake Township, in cash at Township Hall, by mail, or drop box. Building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit fees may be paid by check to Spring Lake Township or by credit card at MTSM, with a convenience fee for credit card payments.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Fences do not require a building permit, but they do require a township zoning permit
Applicants should still confirm minor work with the township because zoning approvals remain common even when a building permit is not required

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Spring Lake Township before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

MTSM 231-865-6977 or 231-865-3310 (phone)

Inspection hours: MTSM office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Township office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: MTSM handles building and trade inspections; final inspections and certificate of occupancy are required before occupancy. Specific sequences depend on permit type.

Additional Resources

Building code: Township states the State of Michigan and Spring Lake Township require permits for many building activities; building and trade code administration is through MTSM under current Michigan construction codes.
Zoning information: View zoning info
MTSM Inspectors
Ottawa County Soil Erosion
Ottawa County Well & Septic
GIS Mapping
License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Spring Lake Township Building and Planning Department for zoning permits; Michigan Township Services Muskegon for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring Lake Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Spring Lake Township, MI?: Township page states the State of Michigan and Spring Lake Township require permits for many building activities. Zoning permits are required for additions beyond the original foundation, new residences, sheds, fences, pools over 2 feet deep, hot tubs, decks, retaining walls, and signs. Building and trade permits are required from MTSM for new homes, additions, solar panels, pools or hot tubs, and other code-regulated work.
How much does a building permit cost in Spring Lake Township, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Township zoning fees shown on the public page include $50 for accessory buildings, decks, fences, solar zoning permit, additions, pools or hot tubs; $100 for new single-family homes and $100 per unit for new multifamily homes. MTSM building and trade permit fees are separate and not summarized on the township page reviewed.. Plan check fee: Township planning review charges include $750 fee plus $1,180 escrow deposit for site plan or special use review, and $500 fee plus $3,000 escrow deposit for planned unit development large-scale residential review. MTSM plan review charges were not summarized on the reviewed pages..
How do I apply for a building permit in Spring Lake Township, MI?: 1. Determine first whether zoning approval is needed. Spring Lake Township states zoning permits are required for many additions, new residences, sheds, fences, pools, hot tubs, decks, retaining walls, and signs. 2. Submit the township zoning permit application and fee to Spring Lake Township for the zoning portion of the project. 3. After zoning approval, submit construction documents to Michigan Township Services Muskegon for building and trade permits. 4. Obtain related outside approvals where applicable, including Ottawa County soil erosion permits, Ottawa County Road Commission driveway permits, and county well or septic permits. 5. Pay township zoning fees to Spring Lake Township and building or trade fees to Spring Lake Township or by credit card at MTSM as directed. 6. Complete MTSM building and trade inspections and any township closeout requirements before occupancy or use.
What work is exempt from building permits in Spring Lake Township, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: Fences do not require a building permit, but they do require a township zoning permit; Applicants should still confirm minor work with the township because zoning approvals remain common even when a building permit is not required. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Spring Lake Township before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Spring Lake Township, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: MTSM 231-865-6977 or 231-865-3310.

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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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