Spring Lake Township

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.

• Exempt Fences do not require a building permit, but they do require a township zoning permit
• Exempt 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1. 01
   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. 02
   Submit the township zoning permit application and fee to Spring Lake Township for the zoning portion of the project.
3. 03
   After zoning approval, submit construction documents to Michigan Township Services Muskegon for building and trade permits.
4. 04
   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. 05
   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. 06
   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 ↗

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

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