How much does a building permit cost in Zeeland, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $50 base fee plus $5 per $1,000 in project value up to $500,000, then $4 per $1,000 over $500,000. Trade permits use separate fee charts on their respective applications.. Plan check fee: For commercial, industrial, and public facility projects only, plan review fee is 65 percent of the total building permit fee..

How do I apply for a building permit in Zeeland, MI?

1. Confirm that the property is actually inside city limits; the city warns that many properties outside the city still carry a Zeeland address. 2. Complete the appropriate permit application and submit it by email, mail, fax, or drop-off at City Hall. 3. Submit required plans with the application. Residential projects require two plan sets; commercial, industrial, and public facility projects require four stamped plan sets plus a PDF file. 4. Pay permit fees. The city states applications submitted without payment are placed on hold until payment is received. 5. The city processes the permit after payment and review. 6. Call for inspections using the inspector phone number on the permit at least two days before inspection is needed, then complete foundation, rough, and final inspections before occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in Zeeland, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: The city recommends calling before completing forms to confirm permit need and jurisdiction.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with City of Zeeland before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Zeeland, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspector phone number on permit. At least two days advance notice required.

City Building Permits

Zeeland, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Ottawa County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered building, zoning, and trade permit processing within Zeeland city limits.

Department: City of Zeeland Community Development Department, Building Department
Address: 21 S Elm Street, Zeeland, MI 49464
Phone: 616-772-0872
Email: buildinginspector@cityofzeeland.com
Website: https://ci.zeeland.mi.us/353/Building-Zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open Building & Zoning

Platform: CivicEngage • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm that the property is actually inside city limits; the city warns that many properties outside the city still carry a Zeeland address.
Complete the appropriate permit application and submit it by email, mail, fax, or drop-off at City Hall.
Submit required plans with the application. Residential projects require two plan sets; commercial, industrial, and public facility projects require four stamped plan sets plus a PDF file.
Pay permit fees. The city states applications submitted without payment are placed on hold until payment is received.
The city processes the permit after payment and review.
Call for inspections using the inspector phone number on the permit at least two days before inspection is needed, then complete foundation, rough, and final inspections before occupancy.

Source: City of Zeeland Community Development Department, Building Department

General Requirements

The department administers building, property maintenance, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, barrier free, and zoning code compliance; separate trade permits are required.

Required Documents

Application
Owner or contractor information
Project valuation
Plan review materials
Two residential plan sets or four stamped commercial plan sets plus PDF file
Trade permit applications as applicable

Building code: City pages state Zeeland enforces the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, Energy Code, Barrier Free Design Code, and Zoning Code as part of the current Michigan code framework.
Owner-builder: Application form allows either contractor or homeowner applicant.
Contractor requirements: Application forms request license numbers; the state anti-circumvention notice for residential work appears on the permit form.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50
Plan check fee: For commercial, industrial, and public facility projects only, plan review fee is 65 percent of the total building permit fee.
Permit fee formula: $50 base fee plus $5 per $1,000 in project value up to $500,000, then $4 per $1,000 over $500,000. Trade permits use separate fee charts on their respective applications.
Penalty (no permit): Project started without permit may be subject to an additional administrative fee of $100
Payment note: Building and zoning fees may be paid with cash, check, or credit card. Checks are payable to City of Zeeland.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

The city recommends calling before completing forms to confirm permit need and jurisdiction.

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspector phone number on permit (phone)

Scheduling deadline: At least two days advance notice required
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation inspection before footings; rough inspection after framing and approved trade roughs and before insulation; final inspection upon completion and before occupancy. Most structures require at least three inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: City pages state Zeeland enforces the Building Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, Energy Code, Barrier Free Design Code, and Zoning Code as part of the current Michigan code framework.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Permit Application
Code of Ordinances
Assessing Search
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 City of Zeeland Community Development Department, Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zeeland Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Zeeland, MI?: The department administers building, property maintenance, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy, barrier free, and zoning code compliance; separate trade permits are required.
How much does a building permit cost in Zeeland, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: $50 base fee plus $5 per $1,000 in project value up to $500,000, then $4 per $1,000 over $500,000. Trade permits use separate fee charts on their respective applications.. Plan check fee: For commercial, industrial, and public facility projects only, plan review fee is 65 percent of the total building permit fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Zeeland, MI?: 1. Confirm that the property is actually inside city limits; the city warns that many properties outside the city still carry a Zeeland address. 2. Complete the appropriate permit application and submit it by email, mail, fax, or drop-off at City Hall. 3. Submit required plans with the application. Residential projects require two plan sets; commercial, industrial, and public facility projects require four stamped plan sets plus a PDF file. 4. Pay permit fees. The city states applications submitted without payment are placed on hold until payment is received. 5. The city processes the permit after payment and review. 6. Call for inspections using the inspector phone number on the permit at least two days before inspection is needed, then complete foundation, rough, and final inspections before occupancy.
What work is exempt from building permits in Zeeland, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: The city recommends calling before completing forms to confirm permit need and jurisdiction.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with City of Zeeland before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Zeeland, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Inspector phone number on permit. At least two days advance notice required.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Zeeland can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Ottawa County

Holland Grand Haven Georgetown Township Spring Lake Township

View all Ottawa County jurisdictions →