City Building Permits
Buena Vista Township, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Buena Vista Township, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Township of Buena Vista is LOCAL for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing enforcement. Building review is handled through the Community Development Department.
- Department
- Community Development Department, Building Department
- Address
- 3945 East Holland Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601
- Phone
- 989-754-6536
- building@bvct.org
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Informational portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download and complete the applicable permit application and any related zoning or development application materials.
- Submit the permit application, plans, and supporting materials. The public building permit application requires plans based on project type and zoning approval.
- Pay the required development and permit fees in person at Township Hall.
- Wait for township and consultant review, including zoning and trade review where applicable.
- After permit issuance, complete required inspections; all permitted projects must undergo inspection.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Department
General Requirements
All permits are required before work commences.
Required Documents
- Building permit and plan review application
- For residential under 3,500 square feet: one plan set with foundation and floor plans, roof and wall section, elevations, and site plan
- For commercial structures: plan review fee plus digital plans and specifications or one paper set if requested, with original architect or engineer seal
- For mobile and premanufactured homes: foundation, anchoring plans, site plan, and state-approved plans
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work is not started within 120 days of issuance or if work is suspended for 120 days.
- Building code
- Township is LOCAL for all four construction code categories on the Michigan Statewide Jurisdiction List.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners doing the construction should enter 'Homeowner' in the contractor space.
- Contractor requirements
- Public forms request contractor business name, license number, and contact information; township lists PAS Building Consultants LLC for building and SAFEbuilt for plumbing and mechanical inspection support.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- See Building Permit and Inspection Fees sheet
- Plan check fee
- Development-related fee schedule is posted; building permit application requires a plan review fee for commercial structures
- Permit fee formula
- Public fee sheets are posted
- Reinspection fee
- Additional inspections are subject to additional fees
- Payment note
- Buena Vista Charter Township accepts development-related fee payments in person via cash or check at Township Hall, Monday through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Community Development Department, Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 989-754-6536 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Fee payments accepted Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Typical inspection sequence: All permitted projects must undergo inspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Township is LOCAL for all four construction code categories on the Michigan Statewide Jurisdiction List.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Zoning Ordinance
- Building Permit Application
- Planning and Zoning
- 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 Community Development Department, Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buena Vista Township Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Buena Vista Township, MI?
- All permits are required before work commences.
- How much does a building permit cost in Buena Vista Township, MI?
- The minimum permit fee is See Building Permit and Inspection Fees sheet. Fees are calculated as: Public fee sheets are posted. Plan check fee: Development-related fee schedule is posted; building permit application requires a plan review fee for commercial structures.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Buena Vista Township, MI?
- 1. Download and complete the applicable permit application and any related zoning or development application materials. 2. Submit the permit application, plans, and supporting materials. The public building permit application requires plans based on project type and zoning approval. 3. Pay the required development and permit fees in person at Township Hall. 4. Wait for township and consultant review, including zoning and trade review where applicable. 5. After permit issuance, complete required inspections; all permitted projects must undergo inspection.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Buena Vista Township, MI?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 989-754-6536.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Buena Vista Township 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 worksOther cities in Saginaw County
View all Saginaw County jurisdictions →