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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Wexford County
Residential one-story detached accessory structure under 200 sq ft and under 10 ft high: no building permit, but zoning approval is still required
County packet also includes statutory exceptions for certain governmental subdivision/state work and minor alterations as determined by the building official
- Exempt Residential one-story detached accessory structure under 200 sq ft and under 10 ft high: no building permit, but zoning approval is still required
- Exempt County packet also includes statutory exceptions for certain governmental subdivision/state work and minor alterations as determined by the building official
Required documents
- completed application, scaled plans and specs, zoning approval, well/septic documentation, driveway permit or waiver, REScheck if applicable, address application if applicable, sealed drawings for commercial buildings, 3,500 sq ft or larger single family homes, and structures over 12 ft sidewall height
- Building code
- 2015 Michigan Residential Code for residential construction, 2021 Michigan Building Code for commercial construction, 2023 NEC and 2023 MEC for electrical work as of March 12, 2024
- Permit validity
- permit becomes invalid if work is not started within 180 days or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days; extensions may be granted in writing in 180-day increments
- Owner-builder
- owner or owner's representative files the permit; packet includes a homeowner affidavit when the homeowner acts as general contractor
- Contractor requirements
- county references state licensing and sealed design requirements; commercial work and larger residential work require licensed architect or engineer on plans where applicable
§ 03
Fee schedule
Wexford County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100 application fee
02
Permit fee formula
dwellings and additions 20 cents per sq ft; manufactured homes 17 cents per sq ft; garages and pole buildings 16 cents per sq ft; commercial and industrial 23 cents per sq ft
03
Reinspection fee
investigative inspection fee $80, administrative fee $50, maximum refund of 75 percent of any fee, and cancelled permits are not refunded or reopened
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- permit holder calls for inspections (phone)
- Inspection hours
- county page lists inspectors as available on assigned inspection days, but not specific daily windows
Typical sequence: footing, backfill, rough, final
if plumbing/mechanical/electrical are not completed before framing inspection, additional inspection may be needed and a reinspection fee may be assessed
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Wexford County permits
01 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Wexford County, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Wexford County, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100 application fee. Fees are calculated as: dwellings and additions 20 cents per sq ft; manufactured homes 17 cents per sq ft; garages and pole buildings 16 cents per sq ft; commercial and industrial 23 cents per sq ft.
02 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wexford County, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Wexford County, MI. The following work is generally exempt: Residential one-story detached accessory structure under 200 sq ft and under 10 ft high: no building permit, but zoning approval is still required; County packet also includes statutory exceptions for certain governmental subdivision/state work and minor alterations as determined by the building official. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wexford County, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wexford County, MI via: permit holder calls for inspections.
last verified April 2026
source Wexford County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/michigan/wexford/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Wexford County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.