Building Permit Process

All building permits require a plan review. Most projects also require a Land Use Permit from your township. If your project is in Garfield Township, then you will obtain your building permit from them. The trade permits are issued in our office for the whole county.


New House, Addition & Remodel permit requirements

All permit applications require a $55 plan review fee paid prior to the review being performed.

  • Building permit application
  • Plans should be submitted through the portal, if you do bring in plans to the office maximum size is to be 11 x 17. Some exclusions may apply.
  • Address permit (only if your property has not been issued an address)
  • Land use
  • Well and septic or DPW permit (depends on what your water system is fed from)
  • Driveway permit
  • Soil erosion permit
  • Energy code compliance documentation energy codes

New Commercial, Addition & Remodel permit requirements

All commercial structures that have an estimated cost of $1,000,000 or more will be required to pay a $1500 plan review fee at the time of application

  • Building permit application
  • 1 set of plans and 1 electronic set of plans (sealed by an engineer or an architect). Some exclusions may apply.
  • Address Permit (only if your property has not been issued an address)  
  • Land use
  • Well and septic or DPW permit (depends on what your water system is fed from)
  • Driveway permit (if applicable)
  • Soil erosion permit
  • Fire department plan review:

 - Projects located in East Bay or Acme Townships need to contact Metro Fire:  https://gtmetrofire.org/submit-plans-for-review/

 - Projects located in the City of Traverse City need to contact City Fire:

 https://www.traversecitymi.gov/government/city-departments/fire-department/fire-inspections.html 

-Projects located in Blair Township need to contact Blair Fire: https://www.blairtownship.org/departments/emergency_services/fire.php 

  • Commercial plan review (filled out and sealed by an engineer or an architect)
  • ASHRAE Report (more information at energy codes )

Demolition Permit requirements

All permit applications require a $55 plan review fee paid prior to the review being performed.

  • Building permit application
  • Land Use
  • Soil erosion permit(if applicable)
  • DEQ (for commercial only)
  • Well and septic or DPW (for cut and cap reasons)
  • Electrical service shut off letter
  • Gas service shut off letter
  • Schedule application


Each project may be different and you can always call the Office at 231-995-6044 to get clarification. Remodels do not always need a Land Use Permit. It will depend on your project and the township where your property lies. Each township has their own set of regulations.