Show All Answers

1. What are the office hours?

The Construction Code office hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of national holidays.

2. How do I apply for an electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing permit?

You may apply using the online portal by clicking the square labeled EPIC GT PORTAL on the main page of the construction codes website.  An application can also be obtained from this website or you may pick an application up in our office. The application must be filled out, and payment is required at that time.

Applications and Forms Page

3. How are the fees for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits determined?

The permit fees are determined based on the type of work being done and what items are chosen in the fee chart. The fee chart is at the bottom of each of those particular applications. These fees do not pertain to building permits.

4. Who can apply for an electrical, plumbing or mechanical permit?

If you are a homeowner, live in the home, and you are doing the work, then you may pull the permit. If a licensed contractor is doing the work, they must pull the permit.

The application is considered a legal document and there is an affidavit which states whomever pulls the permit is legally responsible for the work being performed. If the home is a rental, the permit is considered work being done for a commercial job and a licensed contractor must apply for the permit.

5. Which forms of payment are accepted?

The Construction Code Office accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.  Invoices are emailed with a link in the body of the email where you can pay by credit card or electronic check.   For security purposes, we do not accept payments over the telephone.

6. Can I apply online for a permit?

Yes,  on the home page for Construction Codes select the square labeled EPIC GT PORTAL.  You will be required to register with EPIC-GT, and then can apply for permits, upload plans and other required documents, pay for permits, and request inspections.

Applications and Forms Page

7. Can I register my credit card with the Construction Code office?

No, for your protection we will no longer keep any credit card information on file.

8. How does a contractor register with the Construction Code Office?

Contractor do not register with the Construction Code Office.  All permit applications require the contractors license number.  We check this number against the State of Michigan licensing agency's database.  

9. Does my job require a plan review?

Each trade has it's own requirements to determine if a plan review is required. Please refer to the When a Plan Review is Required page for more information. When a Plan Review is Required Page

10. What is the process of a plan review?

A plan review application must be completed and submitted along with 1 sets of drawings, no bigger then 11x17 and an electronic set uploaded to the portal (if commercial they must be sealed and 1 full sized set with an electronic set), and an energy report for electrical and mechanical plans. The plan review normally takes up to 2 week for each trade. A permit will not be issued until the plan review has been completed, approved, and the permit has been paid for. 

Commercial projects need to have a fire department plan review if your project is in East Bay or Acme townships you will need to contact Grand Traverse Metro Fire. Projects in City of Traverse City need to contact Traverse City Fire Department. Projects in Blair township need to contact Blair Township Fire Department.

11. Is there a cost to receive an electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing plan review?

The cost to the applicant for an electrical, mechanical, or a plumbing plan review is $75 and must be paid before the plan review process begins. 

12. What types of inspections are required?

The types of inspections depend on the work being performed. If the work will be covered up at some point typically, you will need a rough and a final inspection. If you are not sure you may call or come in to speak with an inspector between 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m weekdays.

13. How do I request an inspection?

You may request inspections on your permits using the EPIC-GT portal or by calling the inspection line and leaving a message.  For any pulled prior to July 2020, have your permit number readily accessible and call our office at 231-995-6044 to schedule the inspection 24-48 hours prior. **Timed inspections, such as ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT/RECONNECT or SEWER/WATER CONNECTIONS must be called in as we perform a limited number of them each day.