Administrative overview · FIPS 26001
Alcona County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Alcona County Building Department
For a project in or near Alcona County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
989-724-9440
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
216 W. Main Street, Harrisville, MI 48740
Operating hours
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-noon and 1:00-4:30 PM; closed legal and county holidays.
Review expectation
N/A; the county publishes application and inspection instructions but no general permit-review timeline.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Alcona County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Alcona County Building Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 989-724-9440.
How long might review take?
N/A; the county publishes application and inspection instructions but no general permit-review timeline.
How are inspections scheduled?
When an inspection is ready, call 989-724-9440 and provide 24-48 hours' notice. The county FAQ specifies footing inspections must be requested 24 hours before concrete placement, with separate grounding, foundation/backfill, rough-in/framing, insulation and final occupancy inspections at the listed construction stages. Inspectors include building, plumbing/mechanical and electrical staff reached through the same office number.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
2021 Michigan Building Code, current effective April 9, 2025; 2015 Michigan Residential Code, current effective February 8, 2016; 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes; 2023 National Electrical Code as adopted by Michigan; current Michigan commercial energy requirements; and applicable county zoning ordinances. Alcona County states that its Building Division enforces the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code. Michigan guidance permits ordinary repairs without a building permit when they do not cut away walls or structural supports, alter required means of egress, or affect regulated plumbing, gas, electrical, mechanical, public-health or life-safety systems. Alcona's official application also notes plan-document exceptions for one- and two-family dwellings under 3,500 square feet and certain minor trade work, but the county does not publish a single local exemption list; confirm small accessory structures, fences, pools and similar work with the Building Department.