Administrative overview · FIPS 26069
Iosco 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
Iosco County Building and Safety Inspection Department
For a project in or near Iosco 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) 362-6511
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
420 W. Lake Street, Tawas City, MI 48763; mailing address P.O. Box 88, Tawas City, MI 48763
Operating hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Review expectation
Ask the agency for its current review estimate
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 Iosco County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Iosco County Building and Safety Inspection 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) 362-6511.
How long might review take?
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
How are inspections scheduled?
Call (989) 362-6511 to request inspections and provide the permit number and exact job-site location. The county requests 24 hours' notice before a footing concrete pour and its handout requests three working days' notice generally. Inspection days listed are Monday-Thursday for building, Wednesday/Saturday for electrical, and Wednesday for plumbing/mechanical; final occupancy inspection requires the project to be complete and all trades approved.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Michigan statewide construction codes administered by the county: 2021 Michigan Building Code; 2015 Michigan Residential Code; 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code; 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes; 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code; and 2023 Michigan Electrical Code/NEC with Michigan amendments. Plainfield Township is the listed local building jurisdiction; the county handles the other listed Iosco County units. Iosco County requires permits for all new commercial and residential construction, including pools, decks, carports, and sheds over 200 square feet. The department states that roofing and siding permits are no longer required within its jurisdiction. Ordinary repairs that do not affect structural members, required egress, or regulated systems may also qualify for Michigan-code exemptions; confirm with the department and municipality because zoning and septic approvals can still be required.