Administrative overview · FIPS 26083
Keweenaw 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
Keweenaw County Zoning and Construction Codes Department (ZCCD)
For a project in or near Keweenaw 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
Permit Clerk: 906-523-8570; building inspector: 906-337-4418 or 906-281-0304; ZCCD contact for building applications: 906-337-3471
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Keweenaw County Courthouse, 5095 Fourth Street, Eagle River, MI 49950
Operating hours
Permit Clerk: Monday and Wednesday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM; Zoning Administrator: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM by appointment; closed legal holidays
Review expectation
Allow five business days for a complete building application with proper documentation and any required contractor certificate; complex projects or external-agency reviews may take longer. Building and trade permits expire after six months if work has not commenced.
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 Keweenaw County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Keweenaw County Zoning and Construction Codes Department (ZCCD) 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 Permit Clerk: 906-523-8570; building inspector: 906-337-4418 or 906-281-0304; ZCCD contact for building applications: 906-337-3471.
How long might review take?
Allow five business days for a complete building application with proper documentation and any required contractor certificate; complex projects or external-agency reviews may take longer. Building and trade permits expire after six months if work has not commenced.
How are inspections scheduled?
Building inspection requests require at least 72 hours' notice. Building inspections include plumbing, electrical, fire, and construction inspections. Contact the ZCCD/permit clerk or the assigned inspector; all final inspection reports must be forwarded before a required Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Certificates of Occupancy are generally required before commercial occupancy or use, with limited single-family and individual-unit exceptions stated by the county.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
Keweenaw County is listed as the enforcing authority for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing in the Michigan Statewide Jurisdiction List. Current Michigan codes include the 2021 Michigan Building Code and 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code (effective April 9, 2025), 2015 Michigan Residential Code (current while the 2021 residential update is stayed), 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes (effective March 12, 2024), 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code (effective April 22, 2025), and 2023 Michigan Electrical Code/NEC (effective March 12, 2024). Keweenaw County lists no building permit for accessory structures of 200 square feet or less, although a zoning permit is still required. Other listed building-permit exemptions include brick pointing; caulking, patching, and plaster repair; cabinets and architectural millwork; window screens and storm windows; like-for-like fence repairs; retaining walls 18 inches or less; painting; non-rated window and door replacement; roofing and coping; siding; gutters and downspouts; private sidewalks and driveways; patios; non-rated suspended ceiling tile; floor coverings; gypsum board; sanitary venting and drainage piping; hydraulic system piping; and non-hazardous or commercial-kitchen-exhaust ductwork. Confirm scope with ZCCD.