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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Keweenaw County.

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).

Inspection lane

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.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

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.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    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.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

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.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.