Fees, valuation & enforcement
Permit fees are a project input. Enforcement exposure is a project risk. Use the official schedule where available, then confirm valuation, trade permits, plan review, and inspection charges with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Official fee pathway
The final charge may depend on declared construction value, occupancy classification, square footage, plan review, state surcharges, trade permits, technology fees, and inspection activity. Do not use a neighboring city’s fee table as a substitute for this jurisdiction.
Fee desk contact
Permit Clerk: 906-523-8570; building inspector: 906-337-4418 or 906-281-0304; ZCCD contact for building applications: 906-337-3471
Ask the counter to confirm current charges before submitting a project with multiple trades or a change of use.
Financial exposure
Plan for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, energy, zoning, septic, right-of-way, or other reviews that the project scope triggers. The lowest initial permit fee is not always the lowest project cost.
Enforcement exposure
When work begins without authorization, the agency may halt the site, require corrective plans, impose additional fees, withhold inspection release, or require concealed work to be exposed for review.
Closeout exposure
A missing final inspection or certificate can complicate occupancy, refinancing, sale, insurance, and utility connection. Preserve the approved plans and signed inspection record through closeout.
Professional field note
Even when a cosmetic or minor project does not require a building permit, zoning, floodplain, shoreline, historic, utility, fire, or right-of-way controls may still apply. Confirm the full jurisdictional picture before work starts.
Source trail
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why permit costs vary
Building departments commonly calculate charges from valuation, occupancy, floor area, project type, plan review effort, trade scope, state surcharges, and inspection activity. A remodel that appears small on paper may still trigger structural, energy, fire, or utility review. Ask the permit counter which disciplines apply before you finalize the construction budget.
The same discipline applies to enforcement. Correcting unpermitted work after finishes are installed can require demolition, revised plans, additional inspections, and schedule disruption. Authorization is usually the less expensive project-management decision.