Building Permit Process

Most building projects require a permit. We will not perform inspections on any project for which we or the community hall has not issued a building permit. In fact, by Code, you cannot begin work on a project if the applicable permits and the approved building plans are not displayed near your project.

**These requirements are general and may not apply to all applications.**

For ALL COMMUNITIES EXCEPT COURTLAND TOWNSHIP, POLKTON TOWNSHIP AND THE VILLAGE OF CALEDONIA, please contact your communities’ ZONING ADMINISTRATOR before submitting a building permit application. Because of the time it takes to process permits, we cannot process applications before we receive Zoning approval from your municipality.

Most building permits require

• Completed application,

• Proof of ownership,

• Zoning compliance approval,

• Survey drawing of job site and/or job site plan,

• Truss diagrams (if applicable),

• Construction plans,

Some projects may require association approval, such as residences with a HOA.

Scroll down for detailed information on each of the above items.

Pulling a Building Permit

You must submit a complete building permit application before IMS or the township hall will issue a building permit. To submit a complete building permit application, you must submit not just a thoroughly filled out application but also all additional paperwork.

Though some projects require documentation that other projects do not require, the list below includes documents commonly required for approval.

Application

Your completed application should include

• Project address,

• cross streets,

• applicant information,

• architect information (if applicable),

• contractor information (if applicable);

• estimated value of the project (e.i., what approximate value do you expect the project to cost once you finish the project?)

According to the Michigan Building Code R105.1, a licensed professional pulls the building permit; however, you may apply as a homeowner if you do not intend to hire a contractor or you plan to construct most of the project yourself.

Proof of Ownership

You must provide the property’s proof of ownership, which includes a permanent parcel number and the name of the property owner that matches the name listed on the application.

Submit a copy of the land contract or property deed for new residences. For pole barns, decks, remodels, additions, etc., you may instead submit a property tax statement.

Zoning Compliance Approval

Before submitting a building permit application, you should turn in a zoning compliance application to the township or city hall. The township or city will send us the zoning approval afterwords. IMS does perform zoning compliance for Polkton Township, and the Village of Caledonia and we submit zoning for you to Courtland Township. If your project is located in those communities, please include with your application the following documents:

• Zoning application (page four of your building permit application)

• Job site plan/survey (including drawings of setbacks)

If your residential project is not adding to or altering the footprint or height of an existing structure, you may NOT need zoning approval. You will need zoning if you are changing the use of a building without altering the footprint.

If you feel uncertain about whether or not your project needs zoning approval, please contact your local zoning administrator.

Job Site Plan

We require a site plan of the job that includes, at minimum, a sketch of property lines, any existing buildings, and the proposed building. The proposed building must include setback measurements from each end of the proposed building to the property line and to all existing buildings on the property.

Survey Drawing of Job Site

We require an official survey drawing of the job site, which you can obtain from a licensed surveyor. A survey drawing may double as a job site plan if you include a sketch of the proposed building with setbacks, as mentioned in the above site plan requirements.

Truss Diagrams

Construction plans that use engineered trusses will need truss diagrams from the manufacturer. If your project uses rafters instead of trusses, then you must include details regarding your rafters with the construction plans.

Construction Plans

For the building inspector to approve your application, you must submit construction plans. For most communities, we require a minimum of two sets of plans; however, your application requires three sets of plans if you are located in the following communities:

• Village of Caledonia,

• City of Cedar Springs,

• Courtland Township, and

• Polkton Township.

The building inspector will not review your application until the required number of plans are submitted. One exception to this rule would be demolition permits.

Change of Use Form (Kent County only)

Kent County requires that all building projects obtain change of use approval first from the county hall. This approval proves to the county that your project will not affect the existing well or septic system.

You can apply for change of use approval through the Kent County Health Department. You may need to pay additional fees; contact the Health Department for details. If the health department does not require change of use approval for your project, you must provide IMS with a signed letter from the department.

Wastewater/Water Supply Permit

This permit, required only for new residences, allows you to add well and septic to the property or connect to the community’s water and sewage. You can obtain this permit from the appropriate county office.

Highway Permit

This permit, required only for new residences, assigns your property a permanent address. You can obtain this permit from the appropriate county office.

Energy Code Calculations

State law requires a minimum level of energy efficiency in new residences and alterations that involve adding insulation. You may submit these calculations in the form of a REScheck obtained through the U.S. Department of Energy. Your lumberyard can assist you with obtaining a REScheck or other form of valid energy code calculation.

All applications for new residences require a Manual J and S in addition to a REScheck. You can receive this document from your mechanical contractor.

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control Permit

Is your project within 500 feet from a lake or stream? If yes, then you must obtain this permit from the appropriate county office. If no, then you do not need to include this document with your application. Additionally, you must acquire this permit if you plan to excavate an acre or more of land.