Construction Code
Public Services Building2650 Lafranier Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Code Office: (231)995-6044
Other Trades: (231)995-6049
Fax: (231)995-6048
Contact us
PrintEPM Permit Information
This office issues all of the electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits for Grand Traverse County.
What are the office hours?
How do I apply for an electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing permit?
What is the permit fee based on?
Who can apply for a permit?
What form of payment is accepted?
How do I register my credit card?
Can I apply online for a permit?
How does a contractor register with the Construction Code Office?
Does my project require a plan review?
What is the process of a plan review?
Is there a cost to receive an electrical, mechanical and/or plumbing plan review?
What types of inspections are required?
How do I request an inspection?
Q: What are the office hours?
A: The Construction Code office hours are from 7am-5pm Monday-Friday with the exception of national holidays.
Q: How do I apply for an electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing permit?
A: An application that can be obtained from this website or you can pick it up in our office. The application must be filled out and payment is required at the time of applying.
Q: What is the permit fee based on?
A: There is a fee chart at the bottom of each application. The permit fee is based on the type of work being done and what items are chosen in the fee chart.
Q: Who can apply for a permit?
A: If you are a homeowner, live in the home and you are doing the work, then you can pull the permit. If a licensed contractor is doing the work then they must pull the permit. The application is considered a legal document and there is an affidavit that states whoever pulls the permit is legally responsible for the work being performed. If the home is a rental then the permit is considered work being done for a commercial job and a licensed contractor must apply for the permit.
Q: What form of payment is accepted?
A: The Construction Code Office accepts checks, cash or Visa/Master Card.
Q: How do I register my credit card with the Construction Code Office?
A: You need to come into the office with the card. We will then issue you a pin number.
Q: Can I apply online for a permit?
A: Permits may not be applied for online. You can aquire the application on this website or you may call the office and request one mailed or faxed to you. If your company has registered a credit card with this office than you may fax in your applications. We will issue the permit and then charge your card. Additional fees that have been requested may also be paid for in this manner.
Q: How does a contractor register with the Construction Code Office?
A: The office must have a copy of the current contractors license in order for a contractor to apply for permits in Grand Traverse County.
Q: Does my job require a plan review?
A: Each trade has it's own requirements to determine if a plan review is required. The requirements are as followed:
Electrical:
- A plan review is required if the building has a service over 400 amps and the building is larger than 3500 sq ft.
- A plan review is required if the job is government work and it is more than $15,000.
Mechanical:
- A plan review is required if the BTUS for a residence is over 375,00.
- A plan review is required if the use group is B, M, or S-2 having HVAC equipment only, 1 fire area and if the building is more than 3500 sq ft.
- A plan review is required if the job is government work and it is more than $15,000.
Plumbing:
- A plan review is required if the residence is over 3500 sq ft.
- A plan review is required if the use group is A, B, M or S with a fixture count more than 12.
- A plan review is required if the job is government work and it is more
- than $15,000.
Q: What is the process of a plan review?
A: A plan review application must be completed and submitted along with 2 sets of sealed drawings, and an energy report for electrical and mechanical plans. The plan review normally takes up to 1 week for each trade. A permit will not be issued until the plan review has been completed, approved and the plans have been picked up.
Q: Is there a cost to receive an electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing plan review?
A: There is no cost to the applicant for an electrical, mechanical, or a plumbing plan review.
Q: What types of inspections are required?
A: Types of inspections depend on the work being performed. If the work will be covered up at some point then usually you will need a rough and a final inspection. If you are not sure you can call one of the inspectors. They are in the office Monday-Friday, 7am-9am. The rest of the day they are out of the office performing inspections.
Q: How do I request an inspection?
A: You may call the office at 231-995-6049 to request an inspection. When you call, you must have your permit number. Normally, the inspection will take place within 48 hours.