A mechanical permit is required for the erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion or replacement of a mechanical system governed by the mechanical code. Except for replacement of minor parts, mechanical work shall not be started until a permit for such work has been issued.
Mechanical permits are not required for the following:
Click the following links to view the Mechanical Information Sheet and a Mechanical Permit.
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The Michigan Construction Code Act 230 of 1972 was amended in 1999 to create the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act. This action created a single state building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical code for the State of Michigan. All communities within the state utilize the same construction code and standards which are updated on a three year cycle. The current construction codes include:
*Provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the 2015 Michigan Residential Code.
Most construction projects require a building permit to ensure compliance with the Portage Zoning Code and Michigan Construction Codes. With regard to zoning requirements for one-family residential building projects, please review the One-Family Zoning Regulations (PDF) and the Lakefront Construction Guide on residential property (PDF). Before the construction, enlargement, alteration, moving or demolition of a building or structure, an owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application for a building permit.
A permit is not required for ordinary repairs or maintenance. Ordinary repairs to structures do not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements.
Click the following links to view the residential permits and the commercial permits.
A person shall not equip a building with electrical conductors or equipment or make an alteration of, change in, or addition to, electrical conductors or equipment without receiving a permit to do the work described. Work should not be started until a permit has been issued. Electrical permits are not required for the following:
Click the following links to view the Electrical Information Sheet and an Electrical Permit .
A plumbing permit is required for the erection, installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion or replacement of any plumbing system regulated by the plumbing code. Work should not be started until a plumbing permit has been issued.
Plumbing permits are not required for the following:
Click the following links to view the Plumbing Information Sheet and a Plumbing Permit.
Yes. The State of Michigan allows two entities the authority to obtain a permit for a residential construction work: a contractor licensed by the State of Michigan or the homeowner if that is their place of residence and they will be performing the work.
Yes. Driveway permits are issued by the Department of Community Development. Please contact the Building Services Division at 269-329-4477 with questions. Permits to work in the public right of way are issued by the Department of Transportation and Utilities. Please contact the Transportation Division project manager at 269-329-4422 with questions.
A building permit will be required in the event that you wish to replace more that four sheets of decking (8x4) or any structural component during the roofing activity. No permit is required to remove and replace shingles only. Find information on how to obtain a residential building permit (PDF).
No permit is required for a seven-foot high or lower fence located on non-lakefront residential property. Consideration must be given, however to be sure that the new fence does not create a vision obstruction for vehicles or pedestrians. Specific rules apply to fencing in the rear (lakefront) yard for lakefront properties.
A sign permit application is required prior to the installation of a new wall sign, freestanding sign, directional sign, non-accessory billboard sign and for many temporary signs. In addition, changes to existing wall and freestanding sign faces require a sign permit prior to making sign modifications.
Click the following links for a Sign Permit with Electric or a Sign Permit without Electric.
The city permits businesses to operate from a home under certain circumstances. Find more information on the standards for Home Occupations and obtain a permit application (PDF). Contact and address information are on the Community Development Department page.
The city permits commercial outdoor promotional events under certain circumstances. Find more information on the standard for Business Special Events and obtain a permit application (PDF). Contact and address information are on the Community Development Department page.
Construction of all sheds require a building permit to determine compliance with the City of Portage Zoning Code and Michigan Residential Building Code. Review the following brochures for additional information. Guidelines for Accessory Buildings brochure (PDF) and How To Obtain A Residential Building Permit brochure (PDF).
Most construction projects require a building permit to ensure compliance with the Portage Zoning Code and Michigan Residential Building Code. With regard to zoning requirements for one-family residential building projects, please review One-Family Zoning Regulations (PDF).