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.