Building Permits in City of Grand Haven, MI

MI, a small accessory concrete slab (walkway, patio pad, small equipment pad) of 200 square feet or less at grade is exempt from a building permit. Larger slabs that will support a future structure or are part of a building foundation fall under the building permit. Impervious surface counts toward lot-coverage limits in the zoning code.

MI, a freestanding deck not more than 30 inches above grade and not more than 200 square feet is exempt from a building permit under MRC 2021 R105.2. City zoning setbacks still apply. If the parcel is within the Downtown Historic District (Washington Ave corridor) or within a FEMA floodplain, additional review may apply; call the Building Division at 616-842-3460 to confirm.

MI, fences 7 feet or less are exempt from a state building permit under MRC 2021 R105.2. City of Grand Haven zoning ordinance restricts front-yard fence height (typically 3-4 feet); side and rear yard fences up to 6 feet are generally allowed. Within the Downtown Historic District or along the Grand River waterfront, materials and style may require HCD Commission review. Call City Planning at 616-842-3210 before installing.

MI, an at-grade uncovered concrete or paver patio is exempt from a building permit. Adding a cover, roof, or screen enclosure turns the covered area into an accessory structure requiring a building permit. Impervious surface coverage counts toward lot-coverage limits in the zoning code.

MI, a retaining wall 4 feet or less measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, without surcharge, is exempt from a building permit under MRC 2021 R105.2. Drainage and erosion control remain the owner's responsibility. Waterfront and bluff-adjacent parcels should confirm EGLE Critical Dune / High-Risk Erosion Area rules before building.