Building Department

eaton coEffective April 21, 2025, building permit applications and trade permit applications will be reviewed, issued, and inspected by the Eaton County Construction Codes Department.


HOW TO APPLY

Eaton County utilizes BSA online; applicants must apply online for all permit types.

BUILDING PERMITS

If you are applying for any of the following, you must obtain a Grand Ledge Zoning & DPS Referral Form prior to applying for your Building Permit with Eaton County.

  • All Commercial Building Permits require Zoning and DPS Referrals, including a change of use or occupancy.
  • Residential
    • New construction, accessory structures, additions, decks/porches, or exterior alterations, change of use (example: a single to multi-family renovation), or anything else altering the footprint(s) of an existing structure on the property.
  • Residential and commercial demolitions do not require a referral form.

 To obtain a referral form, click here to apply through Grand Ledge BSA Online.


  • A SITE PLAN IS REQUIRED with your referral request. This site plan should include:
    • The shape, location, area, and dimensions of the lot.
    • The location, dimensions, height, and bulk of the existing and/or proposed structures to be erected, altered, or moved on the lot.
    • The existing and intended use of the lot and of all such structures upon it, including in the residential areas, and the number of dwelling units the building is intended to accommodate.
    • The yard, open space, and parking space dimensions.
    • Existing or proposed utilities, sidewalks, or driveways.
    • If applicable in the scope of work, driveways and sidewalks with dimensions, and any infrastructure or utility lines.
  • Eaton County Construction Codes will not process your building permit application without a Grand Ledge Zoning & DPS referral form.   

NEED HELP WITH YOUR SITE PLAN?

INSPECTIONS: Inspections for permits issued by Eaton County can be requested online through BSA or by calling the department at 517-543-3004.

PAYING FOR PERMITS: Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at the Construction Codes Office located at 1045 Independence Boulevard, Charlotte.

I pulled a permit when DeWitt Township was covering services in Grand Ledge. What do I do now?

  • For permits issued by the City of Grand Ledge/DeWitt Township, the DeWitt Township building department will perform the inspections.  Please schedule those inspections as you have done previously by calling the inspection line at 517-277-0700.
  • Inspections that are not called for or completed by May 30, 2025, may be assigned to Eaton County Construction Codes, or the permits may be closed out. 
  • Permits that are closed out, that need additional inspections, will be required to make a new permit application and pay all permit and inspection fees.  To avoid any additional permit or inspection fees, schedule your inspection(s).
  1. Right-of-Way Permits
  2. Property maintenance enforcement

Water and Sewer Permits are required for plumbing/sewer work occurring three feet outside the home or business to the main. This is typically for new homes/businesses, sewer or water line repairs, or irrigation installation. This permit must be acquired prior to submitting a Building Permit application to Eaton County, when applicable.

Contractors or homeowners may apply for a water and sewer permit online.

INSPECTION TIMES

  • All water-sewer line inspections (3' out from the house to the curb) should be scheduled by calling the Grand Ledge Public Services Department at 517-627-2144. We will do our best to honor inspection requests, but they must be made in advance, 36 to 48 hours.

Note Regarding Surface Water Management

With rain and snow, some residential and other properties become inundated with water. While the City remains sympathetic to these challenging situations, the City is not legally responsible for water flow from adjoining private property owners. Under Michigan law, a municipality is not obligated to construct drainage infrastructure to confine naturally flowing surface water.

It is unlawful, however, for a property owner to interfere with the natural flow of water in a manner that causes an artificial diversion, blockage, or concentration onto another property. If you have reason to believe the burden on your property has been increased by such artificial interference, please know that this is a private legal matter for resolution between property owners and their insurers, not an area of liability for the City and its taxpaying residents.