Building Permit Information and General Applications

Fraud Alert: The City of St. Joseph has been notified of several fraudulent invoices pretending to be from City departments requesting payment via wire transfer. This is a scam—do not respond. If you receive any questionable communications from the City requesting payment, please call City Hall at 269-983-5541 prior to sending money.

Building Permits must be obtained before starting any construction, remodeling, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing work. Non-structural changes such as painting or flooring, typically do not require a building permit.

Only complete applications with all required supplemental information (accurately drawn building plans and site plan) and application fee will be accepted.  For Building Permits, please include a full-size set of blueprints and a digital copy.

Submittal and Payment Options

Administratively complete applications are typically issued within 7 days; however, this turn-around time depends on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the application. Work cannot begin until a permit has been issued and received by the applicant. 

Applications with payment can be completed by USPS mail or in-person submission of applications. The City also has a secure 24/7 drop box located at City Hall.  

The Building Inspection Department also accepts online credit card payment for applications.  When a completed application has been received staff will provide the applicant additional information to allow for online payment.  Once payment has been received, the permit will be reviewed.