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Building & Permits
The Building Division ensures that construction within the city is safe, code-compliant, and consistent with State of Michigan Construction Codes. We review building plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections for new construction, renovations, and repairs. The department enforces building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical, codes to protect public health and welfare. We provide guidance to homeowners, contractors, and developers to help projects proceed efficiently and successfully. Overall, the division safeguards the community by ensuring that all structures are properly built and maintained for long-term safety.
Permits and Applications
Permits are required for construction activities on properties within the city. The applications are used to reduce potential hazards and unsafe construction practices. To get started with a project please visit:
Near the top of the BS&A Online screen, you will find a search box. To the left of the search box, you can adjust what records you are looking for and what you want to search by. By default, it is set to search all records by address. Enter the address you are looking for and hit enter or press the search button to the right of the search box.
The property record should now be listed. Immediately below this you will see tabs that will navigate to Tax Information, Building Department, and Utility Bill Info. By default, the Property Information tab is selected.
Property Information
This tab will show general information about the property, like the current owner, tax information, land details, building information, and sale history. You can see a property's zoning under the Land Information heading.
Tax Information
This tab will show a properties tax history, payment dates, and any amounts due. You can expand each item in the tax history to show additional information, including a breakdown of the total bill.
Building Department
This tab will show the property's permit history with issue and inspection dates. You can also view detail information for each permit listed.
Utility Billing Information
This tab shows a property's utility billing history. Here you can find the current utility bill and the billing and payment history for the account. Items in the history can be expanded for more detail. You can make a payment for a current bill from this page by clicking "Pay Now" in the red box near the top of the page.
Invoices
This tab shows a property's invoice history and any amounts currently due. You can make a payment for a current bill from this page by clicking "Pay Now" in the red box near the top of the page.
Please contact the Department of Community Development for additional services at (269) 329-4466.
Know What’s Below Before You Dig! Even Hand digging can cause damage. Over 25% of damage is from homeowners.
5 Steps to Safe Digging
- Call MISS DIG 811 at 811 or go online to missdig811.org
- Wait for utilities to be marked
- Check status at missdig811.org
- Respect the marks
- Dig with care
| Staff Contacts | |
|---|---|
| Terry Novak Deputy Director Building and Housing Services novakt@portagemi.gov (269) 329-4467 | |
| Brady VanderVeen, Building Official vandervb@portagemi.gov (269) 324-9281 Craig Hanosh, Building Inspector hanoshc@portagemi.gov (269) 329-4478 | |
| David Sliwa, Electrical Inspector sliwad@portagemi.gov (269) 329-4469 | |
| Vacant, Mechanical Inspector @portagemi.gov (269) 329-4468 Gary Jensen, Plumbing Inspector jenseng@portagemi.gov (269) 329-4470 Stephanie Norg, Permit Coordinator / SESC Certified Inspector norgs@portagemi.gov (269) 329-4466 |