A permit is not required for ordinary repairs. Ordinary repairs to structures may be performed without permission, but such repairs shall not include the cutting of any wall, partition or part thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or support support, or the removal or replacement of any required output means, or the reorganization of parts of a structure affecting exit requirements; nor ordinary repairs, including the addition, alteration, replacement or relocation of any hydraulic piping, water supply, sewer, drainage, gas, floor, waste, ventilation or similar piping, electrical wiring or mechanical or other work affecting the public health or general safety. We posed this question to the Emmet County Construction Department and found that there are exemptions for when a permit is needed. You don't need a permit to replace drywall as long as you only replace the panels.
However, if you are working on supporting structures or altering walls by adding drywall, you may need a permit, depending on the building regulations where you live. Obtaining permits for home improvement, such as replacing drywall or adding a room can be expensive, but it can be even more expensive to complete works on your home without the necessary permits.
