Building Department / Planning

Your permit must be posted on-site and the plans available to the inspectors for all inspections.

No. Each trade permit must be pulled separately.

A building bond and/or a road preservation bond may be required depending on the type of work being permitted. The bond will be returned after a final inspection is approved.

Yes. You will be required to fill out a Homeowner's Affidavit stating that you will personally be doing the work and be responsible for the work. All work must conform to code and you will be held personally liable. If a State of Michigan licensed Builder or Maintenance/Alteration Contractor is hired by the homeowner to supervise the work, then we strongly recommend the permit be issued to the licensed builder.

The City will not recommend any company, however you may look at our records of licensed contractors that do work in the City.

Before beginning your home improvement or construction project, contact the Building Division at 248-530-1409 for information concerning permits. Permits are required for many types of jobs, including, but not limited to, the following:

• New residential and commercial building construction
• Additions, alterations, or modifications to existing buildings
• Sunrooms
• Decks
• Pools
• Sheds
• Fences
• Air conditioning units
• Generators
• Pool equipment
• Play structures
• Satellite dishes or communications towers
• Retaining and screening walls
• Roofs
• Chimney repair
• Siding and gutter replacement
• Signage
• Window and door replacement
• Driveway gates
• Residential and commercial demolition

If there is any question as to whether a permit is needed for any work, call the Building Official.

Yes, a Fence Permit is required.

Air conditioner condensers are considered accessory structures, and accessory structures are not permitted in the required side yard. If you have a question regarding the placement of an air conditioner or generator, please contact the Building Official at 248-530-1408.

The Zoning Ordinance regulates the size of lots as well as the placement of a residence on a lot. Typically, these restrictions regarding placement are referred to as setbacks, which means the distance a structure must be placed or setback from the lot line.

Anyone contemplating building a new house or addition should contact the Building Department to discuss, ordinance requirements may be different today than when your home was constructed.

Yes, an individual responsible for the work performed must be present for the inspection.

Inspections can be requested through BS&A Online. Inspection requests can also be emailed to the Building Department.

Time requests for building inspections are limited to 2-hour ranges; however, depending on the amount and type of inspection, time requests may not be honored. Please keep in mind that certain inspections may take longer, or other problems may arise, that will create delays in the schedule. If the situation dictates, please call the building department and discuss the situation with the inspector for time arrangements.

Building code interpretation or code-related questions shall be addressed by the Building Official during regular office hours. Trade Inspectors are available by requesting a telephone conference through this office. For more information, call the Building Official at 248-530-1408.

Please provide the permit number, type of inspection, property address, and the name and number of the individual scheduling the inspection.