Building permits in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Ann Arbor, 8 need a permit outright and 2 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources- Project types verified
- 10
- in Ann Arbor
City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services (Construction and Building), with zoning review by Planning and Development Services
- City Hall, 301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Mailing: P.O. Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8647
- Phone: 734.794.6263 ext. 0
- Email: building@a2gov.org
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor runs an online permit portal. Many local portals let you check application status, search permit records, and view inspection results without calling the office.
What needs a permit in Ann Arbor
Of the 10 common home projects we have verified in Ann Arbor, 8 need a permit outright and 2 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Building Permit Fees (effective October 2019, revised 7/15/2025): $15 base application... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Electrical Permit Fees (effective January 2020): $15 base application fee for all... |
| Fence Permit | Permit required | Not specified | The Planning Services Fence Guidelines handout (revised 3/3/2025) states a flat Fence... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Mechanical Permit Fees (effective July 1, 2017): $15 base application fee required for... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | Not specified | No patio specific line item is published. |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Plumbing Permit Fees (effective July 1, 2017): $15 base application fee required for all... |
| Pool Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Building Permit Fees (effective October 2019, revised 7/15/2025) carries a flat line... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | Not specified | No roofing line item is published. |
| Shed Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Building Permit Fees (effective October 2019, revised 7/15/2025), under the Zoning... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | For expedited residential solar the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Permitting Checklist... |
Planning a project in Ann Arbor?
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
Planning several things at once? Check your whole project