Electrical Permit in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do you need an electrical permit in Ann Arbor?

Electrical work in Ann Arbor requires its own permit from the city Building Department, separate from any building permit on the same project. Fees are charged per device, circuit and panel rather than on project valuation, and the city runs dedicated electrical inspectors. Trade permits are applied for in STREAM, must be posted on the job site, and are not released until the associated building permit is approved. Residential solar panel wiring is the notable carve out: it is still permitted, but the line item is priced at $0 and the application fee is waived on the expedited solar track. Always confirm with the City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services (Construction and Building), with zoning review by Planning and Development Services before starting.

How much does an electrical permit cost in Ann Arbor?

Electrical Permit Fees (effective January 2020): $15 base application fee for all permits, non refundable with no inspections included, plus $35 each inspection. Line items include "Branch Circuit, less than 208 volts ... $7", "Branch Circuit, 208 volts and over ... $20", "Appliance New / Re-connects (e.g. furnace, AC, water heater, etc.) ... $25", "Light Fixtures / Receptacles (in Groups of 10) ... $5", service panels at $45 up to 400 amp and $65 over 400 amp, "Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot tubs ... $25", residential smoke alarms $25 and residential solar panels $0 per set of 3 panels. Electrical contractor registration or re-registration is $15. Work without a permit is $130. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

How long does an electrical permit take in Ann Arbor?

Minimum 24 to 48 hours for review and processing; trade permit reviews typically completed within 2 to 3 business days. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.

Where do you apply for an electrical permit in Ann Arbor?

You can apply through the Ann Arbor permit portal or contact the City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services (Construction and Building), with zoning review by Planning and Development Services directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull an electrical permit themselves in Ann Arbor?

Under Michigan law (MCL 339.2403(b), (c); MCL 339.2401(a)(iii), (b)(ii)(A); MCL 339.5737(3)(g); MCL 339.6107(2)(d); MCL 339.5819): Yes. A Michigan homeowner may pull the building permit and do the work on their own home without a residential builder license, because the licensing article both defines the trade to exclude them and exempts them outright. MCL 339.2401(a)(iii) says a residential builder is a person that erects a residential structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property, and MCL 339.2403(b) exempts an owner of property with reference to a structure on the property for the owner's own use and occupancy. Own use and occupancy is the condition, so the exemption does not cover building to sell, and MCL 339.2403(c) limits owners of rental property to maintenance and alteration of that property. The statute sets no cap on how many times a homeowner may use the exemption; the only frequency rule in the article catches purchase, substantial rehabilitation, and resale of the same structure more than twice in 1 calendar year, and MCL 339.2401(b)(ii)(A) exempts work for the person's own use and occupancy from even that. Homeowners can also pull their own trade permits: electrical work in a single family home and accompanying outbuildings owned and occupied or to be occupied by the person doing the work (MCL 339.5737(3)(g)), their own plumbing, building sewer, or private sewer in their single-family dwelling if a permit is secured (MCL 339.6107(2)(d)), and a heating or refrigerating system if the owner affirms in the permit application that they are or will become the owner and occupant (MCL 339.5819). Confirm how Ann Arbor applies this before you apply.