Plumbing Permit in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a plumbing permit in Ann Arbor?

Plumbing work in Ann Arbor requires a separate plumbing permit from the city Building Department in addition to any building permit for the same project. The fee schedule is per fixture and per system, with most individual fixtures at $15 and residential drain waste and vent and water distribution priced by the number of storeys served. Bathroom and kitchen group rates are restricted to new homes and commercial work. Trade permits are filed in STREAM, must be posted on the job site, and are held until the associated building permit is approved. 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 a plumbing permit cost in Ann Arbor?

Plumbing Permit Fees (effective July 1, 2017): $15 base application fee required for all permits, non refundable and no inspections, plus $35 each inspection. Fixture line items are largely $15 each, covering water closets, tubs and showers, sinks and lavatories, dishwashers, floor drains, laundry standpipes, sump pumps and sewage ejectors, backflow preventers and water heaters. Residential system items include drain waste and vent at $35 single floor, $45 two story and $55 tri or quad, and water distribution at $25, $35 and $50 on the same scale. Sewers are $50 up to 4 inches and $65 over 4 inches. Plumbing contractor registration is $15 and work without a permit is $130. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

How long does a plumbing 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 a plumbing 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 a plumbing 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.