Building permits in Detroit, Michigan
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Detroit, 1 need a permit outright and 8 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 Detroit
City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)
- Development Resource Center, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Room 434, Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone: (313) 224-2372
- Email: DRC@detroitmi.gov
- Official permit page
- Permit portal
- Official fee schedule
Look up a permit in Detroit
Detroit 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 Detroit
Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Detroit, 1 need a permit outright and 8 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 | It depends | deck area | Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule effective... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | electrical alterations beyond replacing switches or receptacles | BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified 7/18/2025, ELECTRICAL PART A:... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fence height, for a fence outside a Special Review District | Fence work is priced as a building permit on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Not specified | BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified 7/18/2025, GAS FIRED EQUIPMENT:... |
| Patio Permit | Not confirmed | Not specified | Not published |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | plumbing alterations beyond the working parts of a faucet or valve or clearance of stoppages | BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified 7/18/2025, PLUMBING INSTALLATION... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | prefabricated above-ground pool accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy holding not more than 5,000 gallons | Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule effective... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | roof-work beyond replacing a few shingles | Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule effective... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a one-story detached accessory structure in residential construction | Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule effective... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified 7/18/2025, PART E, RENEWABLE... |
Planning a project in Detroit?
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