Roof Replacement Permit in Detroit, Michigan
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before starting work to recover or replace a roof, or to remove a substantial amount of shingles.
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
BSEED's Roof Replacement Requirements handout states plainly that a permit must be obtained before starting work to recover or replace a roof, and directs applicants to file the #2 Building Permit Application. The department's permit guide puts roof replacement and removal of a substantial amount of shingles in the permit-required column and exempts only replacing a few shingles, described as any roof-work that could be done in a matter of minutes. Two inspections are required, the first at the tear off and the second for final.
Typical threshold: roof-work beyond replacing a few shingles.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
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?
When a permit is usually needed
Before starting work to recover or replace a roof, or to remove a substantial amount of shingles.
What a roof replacement permit costs in Detroit
How Detroit compares in Michigan
No Michigan jurisdiction we have verified sets a size threshold for this permit, so what actually differs between them is the fee.
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | It depends | No roofing line item is published. |
| Detroitthis page | It depends | Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule... |
| Grand Rapids | Permit required | FY 2027 Planning, Design and Development Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2026... |
| Sterling Heights | Permit required | Building Permit Application 26-27 fee chart: 'Roof or Re-roof' $78.00, plus... |
How to apply in Detroit
A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- A recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- The materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) sets the exact checklist for Detroit.
Where to apply 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
Inspections and closing out your permit
Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- Where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- An overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- Flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- A final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- Reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Detroit permit portal or by phone at (313) 224-2372.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Detroit
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: roof-work beyond replacing a few shingles. Usually needed: Before starting work to recover or replace a roof, or to remove a substantial amount of shingles.
- Budget the fee. Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified 7/18/2025: $2,000 or less, Flat $271.43; Over $2,000 but not over $25,000, First $2,000 Base $271.43 plus $34.09 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Detroit permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Phone: (313) 224-2372. Address: Development Resource Center, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Room 434, Detroit, MI 48226.
- Plan for inspections. Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Detroit?
- BSEED's Roof Replacement Requirements handout states plainly that a permit must be obtained before starting work to recover or replace a roof, and directs applicants to file the #2 Building Permit Application. The department's permit guide puts roof replacement and removal of a substantial amount of shingles in the permit-required column and exempts only replacing a few shingles, described as any roof-work that could be done in a matter of minutes. Two inspections are required, the first at the tear off and the second for final. Roof-work beyond replacing a few shingles. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Detroit?
- Building permit fees are based on project cost under the BSEED Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2024, modified 7/18/2025: $2,000 or less, Flat $271.43; Over $2,000 but not over $25,000, First $2,000 Base $271.43 plus $34.09 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a roof replacement permit take in Detroit?
- In Detroit, a roof replacement permit typically takes about 5 days for a residential building permit after the application is submitted. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Detroit?
- You can apply through the Detroit permit portal or contact the City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Detroit?
- 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 Detroit applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Detroit
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| 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:... |
| 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... |
| 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... |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Michigan localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Detroit documents; the office above sets the local rules.
Verified by a person against the sources above on , not confirmed with City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Michigan localities
Permit office
City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)
(313) 224-2372Permit portal