Electrical Permit in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Frequently asked questions

Do you need an electrical permit in Sterling Heights?

Electrical is one of the three trade permits on the Building Department's published permits-required list, and the city's guidance is that an electrical permit is required for any electrical work, in some cases even for pool replacements, and that a permit is required even if the electrical is existing. The one exemption the city publishes is narrow: in most cases no electrical permit is needed for a storable pool as long as the pool pump motor plugs into an existing GFCI receptacle. Permits should be secured by the person doing the work and can be applied for online. Per Fire Marshal Bulletin P20-19, residential electrical services may not exceed 200 amps, and any request for a residential service over 200 amps must include an electric load information sheet supplied by a licensed electrician. Always confirm with the City of Sterling Heights Office of Building (Building Division), Office of City Development before starting.

How much does an electrical permit cost in Sterling Heights?

Electrical Permit Application 26-27: non-refundable application fee $55.00, then per item. Each Circuit $28.00, Fixtures each 25 $28.00, Furnace Wiring $39.00, Air Conditioner Reconnect $39.00, Service up to 100 Amps $34.00, Service 101 up to 200 Amps $44.00, Swimming pools / Hot Tubs $63.00, Water Heater $34.00, Range $34.00, Dryer $34.00, Generator Connection $57.00, EV Charger $33.00, Alterations to existing system $75.00, General repairs $65.00, Re-establish expired permit $77.00. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.

Where do you apply for an electrical permit in Sterling Heights?

You can apply through the Sterling Heights permit portal or contact the City of Sterling Heights Office of Building (Building Division), Office of City Development directly. The links are listed on this page.

Can a homeowner pull an electrical permit themselves in Sterling Heights?

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 Sterling Heights applies this before you apply.