Detroit building permits
Building permits in Detroit are issued by the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)1. You can apply and request inspections online through aca-prod.accela.com2.
On this page
Building department contacts
Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)1
Building permits
- Website
- detroitmi.gov1
- Apply online
- aca-prod.accela.com2
- Phone
- (313) 224-27331
- [email protected]3
- Address
- Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, 4th Floor, Suite 434, Detroit, MI 48226 (Development Resource Center)2
- Hours
- Monday-Thursday 8:00 am-4:30 pm (Construction Inspection Division office, CAYMC Suite 408)4
- Inspections
- Online in eLAPS (Accela) or by phone (313) 224-32024
BSEED Zoning/Special Land Use Division5
Zoning and planning
- Phone
- (313) 224-13175
- [email protected]5
Detroit Historic District Commission (HDC) staff3
Historic preservation
- Phone
- (313) 224-17623
- [email protected]3
City of Detroit Department of Public Works (right-of-way permits)2
Public works and right-of-way
- Phone
- (313) 224-39356
- Address
- City Engineering Division, 65 Cadillac Square - Suite 7016
BSEED Construction Inspection Division, Trade Licensing & Testing4
Contractor licensing
- Phone
- (313) 224-31844
Detroit Fire Department, Fire Marshal (fire alarm permits)4
Fire marshal
- Phone
- (313) 596-29544
- [email protected]4
To look up permits already issued for an address (useful before you buy, or to check a contractor's work), use the city's official permit search: aca-prod.accela.com7.
Building codes in force in Detroit
These are the model codes Detroit enforces, with the edition and the date it took effect. Plans are reviewed and work is inspected against them. For the state framework, see Michigan building codes.
| Code | Title as adopted | Model edition | Effective | Adopted by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Residential Code (IRC) | Michigan residential code for 1- and 2-family dwellings8 | 20158 | 8 | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| International Building Code (IBC) | Michigan building code8 | 20218 | 8 | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| International Existing Building Code (IEBC) | Michigan rehabilitation code for existing buildings8 | 20218 | 8 | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| Energy code, residential | Michigan Energy Code8 | 20158 | – | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| Energy code, commercial | Michigan Commercial Energy Code8 | 20218 | 8 | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | Michigan plumbing code8 | 20218 | 8 | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | Michigan Mechanical Code8 | 20218 | 8 | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | Michigan electrical code8 | 20238 | 8 | Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, by administrative rule9 |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | International Fuel Gas Code5 | – | – | – |
Detroit building permit fees
Fees come from the City of Detroit BSEED Fee Schedule, Effective January 1, 2024, Modified 7/18/202510.
How valuation is set. Project cost (design and construction cost) estimated using the department's square foot cost table10.
Each line is worded as in Detroit’s schedule; formulas are not added up into a total (how permit fees work).
| Fee | Type | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Residential permit, project cost $2,000 or less | Based on project valuation | $2,000 or less Flat $271.4310 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $2,000 but not over $25,000 | Based on project valuation | Over $2,000 but not over $25,000 First $2,000 Base $271.43 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $2,000 Per $1,000 $34.0910 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $25,000 but not over $100,000 | Based on project valuation | Over $25,000 but not over $100,000 First $25,000 Base $1,055.57 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $25,000 Per $1,000 $24.5310 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000 | Based on project valuation | First $500,000 Base $14,024.05 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $500,000 Per $1,000 $26.2410 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $1,000,000 but not over $5,000,000 | Based on project valuation | First $1,000,000 Base $27,143.33 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $1,000,000 Per $1,000 $11.5410 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $5,000,000 but not over $20,000,000 | Based on project valuation | First $5,000,000 Base $73,287.00 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $5,000,000 Per $1,000 $5.9710 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $20,000,000 but not over $50,000,000 | Based on project valuation | First $20,000,000 Base $162,859.99 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $20,000,000 Per $1,000 $3.6210 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $50,000,000 | Based on project valuation | First $50,000,000 Base $271,433.32 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $50,000,000 Per $1,000 $1.8110 |
| Building/Residential permit, over $100,000 but not over $500,000 | Based on project valuation | First $100,000 Base $2,895.29 Per $1,000 or fraction thereof over $100,000 Per $1,000 $27.8210 |
| Building, Structural, and Zoning Code Plan Review (Deposit) | Plan review | Building, Structural, and Zoning Code Plan Review (Deposit) % of Bldg. Permit Fee 35%10 |
| Electrical Plan Review | Plan review | Electrical Plan Review % of Bldg. Permit Fee 7%10 |
| Mechanical Plan Review | Plan review | Mechanical Plan Review % of Bldg. Permit Fee 7%10 |
| Plumbing Plan Review | Plan review | Plumbing Plan Review % of Bldg. Permit Fee 7%10 |
| Revised plans, per discipline, first three sheets | Plan review | First three (3) sheets Base $15810 |
| Revised Permits minimum | Minimum fee | Revised Permits Minimum Minimum $18710 |
| Change of Use (Building only) | Flat fee | Change of Use Flat $24910 |
| Special permit: historical district requirement (exterior painting, fences, etc.) | Flat fee | Permits because of historical district requirement (Exterior Painting of Building, fences, etc.) Flat $10610 |
| Barrier Free Access Ramps for Residential Homes | Flat fee | Barrier Free Access Ramps for Residential Homes Flat $10610 |
| Wrecking/demolition, each building not exceeding 30,000 cu. ft., without basement | Flat fee | Not exceeding 30,000 cu. Ft. – without basement Each $14310 |
| Wrecking/demolition, each building not exceeding 30,000 cu. ft., with basement | Flat fee | Not exceeding 30,000 cu. Ft. – with basement Each $24910 |
| Electrical permit base fee | Flat fee | ELECTRICAL PART A Base fee Base $6610 |
| Electrical circuits | Per fixture or item | Each circuit (New or Extended, Altered or Removed) Each $2010 |
| Electrical rough inspection, single- or two-family dwelling | Per inspection | For inspection of single-family or two-family dwellings Each $5910 |
| Solar PV with utility grid connection, per inverter connection | Per inspection | Systems with utility grid connection per inverter connection Per visit $27810 |
| Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations | Per inspection | Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations (1 Hour Base Fee per station) Note: Additional fee may be required if 1 hour per station is exceeded Per station $17610 |
| Plumbing installation permit application fee | Flat fee | Application Fee (Non-Refundable) Flat $7310 |
| Plumbing fixtures/appliances, each | Per fixture or item | Plumbing Fixtures, Plumbing Appliance, Plumbing Appurtenance, Plus Any Other Fixture, Drain, Water Connected Appliance or Appurtenance Not specifically Listed Each $4410 |
| Water Service (curb stop into the house) | Flat fee | Water Service (curb stop into the house) Each $8810 |
| Gas-fired equipment installation permit, homeowner: central heating unit/furnace | Flat fee | Central heating units, conversion burner, floor furnace – Each Each $20310 |
| Re-inspection fee (failure to gain access, work not ready) | Re-inspection | Each Reinspection Each $17610 |
| Overtime inspection, evenings and Saturdays | After-hours inspection | Evenings and Saturdays: Hourly Rate Per hour $19110 |
| Overtime inspection, Sundays and holidays | After-hours inspection | Sundays and Holidays: Hourly Rate Per hour $21510 |
| Permit Extension | Flat fee | Permit Extension Flat $22710 |
| Certificate Of Occupancy | Flat fee | Certificate Of Occupancy Flat $14710 |
| Temporary Cert of Occupancy | Flat fee | Temporary Cert of Occupancy Flat $52010 |
| Pre-Plan Consultation | Flat fee | Pre-Plan Consultation Flat $19010 |
| Zoning verification letter | Flat fee | Zoning verification letter per address per lot Per lot $9310 |
| Transfer of Permit | Flat fee | Transfer of Permit Each $7310 |
To apply Detroit's valuation table to your own project value, use the permit fee calculator; it shows the schedule line it used.
How to get a building permit in Detroit
- Determine if you need a permit (online tool)2
- Identify the permit type and gather documents2
- Apply online in eLAPS (Accela); fee due at submission2
- Upload drawings in eLAPS (Accela) Plan Review tab11
- Document review and corrections2
- Pay any additional fees, then download permit2
- Post permits and start work2
- Schedule and complete inspections2
- Obtain Certificate of Acceptance and/or Occupancy2
- Apply online
- Yes2
- Over-the-counter permits
- Same Day Permits (types not listed)1
- Posting the permit
- Post all permits on the exterior of the property2
Inspections in Detroit
Detroit’s inspection stages, in order. Do not cover work until the stage has passed (how inspections work).
- Buildings inspections: rough and final4
- Final inspection required after work; C of A validates permit12
- Certificate of Occupancy4
- Plumbing inspections: rough plumbing, water distribution, final4
- How to schedule
- ELAPS (Accela) online or (313) 224-32024
- Re-inspection fee
- Each Reinspection Each $17610
- After the final inspection
- Certificate of Acceptance (C of A) for approved permitted work4
Building without a permit in Detroit
| Consequence | Applies to | As the city states it |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation fee | Failure to obtain permits10 | Contractors "Per Occurrence" Flat $35110 |
| Investigation fee | Failure to obtain permits10 | Homeowners "Per Occurrence" Flat $17610 |
| Criminal penalty | Violating the code or doing regulated work contrary to it4 | Misdemeanor: fine up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both4 |
For how unpermitted work is usually legalized, see how to legalize unpermitted work.
Doing the work yourself (owner-builder)
- Homeowner may pull a building permit
- Conditional: residential work by the building owner who will occupy the dwelling12
- Homeowner electrical work
- Conditional: homeowner trade permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) for single-family only; contractor needed for commercial and 2-family and up4
- Homeowner plumbing work
- Conditional: single-family structures12
- Owner and occupancy requirement
- Building work: owner who will occupy the dwelling12
Michigan's statewide owner-builder and licensing rules are on the Michigan permit guide.
Michigan rules that also apply in Detroit
- Deadlines for permit decisions and inspections in Michigan
- Contractor licensing in Michigan
- Selling a home with unpermitted work in Michigan
- Private plan review and inspections in Michigan
Sources
- Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED)City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026
- Building PermitsCity of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026
- Do I Need a Building or Trade Permit?City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 6, 2026
- Construction InspectionCity of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026
- Permits & Plan ReviewCity of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 6, 2026
- Right of Way/Sidewalk Permits RequirementsCity of Detroit, Department of Public Works, City Engineering DivisionChecked November 6, 2026
- City of Detroit - Building, Safety, and Environmental Department (eLAPS / Accela Citizen Access)City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026
- Construction Codes Part 5. Residential Code (R 408.30500 to 408.30547g)State of Michigan, Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules, Michigan Administrative Code (Bureau of Construction Codes rules)Effective February 8, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
- Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act, Act 230 of 1972Michigan Legislature, Michigan Compiled LawsLast updated May 23, 2026Checked November 8, 2026
- City of Detroit BSEED Fee Schedule, Effective January 1, 2024, Modified 7/18/2025City of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Revised July 18, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Step by Step Getting to the Finish Line in Plan ReviewCity of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Revised August 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- Buildings Safety Engineering and Environmental Department Frequently Asked QuestionsCity of Detroit, Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)Checked November 7, 2026