Building Permits in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor's Building and Rental Services / Construction and Building functions handle construction plan review, permits and inspections. All current permit applications are submitted through the City's STREAM system.

Current codes

Ann Arbor states that enforcement of the 2021 Michigan Building Code began May 1, 2025 for building-permit applications submitted on or after that date. Michigan LARA lists the 2021 Michigan Building Code as the current building code, effective April 9, 2025.

The residential code is different: both the City and Michigan LARA identify the 2015 Michigan Residential Code as current pending a later state update. This guide therefore does not incorrectly describe all Ann Arbor construction as using one code edition.

Permit process and inspections

Applicants register in STREAM and use it to apply for and manage permits, request inspections and pay invoices. State licensing registration is required in STREAM when the selected permit requires a state-licensed contractor; homeowner or other permit types that do not require state licensing follow the City's stated exception.

Inspections are scheduled through STREAM. The City states that next-day inspections cannot be scheduled after 2:30 p.m. on the previous day, and inspection appointments are subject to volume and availability.

Fees and timing

Plan-review fees are due when a building-permit application is submitted; applications are not reviewed until that fee is paid. Ann Arbor also publishes separate inspection-fee rules for trade permits. The City publishes limited processing information for specific permit types, but this page does not generalize those figures into a citywide building-permit deadline.

Official sources

• Ann Arbor Construction and Building: https://www.a2gov.org/building-rental-and-inspection-services/construction-and-building/
• Ann Arbor permitting process: https://www.a2gov.org/building-rental-and-inspection-services/construction-and-building/permits/permitting-process/
• Ann Arbor inspections: https://www.a2gov.org/building-rental-and-inspection-services/construction-and-building/permits/inspections/
• Ann Arbor code update: https://www.a2gov.org/news/posts/enforcement-of-2021-michigan-building-code-begins-may-1-2025/
• Michigan LARA code books: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/rules-acts/codes/code-books

Disclaimer: Verify the code applicable to the specific building type, current fees, licensing and inspection requirements with Ann Arbor before filing.