Building Permits in Detroit

Detroit requires a building permit for most construction, alteration, and repair work that affects structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Permits are issued by BSEED (Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department), which also conducts plan review, field inspections, and enforcement of Detroit's building and environmental regulations.

Detroit enforces the Michigan Building Code (MBC) and Michigan Residential Code (MRC) — statewide codes adopted by the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) within Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Michigan adopted the 2021 editions of these codes (based on the International Building Code and International Residential Code) effective February 2024. BSEED administers and enforces these codes locally.

Before applying for any BSEED permit, a Blight Clearance from the Department of Administrative Hearings (DAH) is required for most projects. This step confirms the property is not subject to outstanding blight violations.

When You Need a Permit

You generally need a Detroit building permit for:

• New construction, additions, and accessory structures (including ADUs)
• Structural alterations, load-bearing wall changes, and foundation work
• Electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and gas line work
• Reroofing and changes to window or door openings in exterior walls
• Swimming pools, retaining walls above a height threshold, and certain fences
• Demolition of any habitable structure
• Sign and awning installation

Minor cosmetic work (painting, floor coverings, cabinetry without plumbing or electrical changes) is typically exempt. When in doubt, contact the BSEED Development Resource Center at (313) 224-2372 before starting.

eLAPS and ePlans — The Online Portals

Detroit uses two linked systems for permit applications:

eLAPS (Electronic Licensing and Permit System) — the main Accela-based permit portal at aca3.accela.com/DETROIT. Through eLAPS you can:

• Create an account and submit new permit applications
• Pay fees
• Check permit status
• Download your approved permit

ePlans (ProjectDox) — the electronic plan review module at detroit-mi-us.avolvecloud.com/ProjectDox. Projects requiring plan review upload architectural drawings and respond to reviewer comments here. Applicants who prefer hard-copy blueprints may submit in person at the Development Resource Center.

In-person service is available at: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Ave, Suite 434, Detroit, MI 48226, phone (313) 224-2372.

Permit Costs

Building permit fees in Detroit are established in the BSEED Construction Fee Schedule, which is published on the city's website and updated periodically. Key fee structure notes:

• A base fee applies to each permit, with a minimum permit fee
• Fees for alterations and repairs are based on confirmed estimated project cost, including design and construction costs
• Trade permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, boiler) carry separate fees
• A fee payment is required at time of application submission — you cannot submit without paying

Always download the current BSEED Construction Fee Schedule (linked in the sources above) for exact amounts, as fees are subject to change. Never rely on third-party fee estimates.

Typical Timeline

These are BSEED's published general targets. Actual timelines vary with workload, completeness of submission, and project complexity. Confirm current turnaround times with BSEED before making project schedules.

The Process

1. Blight Clearance: Obtain a DAH Blight Clearance (Form P1) confirming no outstanding blight violations on the property
2. Pre-submittal: Confirm zoning and applicable codes; determine whether Historic District Commission review is required
3. Plans: Prepare drawings stamped by a Michigan-licensed architect or engineer where required
4. Create eLAPS account: Register at the Accela portal
5. Submit application and pay fees: File the permit application in eLAPS; pay required fees to complete submission
6. Upload plans via ePlans: For projects requiring plan review, upload drawings in the ProjectDox portal
7. Plan review: BSEED reviews for compliance with the Michigan Building Code, zoning, and other applicable ordinances; may issue correction comments
8. Corrections: Respond to comments and resubmit revised plans in ePlans until approved
9. Permit issuance: Download the approved permit from eLAPS
10. Inspections: Schedule required inspections at each construction phase
11. Final: Pass final inspection; receive Certificate of Occupancy (new construction) or Certificate of Acceptance (alterations)

Inspections

BSEED's Construction Division performs inspections to verify that work matches approved plans and complies with the Michigan Building Code. Typical inspection stages include:

• Footing / foundation
• Underground plumbing and electrical
• Framing
• Rough plumbing, electrical, and mechanical
• Insulation
• Drywall
• Final building and trade inspections

BSEED handles inspections across all trade disciplines: building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, and elevator. Schedule inspections through eLAPS or by calling the Construction Division at (313) 224-3202.

Historic Districts

Detroit has numerous Local Historic Districts administered by the Historic District Commission (HDC). If your property falls within a designated historic district, any exterior changes — including work that would otherwise be over-the-counter — require HDC approval before BSEED will issue the permit.

• HDC meets monthly (typically the second Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.)
• Applications must be submitted roughly three weeks before the meeting to make the agenda
• HDC staff review for design appropriateness and compliance with preservation guidelines
• There is no HDC application fee

Check with the HDC staff whether your property is in a historic district: (313) 224-1762 or [email protected].

Demolition Permits

Detroit has an active demolition program. Demolition permits are issued by BSEED and are subject to additional environmental review given the city's legacy of industrial contamination. Blight Clearance is required before a demolition permit application. Large-scale or commercially financed demolitions may require coordination with the Detroit Land Bank Authority.

Common Reasons for Denial or Corrections

• Plans don't comply with the Michigan Building Code (2021 IBC) or Michigan Residential Code (2021 IRC)
• Missing structural calculations, energy compliance documentation, or Michigan-licensed design-professional stamps
• Zoning conflicts (setbacks, height, lot coverage, use)
• Outstanding blight violations — Blight Clearance not obtained before submission
• Historic District Commission approval not secured for properties in Local Historic Districts
• Incomplete submittal or missing documents in ePlans
• Unlicensed contractor (contractors must hold a Builder's License and city registration; homeowners applying personally are exempt)

Official Sources

Always verify current requirements with BSEED and the eLAPS/ePlans portals before submitting plans or starting construction. See the sources listed in the frontmatter for direct links to BSEED, the building permits page, the ePlans portal, the BSEED fee schedule, and the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes.

Disclaimer: This guide summarizes publicly available information from official City of Detroit and State of Michigan sources and is provided for general orientation only. It does not constitute legal or engineering advice. Building code and permitting requirements change — always confirm current rules with BSEED before submitting plans or starting construction.