Zoning Guide

Detroit Building Permits — Cost, Timeline & Process

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Detroit building permits are administered by BSEED — Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. Applications and plan-review documents are handled through the City's current Accela and ProjectDox systems.

Current Michigan Codes

It is important to distinguish the Michigan Building Code from the Michigan Residential Code.

Building Code

Michigan LARA currently lists the 2021 Michigan Building Code as the current building code, effective April 9, 2025.

One- and Two-Family Residential Code

Michigan LARA currently lists the 2015 Michigan Residential Code as the current residential code.

A newer residential-code rule set was scheduled to take effect in 2025, but a July 7, 2025 court order temporarily prevented LARA from taking additional steps to implement it. While that order remains in place, the 2015 residential code remains valid.

This means the old statement that Detroit simply uses the "2021 Michigan Building Code and 2021 Michigan Residential Code" was incorrect.

Permit Application

BSEED directs applicants to:

  1. create an account in the Accela permit portal;
  2. submit the permit application and project information;
  3. upload plans and supporting documents through ProjectDox when plan review is required;
  4. respond to correction comments;
  5. obtain the issued permit before starting regulated work; and
  6. schedule required inspections.

Single-family and duplex applicants may also have in-office options identified by BSEED.

Review Time

Detroit publishes more than one timing statement for different permit contexts.

The current BSEED Building Permits FAQ says document review and permit issuance may range from about 4 hours for residential structures to 20 business days for commercial buildings.

A separate current residential permit page says applicants can expect a residential permit in about 5 days after submission.

These should be treated as service estimates, not guarantees. Historic review, project complexity, incomplete documents, and correction cycles can extend the process.

Inspections

Required inspection stages depend on project scope and may include:

  • foundation/footing;
  • framing;
  • rough plumbing, electrical, and mechanical;
  • insulation;
  • final building and trade inspections.

Historic Districts

A property in a Detroit Local Historic District may require Historic District Commission approval before BSEED can issue permits for exterior work.

Official Sources

Detroit BSEED — Building Permits

Michigan LARA — Current Code Books

Michigan LARA — Residential Code Rule Status

Disclaimer: Verify the current code edition and permit requirements for the project type before submitting plans.

More about Detroit Zoning

ADU Rules & RegulationsSetbacks & Height Limits

Sources

  1. City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED)·detroitmi.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  2. Building Permits — City of Detroit BSEED·detroitmi.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  3. Detroit BSEED — Permits & Plan Review·detroitmi.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  4. Electronic Plan Review (ePlans) for Building Permits — City of Detroit·detroitmi.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  5. BSEED Construction Fee Schedule — City of Detroit·detroitmi.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  6. Bureau of Construction Codes — Michigan LARA·michigan.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  7. Michigan LARA — Current Construction Code Books·michigan.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link
  8. Michigan LARA — Residential Code rule status·michigan.gov·Accessed 2026-09-20·Direct link

FAQ

How do I apply for a building permit in Detroit?
Most permit applications are submitted through Detroit's eLAPS (Electronic Licensing and Permit System), an Accela-based online portal at aca3.accela.com/DETROIT. You create an account, submit your application, upload drawings through the ePlans (ProjectDox) portal, pay fees, and track review status online. In-person assistance is available at the BSEED Development Resource Center, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 434.
How long does building permit review take in Detroit?
Detroit BSEED publishes several timing statements rather than one guaranteed review time. Its Building Permits FAQ says document review and permit issuance may range from about 4 hours for residential structures to 20 business days for commercial buildings; the detailed permit page separately lists about 5 days for residential permits and 20 days for commercial permits. Treat these as City estimates, not guarantees, because completeness, corrections, and project-specific reviews can extend the process.
What work requires a building permit in Detroit?
Most structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and demolition work requires a permit. Common categories include new construction, additions, ADUs, structural alterations, reroofing, HVAC replacement, and demolition of habitable structures. Minor cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinetry without utility changes) is generally exempt. Contact BSEED before starting if you are unsure.
Which building code does Detroit use?
Michigan LARA lists the 2021 Michigan Building Code as current, effective April 9, 2025. For one- and two-family residential construction, LARA currently lists the 2015 Michigan Residential Code as the current code; implementation of the newer residential-code rule set is temporarily stayed by court order.
Does my project need Historic District Commission review?
If your property is in a designated Local Historic District, any exterior changes require review and approval by the Detroit Historic District Commission (HDC) before BSEED will issue a building permit. Applications must be submitted roughly three weeks before a monthly HDC meeting. Contact HDC staff at (313) 224-1762 or [email protected] to confirm whether your property is in a historic district.