How much does a building permit cost in Flint, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $140.00. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; many building permits are valuation-based with minimums, while garages, temporary structures, appeals, and specialty permits are flat-fee items. Plan check fee: $330.00 for projects up to $50,000; hourly charges for some simple alterations or trade-only reviews.

How do I apply for a building permit in Flint, MI?

1. Identify the permit type from the city permit page and contact Building and Safety Inspections for the correct application path. 2. Submit the required application, plans, and supporting documents to the city for review. 3. Complete plan review and any correction cycle required by Building and Safety. 4. Pay permit and any plan review fees under the current City of Flint master fee schedule. 5. Receive the issued permit and post or retain it on site as directed by the city. 6. Schedule and pass required inspections, then obtain final approval or certificate if applicable.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Flint, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 810-766-7346.

City Building Permits

Flint, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Flint, Michigan. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Michigan Genesee County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Flint Building and Safety Inspections administers building and trade permits within Flint city limits.

Department: City of Flint Building and Safety Inspections
Address: 1101 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502
Phone: 810-766-7346
Website: https://www.cityofflint.com/building-safety-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Flint Permits

Platform: Informational portal • Account required: No • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Building and Safety Inspections

Application Process

Identify the permit type from the city permit page and contact Building and Safety Inspections for the correct application path.
Submit the required application, plans, and supporting documents to the city for review.
Complete plan review and any correction cycle required by Building and Safety.
Pay permit and any plan review fees under the current City of Flint master fee schedule.
Receive the issued permit and post or retain it on site as directed by the city.
Schedule and pass required inspections, then obtain final approval or certificate if applicable.

Source: City of Flint Building and Safety Inspections

General Requirements

New construction, alterations, renovations, remodeling, reroofing or residing, fences over 7 feet with inspection, demolition or moving, signs, parking lots and driveways, pools, tank removal, and trade work listed in the city fee schedule.

Required Documents

Permit application
Scope of work
Plans when required
Supporting trade or site documents requested by Building and Safety

Building code: Michigan Building Code and related Michigan construction codes
Contractor requirements: The city fee schedule lists contractor registration fees for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors; applicable State of Michigan licensing still applies.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $140.00
Plan check fee: $330.00 for projects up to $50,000; hourly charges for some simple alterations or trade-only reviews
Permit fee formula: Mixed; many building permits are valuation-based with minimums, while garages, temporary structures, appeals, and specialty permits are flat-fee items
Reinspection fee: $140.00 for building reinspection; $140.00 for mechanical reinspection
Penalty (no permit): $412.00 up to $5,000 for work begun before permit; $825.00 over $5,000
Payment note: Follow city instructions during permit issuance.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective May 28, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Flint Building and Safety Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

810-766-7346 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Progress or rough inspections by scope, then final inspection, then final signoff or occupancy clearance as applicable.

Additional Resources

Building code: Michigan Building Code and related Michigan construction codes
Zoning information: View zoning info
Michigan LARA Statewide Jurisdiction List
License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Flint Building and Safety Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flint Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Flint, MI?: New construction, alterations, renovations, remodeling, reroofing or residing, fences over 7 feet with inspection, demolition or moving, signs, parking lots and driveways, pools, tank removal, and trade work listed in the city fee schedule.
How much does a building permit cost in Flint, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $140.00. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; many building permits are valuation-based with minimums, while garages, temporary structures, appeals, and specialty permits are flat-fee items. Plan check fee: $330.00 for projects up to $50,000; hourly charges for some simple alterations or trade-only reviews.
How do I apply for a building permit in Flint, MI?: 1. Identify the permit type from the city permit page and contact Building and Safety Inspections for the correct application path. 2. Submit the required application, plans, and supporting documents to the city for review. 3. Complete plan review and any correction cycle required by Building and Safety. 4. Pay permit and any plan review fees under the current City of Flint master fee schedule. 5. Receive the issued permit and post or retain it on site as directed by the city. 6. Schedule and pass required inspections, then obtain final approval or certificate if applicable.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Flint, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 810-766-7346.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Flint can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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