City Building Permits

Shelby Township, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Macomb County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Township-run enforcing agency for state construction codes plus local ordinance administration for fences, sidewalks, tree and woodland preservation, unsafe buildings, and zoning-related permit controls.

Department
Building Department, Charter Township of Shelby
Address
Township Hall, Upper Level, 52700 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township, MI 48316
Phone
586-731-5969
Website
https://www.shelbytwp.org/government/departments/building-department

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

Platform: BS&A Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Application Process

  1. Start on the Shelby Township Building Department page and choose the appropriate online permit link or printable application.
  2. Review the specific building permit requirement sheet or project outline for the type of work.
  3. Submit the application, plans, and any required supporting worksheets; Shelby notes some forms may be completed online while others must be printed and presented at the building desk.
  4. Pay the required application fee and later the permit fee. As of Sept. 1, 2025, Shelby uses updated permit fee schedules and performance bond schedules.
  5. Wait for review and issuance. Project-specific outline sheets are published for commercial, new single-family, additions, decks, pools, fences, demolition, accessory buildings, and other common work.
  6. Schedule inspections through the township's BS&A inspection request link and keep required worksheets on file before requesting certain inspections.

Typical processing time: No standard issuance SLA posted; Construction Board of Appeals process is said to take about two weeks when an appeal is filed.

Source: Building Department, Charter Township of Shelby

General Requirements

Shelby states it obtains compliance through permit issuance, plan review, and on-site inspection for construction work regulated by state building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes and township ordinances.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Project-specific permit requirement sheet
  • Plans
  • Specialty worksheets such as gas pipe and gas meter sizing for listed gas-related permits after July 15, 2025
Permit validity
As of Sept. 1, 2025, all permits are valid for an initial period of 180 days.
Building code
2015 Michigan Residential Code effective Feb. 8, 2022; 2021 Michigan Building Code effective Apr. 9, 2025; 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code effective Apr. 9, 2025; 2023 Michigan Electrical Code effective Mar. 12, 2024; 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code effective Mar. 12, 2024; 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code effective Mar. 12, 2024; 2021 Michigan commercial energy code effective Apr. 22, 2025.
Owner-builder
Homeowner online permit path is published on the building page.
Contractor requirements
Contractors use the contractor permit path and township building department registration/verification processes; the fee schedule includes builder registration.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$75 for many residential alterations, accessory buildings, decks/patios, pools, signs, demolitions, and miscellaneous work; online application fee is $2.
Plan check fee
Included in the township fee schedules and generally calculated from construction value for projects requiring review.
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Application fees are flat by project class; permit and plan-review fees are generally valuation-based unless a special schedule applies.
Reinspection fee
Fee schedules include hourly inspection charges for work not otherwise covered; project-specific reinspection charges are included in fee tables.
Payment note
Building page links to a township payment path; permit fee schedules and performance bond schedules were amended effective Sept. 1, 2025.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective September 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Cosmetic work and ordinary repairs that do not alter structure or regulated systems.

Important: No short township exempt-work summary was posted; Shelby instead publishes project-by-project requirement sheets and permit applications. Township confirmation is recommended because Shelby also enforces local ordinance triggers such as fences and sidewalks.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Department office hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Department, Charter Township of Shelby before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shelby Township Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Shelby Township, MI?
Shelby states it obtains compliance through permit issuance, plan review, and on-site inspection for construction work regulated by state building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes and township ordinances.
How much does a building permit cost in Shelby Township, MI?
The minimum permit fee is $75 for many residential alterations, accessory buildings, decks/patios, pools, signs, demolitions, and miscellaneous work; online application fee is $2.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Application fees are flat by project class; permit and plan-review fees are generally valuation-based unless a special schedule applies.. Plan check fee: Included in the township fee schedules and generally calculated from construction value for projects requiring review..
How do I apply for a building permit in Shelby Township, MI?
1. Start on the Shelby Township Building Department page and choose the appropriate online permit link or printable application. 2. Review the specific building permit requirement sheet or project outline for the type of work. 3. Submit the application, plans, and any required supporting worksheets; Shelby notes some forms may be completed online while others must be printed and presented at the building desk. 4. Pay the required application fee and later the permit fee. As of Sept. 1, 2025, Shelby uses updated permit fee schedules and performance bond schedules. 5. Wait for review and issuance. Project-specific outline sheets are published for commercial, new single-family, additions, decks, pools, fences, demolition, accessory buildings, and other common work. 6. Schedule inspections through the township's BS&A inspection request link and keep required worksheets on file before requesting certain inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Shelby Township, MI?
Typical processing time is No standard issuance SLA posted; Construction Board of Appeals process is said to take about two weeks when an appeal is filed..
What work is exempt from building permits in Shelby Township, MI?
The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic work and ordinary repairs that do not alter structure or regulated systems.. Note: No short township exempt-work summary was posted; Shelby instead publishes project-by-project requirement sheets and permit applications. Township confirmation is recommended because Shelby also enforces local ordinance triggers such as fences and sidewalks.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Shelby Township, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A inspection request form.

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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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