On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Shelby Township
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.
Cosmetic work and ordinary repairs that do not alter structure or regulated systems.
- 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.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- As of Sept. 1, 2025, all permits are valid for an initial period of 180 days.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No standard issuance SLA posted; Construction Board of Appeals process is said to take about two weeks when an appeal is filed.
- 01 Start on the Shelby Township Building Department page and choose the appropriate online permit link or printable application.
- 02 Review the specific building permit requirement sheet or project outline for the type of work.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 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.
- 06 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective September 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$75 for many residential alterations, accessory buildings, decks/patios, pools, signs, demolitions, and miscellaneous work; online application fee is $2.
02
Plan check fee
Included in the township fee schedules and generally calculated from construction value for projects requiring review.
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
Fee schedules include hourly inspection charges for work not otherwise covered; project-specific reinspection charges are included in fee tables.
Building page links to a township payment path; permit fee schedules and performance bond schedules were amended effective Sept. 1, 2025.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective September 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- BS&A inspection request form (online)
- Inspection hours
- Department office hours 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Shelby Township permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Shelby Township, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in Shelby Township, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Shelby Township, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Shelby Township, MI, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Shelby Township, MI? ▸
Building permit processing times in Shelby Township, MI typically run No standard issuance SLA posted; Construction Board of Appeals process is said to take about two weeks when an appeal is filed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Shelby Township, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Shelby Township, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Shelby Township, MI via: BS&A inspection request form.
last verified April 2026
source Building Department, Charter Township of Shelby ↗
entry id permits/michigan/macomb/shelby-township
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department, Charter Township of Shelby before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.