St. Clair Shores, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City-run enforcing agency for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fence, driveway, engineering-linked, and code-enforcement related permitting in St. Clair Shores.

Department

Building Department, Community Development and Inspections

Address

27600 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48081

Phone

586-447-3340

Email

cdi-info@scsmi.net

Website

https://www.scsmi.net/559/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start on the Building Department page and download the applicable application or project guideline packet.
2. Assemble the required materials. The city's new residential construction guidelines require a building permit application, $500 deposit, two plan sets, a stamped and sealed survey, energy compliance documents, ventilation worksheet, and other project-specific items.
3. Include city soil erosion materials where the project is within 500 feet of Lake St. Clair, a canal, or the Milk River, or disturbs 1 acre or more.
4. Submit the package to the Building Department for review.
5. Pay fees under the city's fee resolution.
6. After issuance, request inspections by contacting the department; 24-hour notice is required in the new-construction guideline.

Source: Building Department, Community Development and Inspections

General Requirements

St. Clair Shores says its Building Department issues all types of building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fence, driveway, and other permits.

Required Documents

• Varies by permit type
• New residential construction requires: building permit application, deposit, plans, stamped survey, energy and ventilation documents, and city soil erosion materials if triggered

Permit validity

Building permits expire if work does not progress 6 months from issuance or if authorized work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after commencement; written extensions may be considered.

Building code

City administers the current Michigan Building Code, Michigan Electrical Code, Michigan Mechanical Code, Michigan Plumbing Code, and Michigan Property Maintenance Code; new-construction guidelines also reference residential, energy, and rehab code enforcement under current Michigan law.

Contractor requirements

City fee schedule includes contractor license registration categories and administrative fees for builder, electrical, and other contractor registrations.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30 for work estimated at $300 or less; $50 for work estimated at $301 or more.

Plan check fee

Site plan review starts at $100 for single-family residential and $1,000 for commercial/industrial; engineering review fees vary by current hourly rate or acreage formula.

Permit fee formula

Building fees are valuation-based. New construction and additions/alterations are charged per $1,000 of estimated cost, with separate flat fees for some permit types.

Reinspection fee

$30; failure to obtain permit before starting work adds an administrative fee of at least $30 for each infraction.

Penalty (no permit)

Work without permit for electrical/fire system work is doubled in the fee schedule.

Payment note

City fee resolution is current through the Dec. 1, 2025 revision and includes deposits, bonds, and annual inspection charges.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary finish work and other non-structural, non-trade repairs.

Important: No short city-specific exempt-work list was located on the building page. The city instead publishes detailed project packets and applies current Michigan construction codes. Local confirmation is important because St. Clair Shores also applies shoreline, canal, floodplain, and engineering-related triggers.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building Department (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24-hour notice required for inspections.

Inspection hours

Department hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: For new homes, city guidelines require staged inspections and completion of all plumbing, electrical, mechanical, building, and engineering finals before certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City administers the current Michigan Building Code, Michigan Electrical Code, Michigan Mechanical Code, Michigan Plumbing Code, and Michigan Property Maintenance Code; new-construction guidelines also reference residential, energy, and rehab code enforcement under current Michigan law.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Department
• City Codes & Ordinances
• New Residential Construction Guidelines
• License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Clair Shores Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in St. Clair Shores, MI?

St. Clair Shores says its Building Department issues all types of building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fence, driveway, and other permits.

How much does a building permit cost in St. Clair Shores, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $30 for work estimated at $300 or less; $50 for work estimated at $301 or more.. Fees are calculated as: Building fees are valuation-based. New construction and additions/alterations are charged per $1,000 of estimated cost, with separate flat fees for some permit types.. Plan check fee: Site plan review starts at $100 for single-family residential and $1,000 for commercial/industrial; engineering review fees vary by current hourly rate or acreage formula..

How do I apply for a building permit in St. Clair Shores, MI?

1. Start on the Building Department page and download the applicable application or project guideline packet. 2. Assemble the required materials. The city's new residential construction guidelines require a building permit application, $500 deposit, two plan sets, a stamped and sealed survey, energy compliance documents, ventilation worksheet, and other project-specific items. 3. Include city soil erosion materials where the project is within 500 feet of Lake St. Clair, a canal, or the Milk River, or disturbs 1 acre or more. 4. Submit the package to the Building Department for review. 5. Pay fees under the city's fee resolution. 6. After issuance, request inspections by contacting the department; 24-hour notice is required in the new-construction guideline.

What work is exempt from building permits in St. Clair Shores, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary finish work and other non-structural, non-trade repairs.. Note: No short city-specific exempt-work list was located on the building page. The city instead publishes detailed project packets and applies current Michigan construction codes. Local confirmation is important because St. Clair Shores also applies shoreline, canal, floodplain, and engineering-related triggers.

How do I schedule a building inspection in St. Clair Shores, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Department. 24-hour notice required for inspections..

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