City Building Permits

Sterling Heights, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Macomb County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-run enforcing agency for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire prevention, and related local development reviews within Sterling Heights.

Department
Office of Building
Address
40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Phone
586-446-2360 (building official line); 586-446-2489 (main development counter)
Website
https://www.sterlingheights.gov/1902/Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Confirm whether the job can be filed online; Sterling Heights limits online filing to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing permits, while structural work such as decks, sheds, additions, and pools requires printed submittals and review.
  2. Complete the correct permit application and supporting checklist or packet; new homes and other structural work use plan review checklists and submittal packets.
  3. Submit online through BS&A or deliver/mail the paper packet to the Office of Building at 40555 Utica Road.
  4. Pay permit fees as invoiced; some permit forms show added fees for reinspections and re-establishing expired permits.
  5. Wait for review and issuance; inspections are then scheduled online through BS&A.
  6. For homeowner convenience inspections on limited trades, schedule at least seven days ahead and then call the listed inspector directly.

Source: Office of Building

General Requirements

Sterling Heights requires permits for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire alarm, fire suppression, fences, signs, and other listed work; structural changes are expressly not handled as over-the-counter online permits and require review.

Required Documents

  • Correct permit application
  • Contractor registration when applicable
  • Residential plan review checklist or homeowner packet for structural work
  • Plans and supporting worksheets for new homes and certain systems
Permit validity
Public permit page did not post a single general expiration rule; individual forms include re-establish expired permit fees, so expiration/reinstatement is actively administered.
Building code
2021 Michigan Building Code; 2015 Michigan Residential Code; 2023 Michigan Electrical Code; 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code; 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code; 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code; 2021 Rehab Code; ICC A117.1-2017 accessibility.
Owner-builder
Homeowners can apply through the homeowner BS&A permit path and homeowner packets are published for common residential projects.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must use the contractor portal flow and submit contractor registration; city guidance also links to contractor selection resources.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Not consolidated on one public building fee page; current permit forms show line-item fees and a $75 fee to re-establish an expired permit.
Permit fee formula
Mixed schedule by permit type and line item.
Reinspection fee
$74
Penalty (no permit)
$75 expired-permit reinstatement fee.
Payment note
Online permit payments route through BS&A; planning page says cash, check, or credit card can be taken in person and checks may be mailed with the application.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Cosmetic finish work and ordinary repairs that do not alter structure or regulated building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.

Important: No Sterling Heights-specific exempt-work handout was located on the public building pages reviewed. City verification is advisable before starting minor work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • BS&A Online (online)
  • Direct inspector contact for homeowner convenience inspections (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Homeowner convenience inspections require at least 7 days advance scheduling.
Inspection hours
Standard city office hours posted through the department; special homeowner convenience windows are 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. for furnace/AC replacements, water heaters, and electrical services.
Time windows
7:30-8:30 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. for homeowner convenience inspections on limited trades.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, staged trade/building inspections, then finals; special homeowner inspections require online scheduling plus direct inspector contact.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Heights Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Sterling Heights, MI?
Sterling Heights requires permits for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire alarm, fire suppression, fences, signs, and other listed work; structural changes are expressly not handled as over-the-counter online permits and require review.
How much does a building permit cost in Sterling Heights, MI?
The minimum permit fee is Not consolidated on one public building fee page; current permit forms show line-item fees and a $75 fee to re-establish an expired permit.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule by permit type and line item..
How do I apply for a building permit in Sterling Heights, MI?
1. Confirm whether the job can be filed online; Sterling Heights limits online filing to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and roofing permits, while structural work such as decks, sheds, additions, and pools requires printed submittals and review. 2. Complete the correct permit application and supporting checklist or packet; new homes and other structural work use plan review checklists and submittal packets. 3. Submit online through BS&A or deliver/mail the paper packet to the Office of Building at 40555 Utica Road. 4. Pay permit fees as invoiced; some permit forms show added fees for reinspections and re-establishing expired permits. 5. Wait for review and issuance; inspections are then scheduled online through BS&A. 6. For homeowner convenience inspections on limited trades, schedule at least seven days ahead and then call the listed inspector directly.
What work is exempt from building permits in Sterling Heights, MI?
The following work is generally exempt: Cosmetic finish work and ordinary repairs that do not alter structure or regulated building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.. Note: No Sterling Heights-specific exempt-work handout was located on the public building pages reviewed. City verification is advisable before starting minor work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Sterling Heights, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online, Direct inspector contact for homeowner convenience inspections. Homeowner convenience inspections require at least 7 days advance scheduling..

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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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