On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Sterling Heights
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.
Cosmetic finish work and ordinary repairs that do not alter structure or regulated building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
- 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: Office of Building ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 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.
- 02 Complete the correct permit application and supporting checklist or packet; new homes and other structural work use plan review checklists and submittal packets.
- 03 Submit online through BS&A or deliver/mail the paper packet to the Office of Building at 40555 Utica Road.
- 04 Pay permit fees as invoiced; some permit forms show added fees for reinspections and re-establishing expired permits.
- 05 Wait for review and issuance; inspections are then scheduled online through BS&A.
- 06 For homeowner convenience inspections on limited trades, schedule at least seven days ahead and then call the listed inspector directly.
Source: Office of Building ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Sterling Heights building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
Permit fee formula
Mixed schedule by permit type and line item.
03
Reinspection fee
$74
04
Penalty (no permit)
$75 expired-permit reinstatement fee.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Permit issuance, staged trade/building inspections, then finals; special homeowner inspections require online scheduling plus direct inspector contact.
Source: Office of Building ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sterling Heights permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Sterling Heights, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in Sterling Heights, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Sterling Heights, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Sterling Heights, MI, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Sterling Heights, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Sterling Heights, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Sterling Heights, MI via: BS&A Online, Direct inspector contact for homeowner convenience inspections. Homeowner convenience inspections require at least 7 days advance scheduling..
last verified April 2026
source Office of Building ↗
entry id permits/michigan/macomb/sterling-heights
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Office of Building before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.