City Building Permits

Birmingham, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Oakland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered construction permits inside Birmingham city limits.

Department
Building Department, Community Development Department
Address
Community Development Department, second floor, City Hall Building, 151 Martin Street, Birmingham, MI 48009
Phone
248-530-1850
Website
https://www.bhamgov.org/about_birmingham/city_departments/building_department/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

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

Application Process

  1. Review Birmingham building permit procedures and applications.
  2. Create or use a BS&A Online account for online submission.
  3. Upload or submit the permit application and supporting plans.
  4. Pay permit and review fees.
  5. Receive permit issuance after review.
  6. Schedule inspections using the BS&A inspection request site.
  7. Complete required inspections and final approvals.

Source: Building Department, Community Development Department

General Requirements

The Building Department implements and enforces city and state codes for construction, remodeling, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures in the city and requires comprehensive plans for most project types.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Project plans
  • Supporting instructions from the city's building permit procedures and applications pages
Building code
City enforces city and state codes.
Owner-builder
Online and printable permit pathways are both published.
Contractor requirements
Licensed contractors and residents are both addressed on the department page; normal Michigan state licensing rules apply, plus city filing requirements.

Fees

Reinspection fee
An administrative fee equal to the permit fee may be charged when work starts without first obtaining a permit.
Penalty (no permit)
An administrative fee equal to the permit fee may be charged when work starts without first obtaining a permit.
Payment note
Permit and license applications and some payments route through BS&A Online and city online payment tools.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department, Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Plan review, permit issuance, staged inspections, final approval.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Birmingham, MI?
The Building Department implements and enforces city and state codes for construction, remodeling, alteration, repair, and demolition of buildings and structures in the city and requires comprehensive plans for most project types.
How do I apply for a building permit in Birmingham, MI?
1. Review Birmingham building permit procedures and applications. 2. Create or use a BS&A Online account for online submission. 3. Upload or submit the permit application and supporting plans. 4. Pay permit and review fees. 5. Receive permit issuance after review. 6. Schedule inspections using the BS&A inspection request site. 7. Complete required inspections and final approvals.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Birmingham, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online inspection request site, City (AccessMyGov inspections also referenced).

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Birmingham can be complicated.

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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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