How much does a building permit cost in Farmington Hills, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $100 for first $1,000 of valuation for building permits. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based; $100 for first $1,000, then $9 per thousand from $1,001 to $50,000, and $8 per thousand above $50,000.. Plan check fee: Single-family residence $590 at application; garage, addition, or accessory structure $50 at application; multiple residential, commercial, and industrial $250 at application with additional valuation-based review charges..

How do I apply for a building permit in Farmington Hills, MI?

1. Confirm permit trigger using the city's "When is a Permit is Required" page. 2. Pull the correct city form from the forms and permits library or use BS&A Online permit applications. 3. Submit plans, application, and supporting documents to the Building Division. 4. Pay permit and plan review fees under the adopted fee schedule. 5. Receive permit issuance after review. 6. Schedule inspections through the posted inspection workflow. 7. Complete inspections and final approvals.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Farmington Hills, MI?

Typical processing time is No standard turnaround time located on reviewed pages..

What work is exempt from building permits in Farmington Hills, MI?

The following work is generally exempt: Playhouses; Playground equipment; Wading pools; Patios; Flag poles; Basketball backboards; Driveways or poured concrete without footings (though right-of-way review may apply through Engineering). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. Confirm with Building Division before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Farmington Hills, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A inspection request portal, Building Division.

City Building Permits

Farmington Hills, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Oakland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered permits inside Farmington Hills city limits.

Department: Building Division, Department of Planning and Community Development
Address: 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Phone: 248-871-2450
Website: https://www.fhgov.com/department-and-services/planning-and-community-development/building/

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm permit trigger using the city's "When is a Permit is Required" page.
Pull the correct city form from the forms and permits library or use BS&A Online permit applications.
Submit plans, application, and supporting documents to the Building Division.
Pay permit and plan review fees under the adopted fee schedule.
Receive permit issuance after review.
Schedule inspections through the posted inspection workflow.
Complete inspections and final approvals.

Typical processing time: No standard turnaround time located on reviewed pages.

Source: Building Division, Department of Planning and Community Development

General Requirements

New home, addition, remodeling project, garage, shed over 200 square feet, deck, pool or spa, hot tub, roofing, antenna over 12 feet, siding, structural change, window and exterior door replacement, change of use, basement finish, demolition, and listed plumbing, electrical, and heating work.

Required Documents

Building permit application
Contractor registration where applicable
Plans and supporting forms based on scope
Trade permit applications as needed

Building code: City enforces applicable Michigan construction codes and standards through its Building Division.
Owner-builder: A homeowner may pull permits in lieu of a licensed contractor only if they are the registered legal homeowner, the home is the primary residence, and they reside in the house.
Contractor requirements: The Building Division states it registers all contractors who perform work in the city.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $100 for first $1,000 of valuation for building permits
Plan check fee: Single-family residence $590 at application; garage, addition, or accessory structure $50 at application; multiple residential, commercial, and industrial $250 at application with additional valuation-based review charges.
Permit fee formula: Valuation based; $100 for first $1,000, then $9 per thousand from $1,001 to $50,000, and $8 per thousand above $50,000.
Reinspection fee: $45; first reinspection for original violation no charge; subsequent reinspections $45.
Penalty (no permit): Work started before permit is charged at twice the normal permit fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Playhouses
Playground equipment
Wading pools
Patios
Flag poles
Basketball backboards
Driveways or poured concrete without footings (though right-of-way review may apply through Engineering)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. Confirm with Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

BS&A inspection request portal (online)
Building Division (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, trade and building inspections by scope, then final approval.

Additional Resources

Building code: City enforces applicable Michigan construction codes and standards through its Building Division.
Zoning information: View zoning info
When is a Permit Required
Forms and Permits Applications
License lookup guide: Michigan Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Michigan Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Michigan hub: Michigan Contractor License & Permit Hub

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Farmington Hills Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Farmington Hills, MI?: New home, addition, remodeling project, garage, shed over 200 square feet, deck, pool or spa, hot tub, roofing, antenna over 12 feet, siding, structural change, window and exterior door replacement, change of use, basement finish, demolition, and listed plumbing, electrical, and heating work.
How much does a building permit cost in Farmington Hills, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $100 for first $1,000 of valuation for building permits. Fees are calculated as: Valuation based; $100 for first $1,000, then $9 per thousand from $1,001 to $50,000, and $8 per thousand above $50,000.. Plan check fee: Single-family residence $590 at application; garage, addition, or accessory structure $50 at application; multiple residential, commercial, and industrial $250 at application with additional valuation-based review charges..
How do I apply for a building permit in Farmington Hills, MI?: 1. Confirm permit trigger using the city's "When is a Permit is Required" page. 2. Pull the correct city form from the forms and permits library or use BS&A Online permit applications. 3. Submit plans, application, and supporting documents to the Building Division. 4. Pay permit and plan review fees under the adopted fee schedule. 5. Receive permit issuance after review. 6. Schedule inspections through the posted inspection workflow. 7. Complete inspections and final approvals.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Farmington Hills, MI?: Typical processing time is No standard turnaround time located on reviewed pages..
What work is exempt from building permits in Farmington Hills, MI?: The following work is generally exempt: Playhouses; Playground equipment; Wading pools; Patios; Flag poles; Basketball backboards; Driveways or poured concrete without footings (though right-of-way review may apply through Engineering). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. Confirm with Building Division before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Farmington Hills, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A inspection request portal, Building Division.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Farmington Hills 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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