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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Novi
City forms page states the building permit application must be completed for residential and non-residential permits and provides extensive scope-specific forms for new homes, land improvements, signs, temporary uses, floodplain, and trade work.
Note: No consolidated exemption list was located on the reviewed Novi public pages; applicants should use the city forms library and permit policy pages to confirm scope-specific exceptions before starting work.
- Building permit application
- Plans
- Grading and land-improvement documents where applicable
- Trade permit applications
- Truss and engineering support
- City-specific checklists by scope
- Building code
- City enforces applicable Michigan construction codes through Community Development.
- Owner-builder
- City publishes a Homeowner Permit Policy and homeowner inspection-request instructions.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors use a linked BS&A account tied to the city contractor record; trade and contractor qualification materials are included in the forms library.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: If requesting an inspection for the following business day, it must be scheduled by 3:30 p.m.; separate single-family home occupancy request form asks for 2-day notice.
- 01 Pull the correct permit and information sheet from the Novi forms and permits library.
- 02 Prepare the building permit application and all project-specific attachments, including site, grading, or trade forms as applicable.
- 03 Submit to Community Development and pay fees.
- 04 If using online services, create and activate a BS&A account and link it to the City of Novi contractor record.
- 05 Receive permit issuance after staff review.
- 06 Schedule inspections through the online inspection portal using the assigned permit number.
- 07 Complete all required inspections and occupancy closeout.
Typical processing time: If requesting an inspection for the following business day, it must be scheduled by 3:30 p.m.; separate single-family home occupancy request form asks for 2-day notice.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
Fee schedule
Novi building permit fees
Community Development invoice payment is linked online from the city site.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Online inspection portal (online)
- 248-347-0415 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Next-business-day requests must be made by 3:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Permit issuance, discipline-specific inspections, final inspection, and occupancy request where applicable.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Novi permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Novi, MI? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Novi, MI? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Novi, MI? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Novi, MI? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Novi, MI? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.