City Building Permits

Pontiac, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Oakland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered building permits inside Pontiac city limits.

Department
Building Safety Division, Community Development Department
Address
City Hall, 1st Floor Building Safety Office, 47450 Woodward Ave., Pontiac, MI 48342
Phone
248-758-2800
Website
https://www.pontiac.mi.us/departments/community_development/building_safety.php

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Start with the Building Safety Division page and forms library.
  2. Submit permit application online through BS&A; city states email permit applications are no longer accepted.
  3. Pay permit and plan review charges up front; Pontiac states this has been required beginning June 1, 2024.
  4. Receive permit issuance after review.
  5. Use BS&A for property, permit, inspection, violation, and certificate searches.
  6. Schedule inspections and complete all required field reviews.
  7. Close out with final approvals and any occupancy requirements.

Typical processing time: Building Safety document retrieval requests are processed in 3 to 5 business days; no standard permit review timeline located.

Source: Building Safety Division, Community Development Department

General Requirements

Building Safety administers and enforces building code statutes and related municipal ordinances for building construction and use.

Required Documents

  • Scope-specific permit forms from the Building Safety forms library
  • Plans and plan review materials
  • Payment at application
Building code
City states Building Safety administers and enforces building code statutes and related municipal ordinances; project-specific forms and plan review are handled under Michigan construction code requirements.
Owner-builder
Homeowners and contractors may apply online through the posted system.
Contractor requirements
City publishes a "Selecting a Contractor" resource and administers permit review through Building Safety under state and municipal code requirements.

Fees

Plan check fee
Permits and plan reviews must be paid up front when applying.
Payment note
Permit and plan reviews must be paid up front beginning June 1, 2024; building department payments can be made online through BS&A.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Building Safety and city's online permit system (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, discipline-specific 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 Safety Division, Community Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pontiac Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Pontiac, MI?
Building Safety administers and enforces building code statutes and related municipal ordinances for building construction and use.
How do I apply for a building permit in Pontiac, MI?
1. Start with the Building Safety Division page and forms library. 2. Submit permit application online through BS&A; city states email permit applications are no longer accepted. 3. Pay permit and plan review charges up front; Pontiac states this has been required beginning June 1, 2024. 4. Receive permit issuance after review. 5. Use BS&A for property, permit, inspection, violation, and certificate searches. 6. Schedule inspections and complete all required field reviews. 7. Close out with final approvals and any occupancy requirements.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Pontiac, MI?
Typical processing time is Building Safety document retrieval requests are processed in 3 to 5 business days; no standard permit review timeline located..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Pontiac, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Safety and city's online permit system.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Pontiac 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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