City Building Permits

Rochester Hills, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Oakland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered construction permits inside Rochester Hills city limits.

Department
Building Department, City of Rochester Hills
Address
City Hall, 1000 Rochester Hills Dr., Rochester Hills, MI 48309
Phone
248-656-4615
Website
https://www.rochesterhills.org/departments/building/apply_for_permit_online.php

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

Platform: BS&A Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Use the Rochester Hills online permit page and guidance documents.
  2. Submit all required documents and fees online.
  3. Use the published electronic plan review and permitting guides.
  4. Receive permit issuance after review.
  5. Schedule inspections exclusively online through BS&A Online using the same login used for permit application.
  6. Complete inspections and any special or safety inspection steps.
  7. Obtain final approval and closeout.

Typical processing time: Inspections verified and requested before 3:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Source: Building Department, City of Rochester Hills

General Requirements

City online permit page is the main public intake for permit filing; scope-specific triggers are handled through permit application guides and the Building Department.

Required Documents

  • All required documents, including fees, must be submitted online
Building code
Effective March 12, 2024, commercial project permit applications are subject to the 2021 Michigan Mechanical and Plumbing Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code; other Michigan codes are enforced through the Building Department.
Owner-builder
Contractors, homeowners, and architects are all expressly included in the online permitting page.
Contractor requirements
Contractor and design-professional online permitting guidance is published; standard Michigan licensing rules apply.

Fees

Reinspection fee
Special and safety inspections must be scheduled through the Building Department after necessary fees have been paid.
Payment note
Required documents, including fees, may be submitted online.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department, City of Rochester Hills to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Requests verified before 3:00 p.m. schedule for next business day between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)
Time windows
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, scheduled field inspections, specialty inspections as needed, 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, City of Rochester Hills before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester Hills Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Rochester Hills, MI?
City online permit page is the main public intake for permit filing; scope-specific triggers are handled through permit application guides and the Building Department.
How do I apply for a building permit in Rochester Hills, MI?
1. Use the Rochester Hills online permit page and guidance documents. 2. Submit all required documents and fees online. 3. Use the published electronic plan review and permitting guides. 4. Receive permit issuance after review. 5. Schedule inspections exclusively online through BS&A Online using the same login used for permit application. 6. Complete inspections and any special or safety inspection steps. 7. Obtain final approval and closeout.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Rochester Hills, MI?
Typical processing time is Inspections verified and requested before 3:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Rochester Hills, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online (exclusive). Requests verified before 3:00 p.m. schedule for next business day between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Rochester Hills can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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