How much does a building permit cost in Southfield, MI?

The minimum permit fee is $40 non-refundable application fee applies to all permit and application types.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit and plan review fees are based on ICC square-foot construction cost and valuation schedules under Ordinance 1663.. Plan check fee: Typical formulas in published requirements include $250 plus 0.0018 times cost for commercial work, $150 plus 0.0018 times cost for new homes, and $75 plus 0.0018 times cost for residential additions and alterations..

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

1. Determine whether the project requires a permit; Southfield states permits are generally required for new construction, structural changes, rehabilitation, and reroofing. 2. Obtain any prerequisite Planning, Engineering, Fire, Water, or Zoning Board of Appeals approvals. 3. Assemble application materials, plans, fees, and any required bonds. 4. Submit to the Department of Building and Safety Engineering. 5. Pay application, plan review, permit, and bond amounts. 6. Receive permit issuance after departmental approvals are complete. 7. Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy or final approval where required.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Southfield, MI?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Department, 248-796-4832 (engineering final-grade inspections). Engineering final-grade inspections may take up to 2 business days..

City Building Permits

Southfield, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Oakland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered permits for construction inside Southfield city limits.

Department: Department of Building and Safety Engineering
Address: Public Services Building, Southfield Municipal Complex, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076
Phone: 248-796-4100
Website: https://www.cityofsouthfield.com/departments/building-department/building-southfield/permitting

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

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

Additional resources:

Assessment Data

Application Process

Determine whether the project requires a permit; Southfield states permits are generally required for new construction, structural changes, rehabilitation, and reroofing.
Obtain any prerequisite Planning, Engineering, Fire, Water, or Zoning Board of Appeals approvals.
Assemble application materials, plans, fees, and any required bonds.
Submit to the Department of Building and Safety Engineering.
Pay application, plan review, permit, and bond amounts.
Receive permit issuance after departmental approvals are complete.
Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy or final approval where required.

Typical processing time: No citywide processing standard found; engineering new residential final-grade inspections ask applicants to allow up to 2 business days for inspection requests.

Source: Department of Building and Safety Engineering

General Requirements

Any new construction, additions, structural change, partial or complete rehabilitation, and reroofing; separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and heating systems.

Required Documents

Application fee
Plans
Engineering approval where applicable
Planning approvals
Bond amounts
Plan review fee
Utility clearance or cutoff letters for demolition

Permit validity: Fee ordinance includes a $40 permit extension fee and states permits over 1 year old will not be renewed.
Building code: City enforces Michigan construction codes and related ordinances through the Department of Building and Safety Engineering.
Owner-builder: Homeowner or builder planning work must first determine whether permits are required.
Contractor requirements: Fee ordinance establishes city registration fees for builders, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression, fire alarm, sign specialty contractors, sign erectors, and excavators.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $40 non-refundable application fee applies to all permit and application types.
Plan check fee: Typical formulas in published requirements include $250 plus 0.0018 times cost for commercial work, $150 plus 0.0018 times cost for new homes, and $75 plus 0.0018 times cost for residential additions and alterations.
Permit fee formula: Building permit and plan review fees are based on ICC square-foot construction cost and valuation schedules under Ordinance 1663.
Reinspection fee: $50 plus hourly investigation time for work started without permit; overtime inspection fees apply after hours.
Penalty (no permit): $50 plus hourly investigation time for work started without permit.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Department of Building and Safety Engineering to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Building Department (phone)
248-796-4832 (engineering final-grade inspections) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Engineering final-grade inspections may take up to 2 business days.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Building and specialty inspections by scope, plus Planning, Fire, Water, and Engineering signoffs as required before certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: City enforces Michigan construction codes and related ordinances through the Department of Building and Safety Engineering.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Department Contact
Building Permit Application Requirements
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 Department of Building and Safety Engineering before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Southfield Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Southfield, MI?: Any new construction, additions, structural change, partial or complete rehabilitation, and reroofing; separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and heating systems.
How much does a building permit cost in Southfield, MI?: The minimum permit fee is $40 non-refundable application fee applies to all permit and application types.. Fees are calculated as: Building permit and plan review fees are based on ICC square-foot construction cost and valuation schedules under Ordinance 1663.. Plan check fee: Typical formulas in published requirements include $250 plus 0.0018 times cost for commercial work, $150 plus 0.0018 times cost for new homes, and $75 plus 0.0018 times cost for residential additions and alterations..
How do I apply for a building permit in Southfield, MI?: 1. Determine whether the project requires a permit; Southfield states permits are generally required for new construction, structural changes, rehabilitation, and reroofing. 2. Obtain any prerequisite Planning, Engineering, Fire, Water, or Zoning Board of Appeals approvals. 3. Assemble application materials, plans, fees, and any required bonds. 4. Submit to the Department of Building and Safety Engineering. 5. Pay application, plan review, permit, and bond amounts. 6. Receive permit issuance after departmental approvals are complete. 7. Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy or final approval where required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Southfield, MI?: Typical processing time is No citywide processing standard found; engineering new residential final-grade inspections ask applicants to allow up to 2 business days for inspection requests..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Southfield, MI?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Department, 248-796-4832 (engineering final-grade inspections). Engineering final-grade inspections may take up to 2 business days..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Southfield 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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