City Building Permits

Ann Arbor, MI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Michigan Washtenaw County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City-administered permits within Ann Arbor city limits.

Department
City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building
Address
301 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone
734-794-6263 x0
Website
https://www.a2gov.org/building-rental-and-inspection-services/construction-and-building/permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open STREAM

Platform: STREAM • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Confirm project scope, code triggers, and whether zoning or historic district review applies.
  2. Create a STREAM account and select the appropriate permit/application type.
  3. Upload plans, supporting documents, and any required trade or zoning materials.
  4. Include payment information; applications without payment information are not processed.
  5. City staff completes plan review and any required zoning, historic, or trade reviews.
  6. Pay assessed fees and receive the issued permit in STREAM.
  7. Post permit and schedule inspections through STREAM.

Source: City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building

General Requirements

New construction, alterations, and structural changes; city also maintains zoning compliance, site compliance, demolition, and trade permit requirements.

Required Documents

  • Application
  • Plans/specifications
  • Trade details as applicable
  • Zoning/historic materials when triggered
  • Payment cover sheet/payment information
Permit validity
Permit remains valid while work progresses and inspections are requested; invalid if work does not commence within 180 days, or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days; closed if no inspection occurs within 180 days.
Building code
City states enforcement of 2021 Michigan Building Code for permit applications submitted on or after May 1, 2025; 2015 Michigan Residential Code remains in effect until Michigan adopts an updated residential code.
Owner-builder
Owner-occupants may apply, but must comply with Michigan owner-builder rules; city also maintains contractor license registration intake.
Contractor requirements
Contractor registration or re-registration fee published by city; state residential/trade licensing rules still apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$15 base application fee plus project-cost-based permit fee; up to $1,000 project cost totals $100 permit fee before add-ons.
Plan check fee
20% of building permit fee; trades plan exam fee is 25% of building plan examination fee.
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based building permit fee with separate base application fee; flat fees for certain permit types.
Reinspection fee
Each inspection $35; special/overtime inspection $130 minimum; permit reactivation $35.
Payment note
Applications received without payment information cannot be processed.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
  • Fences not more than 7 feet high
  • Retaining walls not more than 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story below
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
  • Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons
  • Window awnings meeting code size/support limits

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • STREAM portal (online)
  • building@a2gov.org (email)
  • 734-794-6263 x0 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
Inspections cannot be scheduled for next day after 2:30 p.m. on previous day.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; inspectors reachable 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Time windows
Two- or four-hour window provided in STREAM the morning of inspection.

Typical inspection sequence: Rough inspections, trade inspections as applicable, then final inspection; exact sequence depends on permit type.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ann Arbor, MI?
New construction, alterations, and structural changes; city also maintains zoning compliance, site compliance, demolition, and trade permit requirements.
How much does a building permit cost in Ann Arbor, MI?
The minimum permit fee is $15 base application fee plus project-cost-based permit fee; up to $1,000 project cost totals $100 permit fee before add-ons.. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based building permit fee with separate base application fee; flat fees for certain permit types.. Plan check fee: 20% of building permit fee; trades plan exam fee is 25% of building plan examination fee..
How do I apply for a building permit in Ann Arbor, MI?
1. Confirm project scope, code triggers, and whether zoning or historic district review applies. 2. Create a STREAM account and select the appropriate permit/application type. 3. Upload plans, supporting documents, and any required trade or zoning materials. 4. Include payment information; applications without payment information are not processed. 5. City staff completes plan review and any required zoning, historic, or trade reviews. 6. Pay assessed fees and receive the issued permit in STREAM. 7. Post permit and schedule inspections through STREAM.
What work is exempt from building permits in Ann Arbor, MI?
The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; Fences not more than 7 feet high; Retaining walls not more than 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons; Window awnings meeting code size/support limits. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other requirements. Confirm with Building Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Ann Arbor, MI?
Inspections can be scheduled via: STREAM portal, building@a2gov.org, 734-794-6263 x0. Inspections cannot be scheduled for next day after 2:30 p.m. on previous day..

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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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