On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ann Arbor
New construction, alterations, and structural changes; city also maintains zoning compliance, site compliance, demolition, and trade permit requirements.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not more than 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not more than 4 feet high unless supporting surcharge or certain liquids
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over a story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Application
- Plans/specifications
- Trade details as applicable
- Zoning/historic materials when triggered
- Payment cover sheet/payment information
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm project scope, code triggers, and whether zoning or historic district review applies.
- 02 Create a STREAM account and select the appropriate permit/application type.
- 03 Upload plans, supporting documents, and any required trade or zoning materials.
- 04 Include payment information; applications without payment information are not processed.
- 05 City staff completes plan review and any required zoning, historic, or trade reviews.
- 06 Pay assessed fees and receive the issued permit in STREAM.
- 07 Post permit and schedule inspections through STREAM.
Source: City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
02
Plan check fee
20% of building permit fee; trades plan exam fee is 25% of building plan examination fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based building permit fee with separate base application fee; flat fees for certain permit types.
04
Reinspection fee
Each inspection $35; special/overtime inspection $130 minimum; permit reactivation $35.
Applications received without payment information cannot be processed.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Rough inspections, trade inspections as applicable, then final inspection; exact sequence depends on permit type.
Source: City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Ann Arbor permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Ann Arbor, MI? ▸
Building permit fees in Ann Arbor, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Ann Arbor, MI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Ann Arbor, MI, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Ann Arbor, MI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Ann Arbor, MI? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Ann Arbor, MI 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..
last verified April 2026
source City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building ↗
entry id permits/michigan/washtenaw/ann-arbor
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental and Inspection Services, Construction and Building before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.