Dearborn, MI — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Construction Code Services / Permit and Plan Review Office

Street address

Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126

Phone

311 or 313-943-2150

DbnPermits@dearborn.gov

Coverage

City-administered permits, plan review, inspections, and contractor registration within Dearborn city limits.

Online portal

BS&A Online

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Dearborn

Building permits cover demolition, additions, renovations, installations, repairs, and new construction; trade permits cover electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Scope of work

Permit?

Some projects may only need a final inspection, such as certain fences.

Exempt

Exempt Some projects may only need a final inspection, such as certain fences.

Note: No single citywide public exemption list was located. Applicants should confirm permit need with Construction Code Services before starting minor work.

Required documents

Completed application
Plan sets
Site plan or survey when applicable
Signed contract
Contractor registration
HOA or historic approvals if relevant

Building code: Dearborn enforces the current State adopted edition of the applicable Michigan construction codes.
Permit validity: Permits expire 6 months after issue if work does not start; once started, noticeable progress must continue and work must be completed within 18 months of issuance.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may obtain most permits, but the city recommends licensed contractors and assigns liability to the permit holder.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold the applicable State of Michigan license and be registered with the City of Dearborn.

Source: Construction Code Services / Permit and Plan Review Office ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Often about 10 business days for building permit review.

01

Download the correct permit application packet or use the BS&A-backed city permit workflow where offered.
02

Submit application, plans, contractor information, and payment to Permit and Plan Review, 16901 Michigan Ave., Suite 6.
03

City completes plan review; applicant responds to corrections if needed.
04

City contacts applicant to pick up or receive approved permit and stamped plans.
05

Applicant schedules required inspections through BS&A or the city's inspection scheduling system.
06

Final approvals close the permit; occupancy or re-occupancy work requires all permit items cleared first.

Typical processing time: Often about 10 business days for building permit review.

Source: Construction Code Services / Permit and Plan Review Office ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2024-06

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$100

Plan check fee

$100 administrative fee plus $5 per $1,000 of construction cost for plan review, max $250 (for certain permit types).

Permit fee formula

Mixed; many building permits use administrative fee plus plan review and valuation-based permit fee.

Reinspection fee

$75 for failed access, late cancellation, or incomplete inspection appointments.

Checks commonly payable to City of Dearborn; BS&A is used for many online transactions and inspection scheduling.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024-06) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

BS&A portal (online)
City automated inspection scheduling (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, generally 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for scheduled inspection appointments.

Typical sequence: Rough or progress inspection, correction cycle if needed, final inspection, then permit closure or occupancy clearance.

Source: Construction Code Services / Permit and Plan Review Office ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Dearborn permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Dearborn, MI? ▸

Building permits cover demolition, additions, renovations, installations, repairs, and new construction; trade permits cover electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Dearborn, MI? ▸

Building permit fees in Dearborn, MI are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100. Fees are calculated as: Mixed; many building permits use administrative fee plus plan review and valuation-based permit fee.. Plan check fee: $100 administrative fee plus $5 per $1,000 of construction cost for plan review, max $250 (for certain permit types)..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Dearborn, MI? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Dearborn, MI, follow these steps: 1. Download the correct permit application packet or use the BS&A-backed city permit workflow where offered. 2. Submit application, plans, contractor information, and payment to Permit and Plan Review, 16901 Michigan Ave., Suite 6. 3. City completes plan review; applicant responds to corrections if needed. 4. City contacts applicant to pick up or receive approved permit and stamped plans. 5. Applicant schedules required inspections through BS&A or the city's inspection scheduling system. 6. Final approvals close the permit; occupancy or re-occupancy work requires all permit items cleared first.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Dearborn, MI? ▸

Building permit processing times in Dearborn, MI typically run Often about 10 business days for building permit review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Dearborn, MI? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Dearborn, MI. The following work is generally exempt: Some projects may only need a final inspection, such as certain fences.. Note: No single citywide public exemption list was located. Applicants should confirm permit need with Construction Code Services before starting minor work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Dearborn, MI? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Dearborn, MI via: BS&A portal, City automated inspection scheduling.

last verified April 2026 source Construction Code Services / Permit and Plan Review Office ↗ entry id permits/michigan/wayne/dearborn

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Construction Code Services / Permit and Plan Review Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Dearborn

Other jurisdictions in Wayne County.