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Permits

Visit our Forms page for printable applications!

Before beginning your home improvement or construction project, contact the Building Division at 248.433.7715 for information concerning permits. Permits are required for many types of jobs, including, but not limited to, the following:

• New residential & commercial building construction
• Additions, alterations or modifications to existing buildings
• Sunrooms
• Decks
• Pools
• Sheds
• Fences
• Air conditioning units
• Generators
• Pool equipment
• Play structures
• Satellite dishes or communications towers
• Retaining and screening walls
• Chimney repair
• Siding and gutter replacement
• Signage
• Window & door replacement
• Driveway gates
• Residential & commercial demolition

Other Permits

• All indoor and outdoor electrical work requires an electrical permit
• All indoor plumbing, water services, sanitary sewer services, storm sewer services, sprinkling systems and sump-pump installations require a plumbing permit
• Any work relating to heating, cooling and ventilation systems require a mechanical permit.

Permit Approval

• Generally, construction plans and other documentation are necessary for review approval prior to the issuance of a permit.
• Applications for permits may also require approvals from Subdivision or Homeowners Associations prior to issuance.
• Some permits may require approvals such as a variance from the Board of Appeals, or from other Oakland County agencies for soil erosion control, septic fields, well, and driveway culverts. The applicant is responsible for obtaining these approvals.
• Soil erosion measures and construction drives must be installed and inspected prior to permit issuance.

FAQ's About Permits

1. When must I apply for a Building permit?
New residential and commercial construction, demolition, accessory structures, any interior renovations which involve the removal/addition of walls, gypsum board, kitchen remodel, and any construction to structures greater than a $50 value require a building permit.

2. The building department requires three (3) sets of plans for new residential construction, additions, and renovations. What constitutes of a set of plans?
Residential building plans with livable square feet of 3,500 square feet or greater are required by the State of Michigan to be signed and sealed by a state licensed Engineer or Architect. Building plans should be dimensioned and include the following:

• surveyed plot plan
• foundation plan
• floor plans
• elevations
• a dimensioned cross section calling out materials and sizes.

One set of submitted building plans are required to have subdivision association approval (if applicable) before a building permit is issued. All commercial building plans must be sealed and signed by a State licensed Engineer or Architect.

3. What time frame should I allow for a building permit to be issued?
Please allow up to two weeks for a review of the submitted building plans. If revisions are requested for further review, the revisions will be reviewed in the order they are received. Commercial plans need to be reviewed by all the trades and the Fire Marshal; therefore please allow for an additional two weeks.

4. As a homeowner, may I apply for a building permit?
Yes, however the permit holder is responsible for the work to be constructed in compliance to the codes and a Homeowners Affidavit must be signed. If a state of Michigan licensed builder is hired by the homeowner, then we recommend the permit be issued to the licensed builder.

5. Can I start work without a permit being issued?
Starting work without a permit is a violation of the State Construction Code and Township Ordinance.

6. I want to replace my driveway. Will I need a building permit?
Slab work, for driveways, walkways and patios on grade do not require a building permit.

7. What type of fees should I anticipate with a building permit?
An application fee, a plan review fee, a registration fee for licensed contractors, permit fees and re-inspection fees. A fee schedule is available upon request at the Building Department or by clicking here.

8. Do I need to apply for a permit in person?
Applications are accepted by mail, however, all licensed contractors and builders need to provide photo identification such as driver's license and current Residential Builder's Board State license upon registration with the Building Department.

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Charter Township of Bloomfield
4200 Telegraph Road
P.O. Box 489
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0489
248.433.7700
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