State building permit guide
Michigan building permits — complete guide (2026)
Michigan has a comprehensive statewide building code administered by the Bureau of Construction Codes. Detroit and Grand Rapids lead in permit volume. Michigan's four seasons create significant demand for roofing, HVAC, and weatherization permits.
Avg cost: $150–$600
Processing: 1–5 weeks
~36,000 permits/year
83 counties
$150–$600Average permit cost
1–5 weeksProcessing time
~36,000Permits issued/year
No statewide lawADU-friendly
Michigan requires licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Homeowners may do their own work on their primary one- or two-family residence with proper permits. Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC) maintains statewide code enforcement and licensing. Detroit has invested significantly in permit system modernization.
Permit costs by type — Michigan
| Permit type | Fee range | Processing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | $85–$225 | 1–4 days | Licensed master electrician required |
| Plumbing | $75–$200 | 1–4 days | Licensed master plumber required |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $85–$235 | 1–4 days | Furnace replacement — very high winter volume |
| Roofing | $100–$300 | 1–4 days | Snow load design in Upper Peninsula |
| New Construction | $550–$1,600 | 2–6 weeks | Detroit metro moderating; rural faster |
| Room Addition | $275–$800 | 1–4 weeks | Frost depth 42 inches statewide |
| Deck / Patio | $100–$325 | 1–3 weeks | Frost depth footings required |
| Pool | $150–$425 | 1–3 weeks | Short season; barrier fence required |
| ADU | $275–$750 | 1–4 weeks | Some cities allowing; no statewide law |
| Solar | $85–$235 | 1–4 days | Growing market despite lower sun hours |
How to get a building permit in Michigan
1
Contact your local building department
Michigan permits are issued at the city or township level. Detroit (BSEED), Grand Rapids, and Lansing have online systems. Townships use Michigan BCC licensing.
2
Michigan BCC licensed contractors
All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors must be licensed by the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes. Verify at Michigan LARA.
3
Submit application and plans
Trade permits are straightforward. Structural work requires plans. Michigan energy code compliance (MEC) is required.
4
Pay fees
Michigan permit fees are moderate — generally below coastal states.
5
Inspections
Michigan requires phase inspections. Detroit and Grand Rapids have online scheduling. Townships may have shared inspectors.
Permit costs by county — top Michigan counties
Wayne (Detroit) County
$150–$600
2–6 weeks
Oakland (Pontiac) County
$150–$525
2–5 weeks
Macomb (Warren) County
$125–$450
1–4 weeks
Kent (Grand Rapids) County
$125–$450
1–4 weeks
Ingham (Lansing) County
$100–$375
1–3 weeks
Washtenaw (Ann Arbor) County
$150–$500
2–5 weeks
Frequently asked questions — Michigan permits
What is Michigan's Bureau of Construction Codes?
The BCC is the state agency that administers building codes, issues contractor licenses, and provides oversight for local building departments throughout Michigan.
What is the frost depth in Michigan?
Michigan's frost depth is 42 inches statewide — one of the deeper requirements in the Midwest. All exterior footings must be below this depth.
Does Detroit allow ADUs?
Detroit has been developing ADU policies as part of its neighborhood revitalization efforts. Check with the Detroit Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) for current rules.
Can Michigan homeowners do their own electrical work?
Yes. Michigan homeowners can do their own electrical work on their primary one- or two-family residence with a permit. Licensed contractors are required for commercial and multi-family work.
Data sources: US Census Bureau BPS 2024 · Michigan Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Bureau of Construction Codes · Shovels.ai permit aggregator