Permit Information

Permits must be secured for the following types of work:

• New construction
• Major electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and mechanical installations
• Additions and alterations to homes and accessory buildings
• Re-roofing
• Aluminum or vinyl siding installation
• Rebuilding of masonry chimneys or fireplaces
• Installation of fences, swimming pools, sidewalks, driveways, porches, sewers, decks
• Temporary signs, business signs and awnings

Alterations to commercial structures require an interview before the Planning Commission. Detailed guidelines for this procedure may be obtained from the Building Department office. The Division of Safety Inspection assists the Planning Commission, which is responsible for rezoning, subdivision proposals, sign proposals, and commercial building construction (both new and old). If the Planning Commission denies the proposal, its decision may be appealed to the City Council’s Board of Appeal. For details on the Board of Appeal procedure, check with the City Clerk’s office.

The Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 8, Article III) addresses minimum maintenance standards for buildings or property within the city to promote health, safety and welfare by maintaining the integrity of the structure and state of repair during the life of the building. A copy of this ordinance is available free from the City Clerk’s office.

Whenever there is a change of ownership of a home or business, or new residential construction, a Certificate of Occupancy is required. An inspection of the property is conducted by the Code Official. The buyer or tenant of property cannot occupy the building without having first obtained the Certificate of Occupancy from the Code Official. The Certificate of Occupancy is issued when all code violations are corrected, and it is valid for two years from date of application.

Rental properties require a Certificate of Approval and must be registered with the Building Department. Information for rental properties shall include: name, address, and telephone number of the property owner, designated agent and tenants. Also, each tenant must be verified as an adult or minor. Upon the change of tenants, the property owner or agent has 30 days to register new tenants with the Building Department.

**If you feel the work that you will be completing is not listed above.  Please do not hesitate to call the building department staff at 313-343-2426. The staff will be glad to verify if a permit is required and the cost of the permit.  

Please see Building Department Forms Page for applications, documents, or handouts related to permits.