Building Permits, Inspections & City Services
The Allen Park Building Department, part of the city’s Building and Engineering Department, handles building permits, construction inspections, contractor registration, and related code-enforcement services within Allen Park, Michigan.
Need a permit or inspection? Call 313-928-4441 or use the city’s official BS&A Online portal to apply, search permit records, pay fees, or request an inspection.
Allen Park Building Department Contact Information
| Department | City of Allen Park Building and Engineering Department |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | City of Allen Park, Wayne County, Michigan |
| Office Address | 15915 Southfield Road, Allen Park, MI 48101 |
| Building Department | 313-928-4441 |
| Additional Contact | 313-928-4134 |
| Published City Hall Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, Eastern Time |
| Online Services | Allen Park BS&A Online |
City Hall hours are published by the city; inspector availability and department service hours may differ. Call before visiting for a time-sensitive matter.
What Permits and Services Does Allen Park Provide?
The department administers local construction-related services. Whether a permit is required depends on the work, property, and applicable Michigan construction and city zoning rules.
| Service | Typical Purpose |
|---|---|
| Building Permits | New construction, additions, structural alterations, garages, and qualifying renovations. |
| Electrical Permits | Electrical installations, wiring changes, service upgrades, and other regulated electrical work. |
| Plumbing Permits | Plumbing installations, water services, drainage, and regulated plumbing alterations. |
| Mechanical Permits | Heating, cooling, ventilation, and other regulated mechanical systems. |
| Construction Inspections | Inspection of permitted construction and trade work at required stages. |
| Contractor Registration | City registration required for contractors seeking permits. |
| Occupancy Services | Applicable commercial occupancy approvals and residential-sale inspections. |
| Planning and Zoning | Applicable site plans, zoning compliance, land-use reviews, and related approvals. |
Allen Park publishes project-specific guidance for these improvements. Review the official Building Requirements page before buying materials or starting work. Permit exemptions and zoning restrictions are not necessarily the same thing.
How to Apply for an Allen Park Building Permit
The city supports online permit applications through BS&A Online. Follow these steps to prepare and submit your request.
- Confirm the property location. Verify that the job address is inside Allen Park city limits. Properties outside the city may use another permitting authority.
- Choose the correct permit. Determine whether the work requires a building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or other permit. Use the city’s permit forms directory and open the Permit Applications category.
- Prepare your application. Gather the property address, owner and applicant details, project description, estimated labor and material costs, contractor credentials, and drawings or site plans when required.
- Access the online portal. Open Allen Park BS&A Online and select Apply for a Permit. Contractors must create an account, connect it to the municipality, and complete city registration.
- Submit the required materials. Follow the portal’s application prompts and provide the completed city forms and attachments requested for your permit type. Contact the department if your application requires an alternative submission method.
- Complete the review and payment process. Respond to requests for additional documents, review assessed fees, and pay using an authorized city payment method. Check your permit status before beginning work.
- Arrange required inspections. After approval, schedule inspections at the proper construction stages. Keep the permit and approved documents available as required.
Contractors vs. Homeowners
Allen Park provides separate online application pathways for homeowners and contractors. Contractors must register with the city before obtaining permits and meet applicable licensing requirements. Homeowners should confirm their eligibility to perform and permit the proposed work, particularly for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical projects.
Allen Park Building Permit Fees
The city’s published building fee schedule uses the total project cost, including labor and materials, for standard residential and commercial building permits. It lists a $50 base fee for these permits, excluding fencing and concrete work.
| Total Project Cost | Published Building Permit Fee |
|---|---|
| $1–$2,000 | $130 |
| $2,001–$3,000 | $142 |
| $3,001–$4,000 | $154 |
| $5,001–$6,000 | $178 |
| $9,001–$10,000 | $226 |
| $19,001–$20,000 | $346 |
| $24,001–$25,000 | $406 |
For residential fencing and residential concrete work, the city schedule lists a $100 flat permit fee. Its residential concrete category includes driveways, sidewalks, approaches, and patios. Commercial concrete work and commercial fencing follow the applicable building-permit fee schedule.
View the official Allen Park Building Fee Schedule (PDF).
These figures come from the city’s published schedule and are not live fee quotes. Additional plan-review, trade, inspection, or administrative charges may apply. Confirm the current total with the department before payment.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Allen Park allows inspection requests through its BS&A Online service. The published scheduling information lists the following days and time windows:
| Inspection Type | Published Schedule |
|---|---|
| Building | Monday, Wednesday, Friday — AM or PM |
| Plumbing | Monday, Wednesday, Friday — AM or PM |
| Mechanical | Monday, Wednesday, Friday — AM or PM |
| Electrical | Monday, Wednesday, Friday — AM only |
These are the city’s published recurring inspection windows, not confirmation of a particular appointment.
Request an Inspection Online
- Open the Allen Park BS&A portal.
- Select Schedule an Inspection under Building Department services.
- Find the applicable permit or property record and follow the identification prompts.
- Choose the inspection type and an available appointment when offered.
- Submit the request and check its confirmation or scheduled status.
Rescheduling: Call 313-928-4441 or 313-928-4134. The city specifically directs rescheduling requests to the Building Department.
Make sure the relevant work is ready, the inspection area is accessible, and the permit holder has not covered work requiring inspection. Allen Park’s ordinance places responsibility for requesting required inspections on the permit holder and provides for charges when required inspections are missed.
Michigan Building Codes Used in Allen Park
Allen Park administers Michigan’s state construction codes together with applicable local zoning and building regulations. The following editions are listed by the city and Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
| Code Category | Published Current Edition |
|---|---|
| Residential | 2015 Michigan Residential Code |
| Building | 2021 Michigan Building Code |
| Rehabilitation | 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code |
| Mechanical | 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code |
| Plumbing | 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code |
| Electrical | 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan rules |
| Commercial Energy | 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code |
The 2021 Michigan Building Code took effect April 9, 2025, while the 2015 Michigan Residential Code remains the residential edition listed by LARA. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and energy provisions have separate applicability rules.
Official references: Allen Park Michigan Codes and Michigan LARA Code Books.
Residential Sales Inspections and Occupancy
Allen Park has a residential-sale inspection process separate from ordinary construction permit inspections. The city’s published guidance states that the interior and exterior of a home are inspected as part of the program.
- Published inspection fee: $175, covering the initial and final inspections.
- Inspection report: The city states that reports are available within five business days after the completed inspection.
- Correction option: The homeowner may complete necessary corrections to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.
- As-is sale option: Under the city’s stated procedure, a buyer may assume responsibility for corrections using an affidavit and an escrow arrangement with a minimum $500 deposit, of which 10% is nonrefundable. The applicable agreement and amount should be confirmed for the transaction.
Before arranging a closing, confirm the property’s inspection status, any required Certificate of Occupancy, and whether an authorized buyer-assumption procedure applies.
Official Residential Sales Inspection Requirements and Application
Other Important Property Services
Vacant Property Registration
Allen Park’s published vacant-property program requires owners to register a qualifying vacant property within 15 days of it becoming vacant. The listed registration and annual renewal fee is $250. See the official Vacant Property Program for the registration form and ordinance.
Commercial Construction and Site Plans
Projects requiring Planning Commission site-plan review follow a separate process before applicable construction approvals. The city’s site-plan application package calls for three paper copies and one electronic copy of the required materials, submitted 30 days before the relevant Planning Commission meeting. Its published package lists a $250 publication fee and $2,000 escrow deposit.
These requirements apply to the covered site-plan process, not every building permit. Review the official Site Plan Application Package (PDF) before submitting a commercial development proposal.
Check an Existing Permit
To research an existing permit, visit BS&A Online and choose Building Department Record Search. Search using the information requested by the portal, then review the available permit history, inspections, and fees. Contact the department if a record is unavailable or appears incomplete.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who issues building permits in Allen Park, Michigan?
The City of Allen Park Building and Engineering Department administers building permits within Allen Park city limits in Wayne County, Michigan.
2. Can I apply for an Allen Park building permit online?
Yes. Allen Park uses BS&A Online for permit application requests. Open the city portal, select Apply for a Permit, and follow the prompts. Contractors must register with the city and connect their portal account before applying.
3. What is the Allen Park Building Department phone number?
Call 313-928-4441 or 313-928-4134. The department is located at 15915 Southfield Road, Allen Park, MI 48101. Published City Hall hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
4. Do I need a permit for a deck, fence, or shed in Allen Park?
Requirements depend on the project and applicable construction and zoning rules. Allen Park publishes separate guidance for decks, fences, and sheds on its Building Requirements page. Confirm the specific approval required before starting work.
5. What documents are needed for an Allen Park building permit?
Prepare the appropriate application, job address, owner and applicant information, description of work, project cost, and contractor details. Drawings, site plans, or additional documents may be required depending on the project.
6. How much does an Allen Park building permit cost?
The published standard building fee schedule lists $130 for projects costing $1 to $2,000, including the base fee. Residential fence and concrete permits are listed at $100. Other charges may apply, so confirm the current amount with the department.
7. How do I schedule a building inspection in Allen Park?
Use the Schedule an Inspection service in Allen Park BS&A Online. Building, plumbing, and mechanical inspections are generally listed for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with AM or PM windows. Electrical inspections are listed for those days in the morning only.
8. Can homeowners apply for their own building permits?
Allen Park provides a homeowner application pathway. Eligibility to perform particular work depends on Michigan licensing rules and the project type. Confirm homeowner requirements before undertaking regulated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work.
9. Which building codes apply in Allen Park in 2026?
The published code references include the 2015 Michigan Residential Code, 2021 Michigan Building Code, 2021 Michigan Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, and 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan rules. Applicable local regulations also apply.
10. Is a home inspection required before selling property in Allen Park?
Allen Park operates a residential-sale inspection program. Its published inspection fee is $175, including initial and final inspections. Sellers should confirm whether their transaction requires a Certificate of Occupancy or an authorized buyer-assumption arrangement.
Official Resources and Verification
Use the following primary sources to confirm requirements or complete a government transaction:
- City of Allen Park — Building and Engineering Department
- City Building Permit and Application Forms
- Official Allen Park BS&A Online Services
- City Building Fee Schedule (PDF)
- Allen Park Code of Ordinances
- Michigan LARA — Adopted Construction Codes
This independent informational guide summarizes publicly available Allen Park government resources reviewed in October 2026. It is not an official City of Allen Park publication. Fees, inspection availability, forms, and construction requirements may change. The responsible government agency makes the final permitting and code-compliance decisions.