Ann Arbor Building Permits: Office, Applications & Inspections
The City of Ann Arbor handles building permits, construction plan reviews, and inspections through its Planning and Development Services operations. If your property is inside Ann Arbor city limits, you can apply for building and trade permits, track applications, pay invoices, and request inspections through the city’s official STREAM permitting portal.
Quick answer: To apply for a building permit, open STREAM, register an account, choose the appropriate permit, provide your project information, and submit the required documents. For permit questions, call 734-794-6263, extension 0. Construction inspections are also requested through STREAM.
Building Department Contact Information
| Official department | City of Ann Arbor – Planning and Development Services, Construction and Building |
|---|---|
| Office address | 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 8647, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8647 |
| Permit assistance | 734-794-6263, extension 0 |
| building@a2gov.org | |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., excluding holidays |
| Construction inspections | Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Building Official | Mike Lemieux |
| Permit portal | STREAM – Ann Arbor |
| Official department page | Construction and Building Services |
Information checked against official City of Ann Arbor resources in October 2026. Confirm holiday closures or changes before visiting.
Official Permit & Inspection Resources
Which Building Permits Can You Apply For?
Ann Arbor’s construction services administer building and trade permits, including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The permit type depends on the proposed project, property, and applicable codes.
| Permit category | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Building | New construction, additions, structural remodeling, decks, and certain accessory structures. |
| Electrical | Service panels, new circuits, electrical installations, and related work. |
| Mechanical | Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and mechanical-system installations. |
| Plumbing | New or modified plumbing systems, fixtures, and piping. |
| Demolition | Removal of structures or qualifying building portions. |
| Other approvals | Solar installations, grading, zoning compliance, signs, and other work where applicable. |
One construction project may require several permits. For example, a basement conversion involving new wiring and plumbing may need building, electrical, and plumbing approvals.
How to Apply for an Ann Arbor Building Permit
The City of Ann Arbor uses STREAM for building and trade permit submissions. The following steps reflect the city’s published application process.
- Open the official portal. Visit stream.a2gov.org.
- Create your account. Select Guest in the upper-right area, choose Register, complete registration, and sign in.
- Register contractor licensing if required. Licensed contractors applying for permits that require state licensing should open Apply, select the Licenses category, and submit the appropriate contractor registration for city review. Homeowners applying under eligible circumstances, and permit types not requiring state licensing, can skip this registration step.
- Choose the permit. Open Apply. Use the search field or Show Categories to locate the correct building or trade permit.
- Enter the project details. Provide the property address, applicant information, project description, and other information requested for your permit type.
- Upload your documentation. Supply the required plans and supporting documents. Requirements depend on the project and permit category.
- Submit and pay applicable charges. Follow the portal’s instructions for submission and invoices. Building plan-review fees must be paid before review can begin.
- Monitor the application. Check the STREAM dashboard for updates, correction requests, approvals, and permit issuance.
Important: A plan-review status of Approved does not mean the permit has been issued. Wait until the permit itself is issued before beginning work requiring that permit.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
Depending on the project, the department may require:
- Property address and owner information.
- A clear description and estimated value of the work.
- Site plan showing proposed improvements and property-line distances.
- Floor plans or construction drawings with dimensions.
- Structural details, framing information, or engineering documents where necessary.
- Contractor license details when the work requires a licensed professional.
- Zoning, historic-district, or other related approvals where applicable.
For commercial projects, determine whether sealed drawings from a Michigan-registered design professional are required. Contact the building department before submitting incomplete or uncertain documentation.
Understanding STREAM Application Statuses
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| In Review | The department has received the plans and is reviewing them. |
| Requires Re-Submit | Corrections or additional documents are needed. Check your dashboard and notification email. |
| Approved | The plans have been approved, but further steps may remain before permit issuance. |
Expedited Residential Building Permits
Ann Arbor offers an expedited permit-review option for certain projects involving one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes.
Published appointment window: Thursdays, 1–3 p.m., in reserved 15-minute time slots. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Reservation charge: $15 expedited plan-review fee, in addition to applicable standard permit and plan-review fees.
Eligible work listed in the city’s expedited program includes qualifying decks, exterior stairs, certain flat-roof work, basement egress windows, nonstructural kitchen or bathroom renovations, and other specified residential projects.
How to request expedited review: Create a STREAM account, prepare the required drawings, choose the expedited permit option during an eligible application, and follow the emailed appointment-reservation instructions. The property owner must also have a STREAM account. For a homeowner permit under this program, the property must be owner-occupied.
Read the city’s expedited permit requirements and eligible project list (PDF).
Ann Arbor Building Permit Fees in 2026
Building permit fees depend on project valuation, permit category, and required review or inspection services. The city’s published building-fee schedule was revised July 15, 2025 and was available during the October 2026 review.
| Fee item | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Base building permit application fee | $15, nonrefundable |
| Building permit fee, project value up to $1,000 | $100, plus other applicable charges |
| Building plan-examination fee | 20% of the building permit fee |
| Inspection charged separately | $35 per inspection |
| Permit reactivation | $35 |
| Expedited residential plan-review reservation | $15 additional charge |
| Sheds under 200 square feet | $75 listed in the building-fee schedule; confirm the applicable permit category |
| Solar building permit fees | Separate published valuation-based fee brackets |
Higher-value building permits use valuation-based fee tiers. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-system, and other services have separate schedules. Plan-review fees are due when the building permit application is submitted; the city does not begin review until the required payment is received.
The city also states that additional inspections on open trade permits are assessed at $35 each and billed after inspection completion. Fees already included in an original permit may be handled differently.
Official fee documents: Building permit fee schedule (PDF) and all construction fee schedules.
These are published charges, not a quote for a specific project. Verify the current fee schedule and applicable additions before payment.
How to Schedule Building Inspections
Ann Arbor requires authorized online permit contacts to schedule construction inspections through STREAM. The building office does not schedule or change inspection appointment dates on an applicant’s behalf.
- Sign in at STREAM.
- Open your dashboard and locate the active permit.
- Use the permit’s inspection-request function.
- Select the required inspection type and available date.
- Submit the request and confirm the scheduled inspection in your dashboard.
- On the inspection morning, check STREAM for the assigned arrival window.
Inspection Rules That Can Affect Your Appointment
- Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., excluding applicable closures.
- Scheduling cutoff: Next-day inspections cannot be scheduled after 2:30 p.m. on the preceding day.
- Arrival window: The inspector’s two- or four-hour window is provided through STREAM on the inspection morning. Exact arrival times are not guaranteed.
- Cancellation: Call 734-794-6263. STREAM does not support inspection cancellations.
- Late cancellation: Cancellations after 2:30 p.m. on the previous day or on inspection day are subject to a fee.
- Occupied properties: Someone over age 18 must be present. Inspectors cannot enter an occupied property when nobody is home, even if a lockbox or access code is available.
- Safe access: Contractors must provide necessary access and equipment for inspection.
Building Codes Enforced in Ann Arbor in 2026
The city’s official building-code sheet, revised January 26, 2026, lists the following code editions.
| Code category | Listed code |
|---|---|
| Commercial building | 2021 Michigan Building Code |
| Residential building | 2015 Michigan Residential Code |
| Existing-building rehabilitation | 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code |
| Plumbing | 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code |
| Mechanical | 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code |
| Electrical | Michigan Electrical Code based on the 2023 NEC, with state amendments |
| Commercial energy | 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code |
| Accessibility | ICC/ANSI A117.1-2017 and applicable Michigan barrier-free requirements |
| Listed fire and fuel-gas standards | 2021 International Fire Code and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, as identified on the city sheet |
Ann Arbor began enforcing the 2021 Michigan Building Code for applicable applications submitted on or after May 1, 2025. The city continues to list the 2015 Michigan Residential Code for qualifying residential construction. Michigan’s proposed residential-code update has been affected by litigation, so check the current state and city rules before preparing plans.
View Ann Arbor’s January 2026 adopted-code reference (PDF) or consult the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes.
Check Existing Permits and Inspection Records
Before purchasing property, starting renovations, or checking whether earlier construction was permitted, search the city’s permit records.
| Record period | Where to search |
|---|---|
| 2022–present | STREAM permit and project records |
| 2008–2022 | A2TRAK archive |
| Approximately 1930–2007 | Historic digitized permit and project archives |
Search steps: Open the appropriate system, look for the available address or permit-search options, enter the property address or permit number, and review available permit information and inspection history.
Some transition-period records may appear in either STREAM or A2TRAK. If a record is missing, check both systems before contacting building@a2gov.org.
Other Building-Related Services
Historic-District Construction
Exterior work in an Ann Arbor historic district may require a Certificate of Appropriateness before construction permits can proceed. This may apply to windows, porches, exterior alterations, and other regulated changes. Search for Certificate of Appropriateness in STREAM and review the city’s historic-preservation application guidance.
Rental Housing Inspections
Rental property registration and housing compliance inspections are handled through the city’s rental housing services, which are separate from routine construction inspections. Rental housing assistance is available at 734-794-6264 or rentalhousing@a2gov.org.
Certificates of Occupancy
Ann Arbor provides a Certificate of Occupancy process through STREAM. The application may require applicant and business information, property address, and permit number. A Certificate of Occupancy is not the same as a rental housing Certificate of Compliance. Contact construction services at 734-794-6263 for requirements related to your building or occupancy change.
Expired Permits and Reactivation
A building permit may expire when work is not started or required construction activity and inspections cease for the applicable 180-day period. The city lists a $35 reactivation fee for eligible permits.
For an expired permit already in STREAM, the original applicant should email building@a2gov.org with the permit number, property address, and reactivation request. The city describes 60-day reactivation periods. Older expired eTRAKIT permits may require a new STREAM application rather than direct reactivation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Ann Arbor Building Department located?
The office is at 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. Published office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays.
2. How do I apply for an Ann Arbor building permit online?
Visit stream.a2gov.org, register or sign in, select Apply, choose the appropriate permit category, enter the project information, upload required documents, and follow the submission and payment instructions.
3. What types of construction permits does Ann Arbor issue?
Ann Arbor administers building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and other construction-related permits. The required permits depend on the project, property jurisdiction, and applicable building regulations.
4. Can a homeowner apply for a building permit in Ann Arbor?
Yes, eligible homeowners may apply through STREAM. The city’s contractor-license registration step is not required for homeowner applications, but eligibility and licensing requirements still depend on the work being performed.
5. How do I schedule a building inspection in Ann Arbor?
An authorized permit contact must request inspections through the STREAM dashboard. Construction inspections are generally performed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., subject to availability and closures.
6. Can I cancel an Ann Arbor inspection online?
No. STREAM does not support inspection cancellations. Call 734-794-6263 to cancel. Late cancellations can result in additional fees.
7. How much does an Ann Arbor building permit cost?
Costs depend on the project. The published building-fee schedule lists a $15 base application fee, valuation-based building permit charges, and a building plan-review fee equal to 20% of the building permit fee. Additional charges may apply.
8. Which building codes apply in Ann Arbor in 2026?
The city’s January 2026 code sheet lists the 2021 Michigan Building Code for applicable commercial construction and the 2015 Michigan Residential Code for qualifying residential construction, along with separate trade and other applicable codes.
9. How can I search past building permits in Ann Arbor?
Use STREAM for recent records, A2TRAK for many records from 2008 through 2022, and the city’s archived project and permit lookup for older documents. Check both newer systems when a transition-period record is missing.
10. Does Ann Arbor issue Certificates of Occupancy?
Yes. Certificate of Occupancy requests are handled through STREAM. Requirements depend on the property and project. A Certificate of Occupancy is different from the Certificate of Compliance used for rental housing.
Before you begin: Verify that your property is within Ann Arbor’s permitting jurisdiction, identify the correct permit type, and check whether zoning or historic-district approval is needed. For questions, contact building@a2gov.org or call 734-794-6263, extension 0.
Independent resource notice: USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the City of Ann Arbor or any government agency. Procedures, fees, codes, and staff information may change. Official city and state resources govern.