Canton, Michigan • 2026 Permit Guide
Building Permits and Inspections in Canton Township, MI
The Canton Township Building Department, officially called Building & Inspection Services, handles construction permits, building inspections, code compliance, and related services in Canton Township, Wayne County, Michigan.
Need a permit or inspection? Canton accepts several residential and commercial permit applications online through BS&A. You can also use the portal to schedule inspections. For permit questions, call 734-394-5200.
Official Building Department ↗ Apply for a Permit ↗Building & Inspection Services
Municipal Services Department
Canton Township, Wayne County, Michigan
1150 S. Canton Center Road
Canton, MI 48188
Monday–Friday
8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Eastern Time)
Which Building Permits Do You Need in Canton Township?
Canton distinguishes among building permits, compliance permits, and work that may be exempt from permits. A compliance permit generally addresses local zoning requirements, while a building permit covers work regulated by applicable construction codes. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical projects may require separate trade permits.
| Project | Permit Guidance |
|---|---|
| Home additions, dormers, sunrooms | Building permit; zoning and construction-plan review may also apply. |
| Finished basements or attics | Building permit; separate trade permits for regulated work. |
| Decks and deck repairs | Building permit, including replacement of deck boards, guards, steps, or structural components. |
| Shed or detached accessory structure over 200 sq. ft. | Building permit. |
| Accessory structure 200 sq. ft. or less | Compliance permit under the township’s published residential examples. |
| Fence | Fence/compliance permit; applicable zoning rules control height and placement. |
| Roofing, siding, window replacement | Building permit under the township’s published guidance; confirm the current application category. |
| Swimming pool or hot tub at least 24 inches deep | Pool permit; safety and location requirements may apply. |
| Driveway or at-grade paver patio | Generally a compliance permit when on private property. |
| New electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work | Applicable trade permit and inspection. |
| Interior painting, carpeting, countertops | Generally exempt when the work is finish-only and does not disturb regulated systems. |
| Minor drywall patching or storm-door installation | Listed as exempt in the township’s residential guidance. |
These examples come from the township’s residential permit guidance (PDF). Confirm the classification before starting, especially if the project involves structural changes, utilities, easements, flood-prone areas, or unusual property conditions.
How to Apply for a Canton Township Building Permit
Canton uses the BS&A system for eligible online permits. The township’s August 2026 update expanded online building-permit applications, but not every project category is available online.
Permit Types Available Through Online Submission
- Residential concrete or paver flatwork
- Residential RV/trash storage containers
- Residential siding
- Residential door and window work
- Residential roofing, including multifamily buildings
- New single-family home construction
- Commercial interior demolition
- Commercial roofing
- Special events
- Mechanical, plumbing, and selected compliance permits
Step-by-Step Online Application
- Identify your exact permit.
Determine whether the project needs building, compliance, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or multiple permits. Check zoning before planning a structure near a property line.
- Prepare your property and project details.
Have the property address, owner’s information, contractor details, project description, valuation, dimensions, and drawings ready.
- Open the official online submission page.
Visit Canton’s Online Application Submittal. Select the application link, then sign in to or register for the BS&A service as directed.
- Select the application category.
Choose the corresponding permit, identify the property, and complete all required fields. Contractors may need an active registration and township-issued PIN.
- Upload supporting documents.
Attach the required plans, calculations, specifications, and other materials in the township’s accepted file format.
- Submit and monitor the application.
Review the information before submitting. Watch for review comments, revision requests, approval notices, and payment instructions.
- Obtain the issued permit.
Do not begin regulated construction until the necessary authorization is issued. Follow the approved plans and schedule required inspections.
If your category is unavailable online, use the appropriate form on the official permits and applications page and call the department to confirm the accepted submission method.
Required Plans, Documents, and PDF Submission Rules
Missing or incorrectly formatted plans can delay a permit review. Canton publishes specific electronic plan-review requirements for applications submitted through BS&A.
| Requirement | Canton’s Published Standard |
|---|---|
| File format | Unlocked, unencrypted PDF; no password protection. |
| Drawing layers | Flatten annotations, comments, layers, and digital signatures. |
| Plan orientation | Landscape. |
| Maximum sheet size | 36 × 48 inches. |
| Drawing scale | Standard architectural/engineering scale with a visible graphic scale bar. |
| Plan numbering | Unique sheet reference in a consistent corner, matching the title block. |
| Calculations/specifications | Separate from drawings; group multipage supporting documents into individual PDF files. |
| Supporting text orientation | Portrait. |
| Revised submissions | Use the required naming method and keep corrected drawings aligned with prior plans. |
The township prefers searchable, vector-quality drawings generated from design software rather than unclear image scans.
Documents to Prepare by Project
- Deck: Site plan, deck dimensions, footing information, connection details, framing specifications, and guard/step details where applicable.
- Shed or accessory building: Plot plan, structure dimensions, location relative to property lines, and construction information.
- Home addition: Existing/proposed floor plans, site plan, structural details, and relevant energy or trade documentation.
- Roof replacement: Project scope, contractor details, and applicable roof replacement checklist.
- Pool or hot tub: Plot plan, proposed pool dimensions, safety barriers, and electrical information where required.
- Commercial tenant improvement: Use, occupancy, floor plans, code information, and any applicable professional design documents.
The exact documents vary with the project. Canton provides separate deck, accessory structure, addition, fence, roofing, pool, solar, and commercial plan-review checklists under the document section of its Building & Inspection Services page.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection in Canton Township
Canton supports online inspection scheduling through BS&A. Inspections must take place at the stages required by the issued permit, generally before work is covered or concealed.
- Check your issued permit.
Identify required inspections and confirm that the relevant construction stage is ready.
- Access the BS&A portal.
Open BS&A account registration/sign-in or the township’s inspection scheduling page.
- Locate the permit.
Sign in, follow the available building-department inspection workflow, and identify the correct property and permit record.
- Request the inspection.
Select the applicable inspection type and available date or scheduling option. Confirm any appointment instructions shown in the portal.
- Prepare the jobsite.
Provide safe access, have approved plans available, and keep work visible for inspection.
- Review the result.
If work passes, proceed to the next authorized stage. If corrections are requested, address them and arrange reinspection when necessary.
| Inspection | Typical Timing |
|---|---|
| Footing/foundation | After preparing the foundation work, before concealment or pouring as instructed. |
| Underground plumbing/electrical | Before underground installations are covered. |
| Rough framing | After required framing is installed and before concealment. |
| Rough mechanical, electrical, plumbing | Before regulated systems are covered. |
| Insulation | At the applicable stage before wall or ceiling closure. |
| Final inspection | After authorized construction is complete and required preceding inspections are satisfied. |
This table describes common inspection stages, not a universal Canton inspection sequence. Your permit and inspectors determine which inspections are required.
Canton Township Building Permit Fees
Permit costs depend on the work type, valuation, plan review, number of inspections, and applicable trade permits. Canton publishes separate schedules for building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical services.
| Published Fee Example | Amount |
|---|---|
| Building-only inspection | $50 |
| Reinspection | $50 |
| Additional inspection | $50 |
| Commercial occupancy/re-occupancy inspection | $65 |
| Commercial plan review | $90 per hour, two-hour minimum |
| Residential plan review, $3,001–$10,000 valuation band | $30 |
| Residential plan review, $10,001–$40,000 valuation band | $65 |
| Residential plan review, $40,001–$100,000 valuation band | $130 |
Fee source and limitation: These examples appear in a township-published Building and Inspection Services fee document that predates 2026. They are provided to explain the township’s fee structure and should not be treated as independently verified current 2026 rates. Check the latest fee schedules from the department before estimating or paying.
How to Estimate Your Permit Cost
- Identify every required building or trade permit.
- Determine the valuation or cost basis required for your project.
- Review the current building and trade fee schedules.
- Include any plan-review, engineering, zoning, or inspection charges that apply.
- Use the official invoice or department confirmation as the final payable amount.
For example, a basement renovation involving new electrical circuits and HVAC alterations may involve a building permit plus separate electrical and mechanical charges. A single building-fee figure would not necessarily represent the complete project cost.
Contractor Registration and Homeowner Permits
Contractors who apply for permits through Canton’s system may need current registration and an assigned PIN. The township publishes a specific contractor registration workflow.
- Submit the contractor registration application.
Provide required business/contact information and upload documents such as a state license, driver’s license, and notarized authorization letter when applicable. Different license types require separate submissions.
- Wait for an invoice.
Following department processing, an invoice number is sent by email.
- Pay through the authorized system.
Use the township’s contractor invoice lookup instructions and pay by an available accepted method.
- Receive the PIN.
After payment verification, the township emails a unique PIN for managing applicable online permit activities. The guide states that a PIN is typically sent two to three business days after request.
- Keep registration current.
Renew registration as required before applying for additional permits.
See the official contractor registration guide for application access and payment instructions.
Can Homeowners Apply for Their Own Permits?
Canton provides a homeowner application form, but eligibility depends on the project and Michigan’s applicable licensing requirements. Homeowners should confirm whether they may perform or supervise the proposed work and whether separate licensed trades are necessary.
Owner-performed work does not eliminate building-code, inspection, or permit obligations.
Important Homeowners Association Rule
Building Codes, Zoning, and Other Local Requirements
Canton Township enforces applicable Michigan construction codes together with local zoning and development ordinances. The rules that apply depend on the nature of the structure, project filing date, occupancy, and adopted code provisions.
Before submitting, check:
- Building code: Structural, safety, construction, and occupancy requirements.
- Residential provisions: Rules applicable to one- and two-family dwellings and other covered residential buildings.
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes: Specialized trade requirements and inspections.
- Energy code: Insulation, heating/cooling efficiency, envelope, and other applicable requirements.
- Zoning: Permitted uses, setbacks, accessory structures, height, lot coverage, and placement.
- Engineering and right-of-way rules: Grading, drainage, utilities, easements, driveway approaches, and county approvals where applicable.
The department maintains an Applicable Building Codes List and a Building Code Rules History in the General Information documents section of its official website. These are more reliable for a particular filing than assuming a model-code edition applies automatically.
For larger projects involving site development, utility connections, or stormwater work, review Canton’s Engineering Services requirements as well.
Common Permit Problems and Practical Solutions
1. My permit category is missing from BS&A
Not all applications are available online. Check the township’s full permits page for the relevant PDF application, then contact Building & Inspection Services to confirm how it should be submitted.
2. My plans were returned for corrections
Read each review comment and revise the affected drawings. Ensure corrected PDF sheets use the required filenames, scales, page sizes, and consistent references. Resubmit through the instructed process.
3. The contractor cannot apply online
Verify that registration is current and the appropriate PIN is available. If the invoice or PIN has not arrived, check email spam folders and contact the township rather than submitting duplicate registrations.
4. The work changed after permit approval
Contact the department before implementing changes that differ from approved plans. A revision application, additional review, or separate permit may be needed.
5. I need a residential plot plan
Canton instructs residents to call 734-394-5200 about requests to search for qualifying residential plot plans that may support permit applications. Availability of a usable plan is not guaranteed.
6. My permit remains under review
Check the application record and email for missing documents or correction requests. Canton publishes a review period of up to 15 business days, but the actual time can vary depending on the submission and required reviews.
7. I need records for a property purchase or renovation
Ask the department how to search available permit history and determine whether prior work was finalized. For older or unavailable records, request the appropriate public-records process. Do not assume that an absence of online results means no permit exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Canton Township Building Department located?
Building & Inspection Services is located at 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton, Michigan 48188. The department telephone number is 734-394-5200.
2. How do I apply for a building permit in Canton Township?
Use Canton’s official online submission page for eligible permits. Choose the permit type, complete project details, upload the required plans, and follow review and payment instructions. For categories not offered online, use the department’s published applications.
3. Does Canton Township require a permit for a shed?
According to its published residential examples, an accessory structure larger than 200 square feet requires a building permit, while one of 200 square feet or less generally requires a compliance permit. Location, construction, and other project factors may affect requirements.
4. Do I need a permit to replace my roof or windows?
Canton lists roofing, siding, and window replacement or alteration among work requiring building permits. Several residential roof and door/window applications are available online. Confirm the scope before work begins.
5. How do I schedule a Canton Township inspection?
Use the official BS&A portal and Canton’s inspection scheduling page. Select the relevant permit and inspection stage, follow available scheduling options, and confirm that the jobsite is ready. Call 734-394-5200 if you need assistance.
6. How much does a building permit cost in Canton Township?
Costs depend on project valuation, permit type, plan review, inspections, and applicable trade fees. The township publishes separate fee schedules. Confirm current amounts through the official department before payment.
7. How long does a Canton building permit take?
Canton’s published permit guidance states that plan reviews may take up to 15 business days. Incomplete applications, complex work, corrections, and additional reviews can affect the actual timeline.
8. Does Canton require HOA approval before issuing a permit?
No. Canton states that prior HOA approval is not required for township permit issuance. However, applicants must obtain any HOA approvals their subdivision requires before construction. Permits cancelled due to HOA restrictions may not be refundable.
9. Can I apply for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits online?
Canton provides online application options for mechanical and plumbing permits and has published guidance concerning electrical permits and contractor PIN requirements. Check the current portal options and contractor registration status for the specific trade application.
10. How do I check permit status or get final approval?
Review the permit record in the township’s designated system and respond to outstanding comments or inspection requirements. Final approval is available after the applicable work and required inspections are satisfactorily completed. Contact the department if the permit record or final documentation is unclear.
Official Canton Township Resources
These government resources provide direct access to the application, document, and scheduling systems discussed above.
- Building & Inspection Services — department contacts, applicable codes, permit checklists, and downloadable resources.
- Permits & Applications — building, compliance, fence, deck, pool, demolition, and trade permit forms.
- Online Application Submittal — available online permit categories and electronic document requirements.
- Permit/Inspection Scheduling — official scheduling guidance.
- Contractor Registration Guide — registration, invoices, payment, and PIN instructions.
- Residential Permit Decision Guide (PDF) — project examples and exemptions.
Related Building Department Information
For comparisons with permitting in another jurisdiction, see our Abington Building Department guide. That article covers Massachusetts requirements, which do not apply to Canton Township, Michigan.
Information reviewed: October 2026. This independent informational guide is not operated by or affiliated with Canton Township. Government fees, regulations, online services, inspection availability, and office procedures may change. Use the township’s current issued permit and official instructions for project-specific requirements.