Bloomfield Township Permits & Inspections: Quick Guide
The Bloomfield Township Building Division handles building permits, construction plan reviews, trade permits, inspections, and occupancy approvals for properties within Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan.
Most major construction, additions, renovations, decks, fences, roofing, and equipment installations require permits. Applications are accepted in person or by mail, while eligible projects and trade permits can be submitted online. Inspections are scheduled through BS&A Online.
Start here: Confirm your property is within Bloomfield Township, choose the appropriate permit, prepare the required plans, and obtain approval before beginning regulated work.
Building Department Contact & Office Information
Check the correct jurisdiction: The Township Hall has a Bloomfield Hills mailing address, but Bloomfield Township and the City of Bloomfield Hills are separate permitting jurisdictions. Michigan also has a Bloomfield Township in Missaukee County. When selecting a municipality on BS&A, choose Bloomfield Township — Oakland County.
Which Projects Require a Building Permit?
Bloomfield Township requires permits for many residential and commercial projects, including work that changes a building’s structure, systems, exterior, or approved use.| Project | Local permit guidance |
|---|---|
| New homes and commercial buildings | Building permit and construction plan review required. |
| Room additions and remodeling | Permits apply to additions and alterations, including projects involving walls or major interior construction. |
| Decks, sheds and fences | Permit requirements apply. Site plans, zoning review and association comments may be needed. |
| Roofing, siding and windows | Listed by the Township as permit-related work. Eligible minor projects may use online applications. |
| Swimming pools and generators | Permits may involve building, electrical, mechanical and site requirements. |
| Electrical, HVAC and plumbing | Separate trade permits are generally required for regulated installations and alterations. |
| Driveway installation or expansion | A building permit is required for new driveways and enlargement of existing driveways. |
| Residential or commercial demolition | Demolition permits and applicable utility-disconnection requirements apply. |
Common exception: The Township states that walkways and patios constructed on grade do not require a building permit. Other zoning, drainage or site restrictions may still apply.
Some projects also require approval from the Planning Department, Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Board, Oakland County agencies, or a homeowners association.
How to Apply for a Building Permit
- Confirm your property and project. Verify that the address is within Bloomfield Township’s permitting jurisdiction. Identify whether you need a residential building, commercial building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other permit.
- Get the correct application packet. Open the official Building Division forms library. Choose the packet for new construction, addition, alteration, demolition, deck, driveway, generator or another applicable project.
- Prepare your documents. Complete the application and include applicable plot plans, floor plans, elevations, structural details, contractor information and association comments. For significant projects, obtain the necessary architect or engineer documentation.
- Obtain preliminary approvals. Address zoning, subdivision association, soil erosion, water and sewer, natural-feature or other approvals required for your property before expecting permit issuance.
- Submit the application. Deliver or mail the application to the Building Division at Township Hall. Eligible minor home projects, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits can be applied for online. The Township also offers a dedicated commercial building permit application.
- Pay the application fee. Application fees are due with submission. The Township accepts the listed payment methods, including checks payable to Bloomfield Township, money orders and available online payments. An application without payment may be treated as incomplete.
- Respond to plan-review comments. Provide corrected drawings or additional information when requested. Wait until the permit is approved and issued before beginning work that requires authorization.
Online minor-project requirements: Proposed plans must accompany the application. Exterior work needs a site plan and applicable association comments. Plans must remain legible when printed at 11 × 17 inches. Examples of eligible work include roofing, siding, replacement windows and certain basement water-management projects.
Documents to Prepare Before Applying
- Property information: Site address, owner information, parcel details and project description.
- Site or plot plan: Property boundaries, proposed improvements, dimensions, setbacks and locations of structures.
- Construction drawings: Floor plans, foundation details, elevations, sections and structural specifications as applicable.
- Professional certification: Commercial building plans generally require a Michigan-licensed architect or engineer’s seal. Residential projects at or above the applicable 3,500-square-foot threshold also require professional documentation.
- Additional approvals: Association comments, zoning relief, grading plans, erosion controls and trade-permit applications where required.
The Township’s published permit guidance calls for three plan sets for residential construction and five for commercial submissions. Confirm current paper or electronic submission requirements for your project before printing large plan sets.
Building Permit Fees in Bloomfield Township
Fees depend on construction area, permit category, plan review and required inspections. The following amounts are from the Township’s published schedules; they are not necessarily the total project cost.| Fee category | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Residential construction, addition or alteration permit | $0.90 per sq. ft. |
| Commercial construction, addition or alteration permit | $0.75 per sq. ft. |
| Accessory buildings, pools and decks | $0.40 per sq. ft. |
| Minimum building permit fee | $120 |
| Residential application fee — new, addition, alteration or demolition | $250 |
| Commercial application fee — new, addition, alteration or demolition | $500 |
| Residential or commercial area-based plan review | $0.15 per sq. ft. |
| Minor-project plan review — decks, fences, pools, signs and similar work | $30 |
| Driveway paving permit | $120 |
| Reinspection | $75 |
| Online application fee, where applicable | $2 |
Example: A 1,000-square-foot residential addition would have an area-based building permit charge of $900 at the published $0.90-per-square-foot rate. That does not include applicable application fees, plan review, trade permits or other charges.
The published trade-permit schedules also list a $35 application fee and $50 base fee for standard mechanical and plumbing permits. Individual equipment, fixture and inspection charges may be added.
Official schedules: Building permit fees · Plan review fees · Mechanical fees · Plumbing fees.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Bloomfield Township uses BS&A Online for inspection scheduling. The municipality must link your online account before you can schedule inspections for your permits.- Create an account. Visit bsaonline.com, select Currently Not Signed In, and register if necessary.
- Link your permits. Call 248-433-7715 and request that the Building Division link your BS&A account to your Township permits.
- Select the correct municipality. Sign in and confirm the municipality is Bloomfield Township — Oakland County, not Missaukee County.
- Find your permit. Select Services → View My Building Department Activity → Permits. Locate the permit requiring inspection.
- Schedule and confirm. Select Schedule Inspection, follow the prompts, and check for the confirmation email indicating successful scheduling.
Inspection deadlines: Township construction packets require at least 24 hours’ notice, with requests made by 5:00 PM at least one working day before the desired inspection. Allow for the Monday–Thursday office schedule and observed holidays.
Inspection Types and Site Preparation
Typical stages include foundation, underground utilities, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, rough framing, insulation and final inspections. Your project’s inspection list determines the exact sequence.- Keep approved plans available at the construction site.
- Make sure the work is ready and accessible before requesting inspection.
- Obtain required trade approvals before the rough-frame or final building inspection when applicable.
- Do not cover work that must be inspected while exposed.
- Provide inspector access; the property owner does not necessarily need to meet the inspector in person.
Inspection time window: Call the Building Division between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM on your scheduled inspection day to request an approximate arrival window.
Cancellation: The Township instructs applicants to cancel inspections before 5:00 PM the day before the scheduled inspection. In BS&A, open the permit and inspection record and select the cancellation option.
View official inspection instructions and troubleshooting.
Permit Processing Time, Expiration & Occupancy
| Stage | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Initial plan review | The Township currently reports approximately 10 business days for plan review. Its detailed permit guidance also advises allowing up to two weeks. |
| Commercial review | Allow additional time for multiple trade reviews and Fire Marshal review; the Township advises that this may require approximately two extra weeks. |
| Corrections | Revised plans may undergo another review cycle, extending approval time. |
| Permit expiration | Township permit documentation states permits may become invalid when work does not begin within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Inspection inactivity can also result in closure. |
| Final occupancy | Final inspection approval alone does not authorize occupancy. Obtain the applicable certificate of occupancy before occupying a space that requires one. |
Certificate of Occupancy
A certificate of occupancy confirms that applicable final inspection and approval requirements have been satisfied. For temporary occupancy, the Township requires at least partial final inspections without safety violations, along with the appropriate request.
Commercial tenant changes may require a change-of-occupancy review even when major construction is not planned. Requirements differ depending on whether the use changes.
Certificate of Occupancy Requirements and Applications
2026 Michigan Building Codes & Local Requirements
Bloomfield Township enforces applicable Michigan construction codes together with local zoning and ordinance requirements.
- Mechanical: The Township lists the 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code as effective July 1, 2024.
- Plumbing: The Township lists the 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code as effective July 1, 2024.
- Electrical: The Township references the 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan Part 8 rules for permits submitted from July 1, 2024.
- Residential building and energy: Michigan’s proposed updates have been affected by litigation. State LARA guidance states that, while the July 2025 court order remains in effect, the previously adopted standards based on the 2015 IRC and residential IECC remain applicable.
Local zoning: The Township publishes typical R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential setbacks of 40 feet front, 16 feet side and 35 feet rear. Corner parcels, lakefront properties, planned developments and other zoning districts can have different requirements. Verify the zoning classification and lot-specific restrictions before designing an addition, deck or accessory structure.
Official code resource: Michigan LARA Construction Code Rule Updates.
Common Problems and How to Resolve Them
- Permit not showing in BS&A: Check that you selected Bloomfield Township in Oakland County, are using the linked account and have checked later pages of your permit list.
- Portal asks for a PIN: Bloomfield Township uses account linking rather than PINs. Contact the Building Division or ask the linked account holder to grant your user account permission.
- Permit review is delayed: Confirm that fees, plans, required association comments and outside approvals have been submitted. Ask whether correction items remain outstanding.
- Inspection cannot be completed: Ensure approved plans are on-site, work is accessible and prerequisite trade inspections are complete. Reinspection fees may apply.
- Need old building plans: The Township may have plans for residential permits issued after 1988. Records may be requested through the official public records portal, subject to applicable access restrictions.
For properties in the separate City of Bloomfield Hills, see our Bloomfield Hills building permit guide. Our Bloomfield location guide also distinguishes the Michigan township from Bloomfield in other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Bloomfield Township Building Department located?
The Building Division is on the lower level of Township Hall at 4200 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Call 248-433-7715.
2. Do I need a permit for a deck, fence, roof or window replacement?
Bloomfield Township lists decks, fences, roofing and window replacements among work requiring permits. Requirements and supporting plans vary by project. Eligible minor home projects may use the online application process.
3. Can I apply for a Bloomfield Township building permit online?
Eligible minor home projects and electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits can be submitted online. Other applications may be submitted in person or by mail, and the Township provides an online commercial building application.
4. Can a homeowner obtain their own building permit?
Yes. The Township allows homeowners to apply, but the permit holder is responsible for code compliance and must sign the required homeowner affidavit. When hiring a Michigan-licensed builder, the Township recommends issuing the permit to that builder.
5. What documents are required for a building permit?
Typical documents include the completed application, plot plan, construction drawings, project details and applicable association comments. Larger residential and commercial projects may require signed and sealed professional plans and additional approvals.
6. How long does Bloomfield Township take to approve a permit?
The Township reports approximately 10 business days for plan review and advises allowing up to two weeks. Commercial projects may require approximately two additional weeks for trade and fire reviews. Corrections can extend the timeline.
7. How much does a building permit cost?
Published building permit rates include $0.90 per square foot for residential construction and $0.75 per square foot for commercial construction, subject to applicable minimums. Application, plan-review, trade and other fees may be additional.
8. How do I schedule a Bloomfield Township building inspection?
Create a BS&A Online account, call 248-433-7715 to link it with your permits, select Bloomfield Township in Oakland County, then open Services, View My Building Department Activity, Permits and Schedule Inspection.
9. Why can’t I see my permit or schedule an inspection in BS&A?
Check that you selected Bloomfield Township in Oakland County and signed into the account linked to your permits. The Township does not use inspection PINs. Call the Building Division if your account needs linking or permission changes.
10. Can I occupy a building immediately after the final inspection?
No. Final inspection approval alone does not grant occupancy permission. Where a certificate of occupancy is required, the Township must issue it before the space is occupied. Temporary occupancy has separate requirements.
Official Bloomfield Township Resources
Information reviewed: October 2026. Government fees, forms, inspection procedures and adopted codes can change. This is an independent informational guide, not an official Bloomfield Township government website. For permit decisions, rely on the responsible government authority.