Dearborn Heights Building Permits, Inspections & City Services
If you are repairing a home, adding a deck, replacing a roof, installing a furnace, changing electrical wiring, building a garage, adding a fence, opening a business, or trying to close an old permit in Dearborn Heights, the City Building Department is usually the place to start.
Dearborn Heights Building Department Contact Information
| Department | City of Dearborn Heights Building Department / Building & Engineering |
|---|---|
| Address | 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 |
| Phone | 313-791-3470 |
| Fax | 313-791-3471 |
| building.dept@dearbornheightsmi.gov | |
| City Hall hours | Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| Online system | BS&A Online |
Before driving to City Hall, it is worth checking the current Building Department page. Holiday closures, staff availability, forms, and online procedures can change.
Which Permit Do You Need?
One of the easiest ways to create a delay is to assume that one building permit covers the entire job. It may not. Structural work and electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, zoning, concrete, fence, or other work can involve separate permits or reviews.
| Project | Permit or review to check | Other work to identify |
|---|---|---|
| New house or major addition | Building permit and zoning review | Electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, concrete and final occupancy requirements |
| Roof replacement | Building permit | Structural repairs, gutters or other related work if included in the project |
| Garage, shed, deck or porch | Building and zoning review | Setbacks, lot coverage, footings, electrical work and site layout |
| Driveway, approach, sidewalk or concrete | Building/concrete review | Right-of-way or other approval depending on location of work |
| Fence | Fence application and zoning review | Site layout and applicable affidavits |
| Furnace or heating equipment | Heating permit | Electrical, gas, venting or other related permit work |
| Air conditioner or refrigeration equipment | Refrigeration permit | Electrical work and equipment-location requirements |
| Water heater, drain, fixtures or water service | Plumbing permit | Building, sewer, water-service or street work where applicable |
| Electrical panel, circuits or new electrical equipment | Electrical permit | Building or mechanical permit if part of a larger project |
| New business or change to commercial property | Zoning/site review and applicable building permits | Planning, parking, signage, fire protection, trades and occupancy requirements |
How to Apply for a Dearborn Heights Building Permit
-
Write down the complete scope of work.
Include every part of the project. Instead of writing only “remodel,” describe structural work, concrete, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roof work, doors, windows, additions, or other changes. -
Check zoning before finalizing expensive plans.
Additions, garages, sheds, decks, pools, fences, commercial uses and similar projects can be affected by setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking or land-use rules. -
Open the City’s forms page.
Visit the Dearborn Heights Online Applications & Forms page. Choose the Building Permit Application or the specific form that matches your project. -
Prepare the supporting documents.
The City’s building application identifies several projects—including new buildings, additions, garages, decks, foundations, patios, porches, sheds, pools and certain concrete work—that can require a plot plan and three sets of plans unless the work is only a repair. Follow the current form for your exact project. -
Check contractor registration.
The City states that contractors must be registered with the Building Department before using its online system for electrical, heating, refrigeration and plumbing permits. -
Submit the application and wait for issuance.
A submitted application is not the same thing as an issued permit. Respond to plan-review questions or corrections and confirm that the permit is actually issued before beginning regulated work. -
Schedule inspections at the required stages.
For supported permits, open Dearborn Heights BS&A, choose Schedule an Inspection, locate the permit, and follow the scheduling options shown on the screen.
What to Prepare Before You Apply
A complete application is much easier to review than a form that simply says “renovation” or “addition.” Before starting, gather the information that applies to your project.
- Exact Dearborn Heights property address.
- Owner name and contact information.
- Applicant and contractor information.
- Contractor license details where required.
- Clear description of all work.
- Estimated project cost or contract price.
- Plot plan when required.
- Construction drawings and dimensions.
- Existing and proposed building locations.
- Distances from property lines.
- Structural details when applicable.
- Signed contractor agreement when required by the application.
- Separate trade applications for electrical, plumbing, heating or refrigeration work.
If you are mailing an application instead of submitting it electronically, read the current form carefully. Some City forms contain specific mailing instructions for contractors.
Which Services Are Available Through BS&A?
Dearborn Heights’ BS&A municipality page brings several building-related services into one place.
| BS&A option | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Apply for a Permit | Apply for supported permit types. Dearborn Heights specifically lists electrical, heating, refrigeration and plumbing permit applications as available online. |
| Schedule an Inspection | Request an available inspection for an active permit record. |
| Pay a Building Department Fee | Pay eligible building-department charges associated with a record. |
| Building Department Record Search | Search available permit and building-department records. |
| Detailed Record Search | Search records across available municipal departments. |
| Rental Property Search | View available registered-rental information. |
Micro steps: search a permit or property record
- Open City of Dearborn Heights BS&A Online.
- Select Building Department Record Search.
- Search using the available property or record information.
- Open the matching record.
- Review its description, status and available inspection or payment information.
- Check for separate trade records if the job involved electrical, plumbing, heating or refrigeration work.
- If an older record is missing or unclear, call the Building Department at 313-791-3470.
A missing online record does not automatically prove that no permit ever existed. Older or incomplete records may require help from City staff.
Dearborn Heights Permit Fees: Read the Date Before You Pay
The City currently links to a Building and Zoning Permit Fees document, but the posted fee schedule is an older document. Because permit fees can be revised, do not assume an old PDF is your final 2026 price.
| Official document | What is currently posted | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Building & Zoning Permit Fees | The City’s posted schedule is dated June 1, 2011. | Use it only as a reference and confirm the current calculated fee before paying. |
| Plumbing Permit Application | Posted form is effective December 1, 2023 and lists a $60 base fee plus item-specific charges. | Calculate only from the current form being used for your application. |
| Refrigeration Permit Application | Posted form is effective November 11, 2024 and lists a $60 base fee plus equipment-specific charges. | Check the current form before submitting. |
| Electrical and Heating | Separate City applications are currently posted. | Open the current application and use its itemized fee table rather than copying an older saved form. |
The posted plumbing and refrigeration forms also show a $75 fee for a missed inspection, reinspection, or additional inspection required after permit issuance. Because forms and charges can be replaced, verify the amount shown on the form you are actually filing.
Open all current Dearborn Heights permit forms and fee documents.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Do not wait until the work has already been covered. Inspections are meant to occur at required construction stages while the relevant work can still be examined.
-
Confirm the permit is issued.
Make sure you are working under the correct active permit number. -
Open Dearborn Heights BS&A.
Go to the official municipality page. -
Select “Schedule an Inspection.”
Sign in if required and locate the correct permit record. -
Select the correct inspection type.
Choose the inspection that matches the stage of work. Follow the time frames displayed by the scheduling system. -
Leave the work visible and accessible.
Have approved plans available, provide safe access, and make sure required tests or installations are ready. -
Review the result before continuing.
If corrections are required, complete them before covering the work or requesting another inspection.
Before the inspector arrives
- Confirm the address and permit number.
- Make sure the requested inspection matches the work that is ready.
- Keep work exposed when inspection is required before concealment.
- Have approved plans or relevant documentation accessible.
- Provide safe access to the area being inspected.
- Complete earlier correction items.
- Make sure required plumbing, electrical, mechanical or refrigeration tests are ready where applicable.
Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Refrigeration Permits
Dearborn Heights now allows electrical, heating, refrigeration and plumbing permit applications through its online system. The City also allows online payment and inspection scheduling for these permit categories.
Do not assume a building permit automatically includes these trades. For example, an addition may require a building permit plus separate electrical, plumbing and heating permits. Each permit can also have its own inspections and final status.
Fence, Zoning and Site-Plan Questions
The City’s forms library includes a fence application, fence layout guide, neighbor-approval affidavit, owner-maintenance affidavit and zoning permit application. That is a good sign that you should check the whole package rather than submitting only one form.
For a fence, addition, garage, shed, pool or other exterior improvement, prepare a clear site layout showing the proposed location and its relationship to the property. A City permit does not determine private ownership boundaries, so a property-line dispute may require a survey or other professional assistance.
When the Planning Commission may be involved
The Dearborn Heights Planning Commission handles matters including rezoning, special land uses, site-plan approvals, zoning amendments and certain new construction or site-plan modifications. The City currently lists regular meetings for the second Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers.
Check Dearborn Heights Planning Commission information.
When the Zoning Board of Appeals may be involved
The Zoning Board of Appeals handles requests involving issues such as setbacks, lot coverage, nonconforming properties, excessive height, fences, commercial parking shortages and signage. The City currently lists meetings for the third Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM.
Check Dearborn Heights Zoning Board of Appeals information.
Meeting day does not mean application deadline. If your project needs board approval, call 313-791-3470 early enough to learn the current filing deadline, required plans, fee and notice process.
Certificates, Residential Sales, Rentals & Commercial Property
The City’s current forms page includes separate residential certificate inspection and commercial certificate inspection applications. It also provides a rental registration/change-of-tenant form.
If you are buying, selling, renting, leasing or changing the use or occupancy of a property, do not assume that finishing construction inspections automatically completes every certificate requirement.
Before a property transaction, check these items
- Open building permits.
- Open electrical permits.
- Open plumbing permits.
- Open heating or refrigeration permits.
- Outstanding inspection corrections.
- Rental registration where applicable.
- Required residential or commercial certificate inspection.
- Unresolved code-enforcement records.
Start with the BS&A Building Department Record Search, then contact the City if an old permit or certificate status is unclear.
Current Michigan Construction Codes in 2026
Dearborn Heights administers local permits and zoning, while Michigan’s statewide construction-code framework controls many technical construction standards. As of October 2026, Michigan LARA lists the following current code editions:
| Code category | Current Michigan code listed by LARA |
|---|---|
| Building | 2021 Michigan Building Code — effective April 9, 2025 |
| Residential | 2015 Michigan Residential Code |
| Rehabilitation | 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code — effective April 9, 2025 |
| Mechanical | 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code — effective March 12, 2024 |
| Plumbing | 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code — effective March 12, 2024 |
| Electrical | 2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan requirements — effective March 12, 2024 |
| Commercial energy | 2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code — effective April 22, 2025 |
Michigan’s attempted update of the residential code was affected by a July 7, 2025 court order. LARA states that while the order remains in place, the currently adopted 2015 residential provisions remain effective. Because this situation can change, verify the applicable code edition when preparing a new project.
Check Michigan LARA’s current construction code list.
Unpermitted Work: What Dearborn Heights Is Enforcing
Dearborn Heights issued a public enforcement notice on June 17, 2026 warning residents and contractors about unpermitted work, under-permitted projects and the use of unlicensed contractors for work requiring licensure.
The City specifically warns against situations where a homeowner pulls a permit but an unlicensed person performs regulated work. It also warns that obtaining one permit does not authorize additional work that was left out of the approved scope.
Possible consequences identified by the City include stop-work action, citations, permit suspension or revocation, and required correction or removal of noncompliant work.
The City also states that enforcement activity occurs seven days a week. Weekend construction is not a way around permit rules.
Read the City’s 2026 unpermitted-work notice.
Reporting suspected unsafe or unpermitted work
The City’s 2026 notice directs reports to ordinance@dearbornheightsmi.gov. Include the property address, a useful description of the activity, and photographs when available.
How to Fix Common Permit Problems
| Problem | Practical next step |
|---|---|
| You cannot find a standard building application inside BS&A | Open the City’s forms page and use the Building Permit Application. Call the department if the current submission route is unclear. |
| Contractor cannot apply online | Verify that the contractor’s Dearborn Heights registration is current before attempting the trade-permit application. |
| Application was returned for missing information | Compare the City’s form with the submitted package and provide the missing plot plan, plan sets, scope, contract or contractor information. |
| Inspection cannot be scheduled | Check permit status, outstanding fees, contractor registration and the scheduling options shown in the BS&A record. |
| Inspection failed | Correct every listed issue before requesting another inspection. Check whether a reinspection charge applies. |
| One permit was issued but additional work was performed | Stop the uncovered portion of work and ask the department which additional permits are needed. |
| Old permit remains open | Provide the permit number and property address and ask which inspection, document, fee or final approval is still missing. |
| Proposed project does not meet setbacks or lot coverage | Discuss redesign or the applicable Zoning Board process before investing further in construction documents. |
Before You Call the Building Department
A five-minute preparation can make the call much more useful. Have these details ready:
- Full property address.
- Permit number, if one already exists.
- Parcel number if available.
- Exact description of the proposed work.
- Whether you are the homeowner, buyer, business owner or contractor.
- Contractor name and license type where applicable.
- The status or error currently displayed in BS&A.
- Any inspection correction notice you have received.
A useful question is: “I am doing [exact work] at [address]. Which separate building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, concrete or certificate requirements apply before I start?”
Other Michigan Building Department Guides
Permit procedures are local, even when the same Michigan construction codes apply. If you work on properties in more than one jurisdiction, compare the local process before filing. For example, see our Brownstown Township Building Department guide for another Wayne County jurisdiction, our Ann Arbor building permit guide, or the Birmingham, Michigan Building Department guide.
Official Dearborn Heights Resources
| Resource | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Building Department | Current contact information, online-service notes and department updates. |
| Applications & Forms | Building, zoning, contractor, fence, certificate, electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration and other City forms. |
| BS&A Online | Permit applications, building records, payments, inspection scheduling and rental-property searches. |
| Planning Commission | Rezoning, special land use, site plans and zoning amendments. |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | Setbacks, coverage, height, fences, nonconforming property and similar zoning relief. |
| Michigan LARA Construction Codes | Current statewide building, residential, plumbing, mechanical and electrical code editions. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Dearborn Heights Building Department?
The Building Department is at 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, Michigan 48127. The main Building Department number is 313-791-3470.
2. What are the Dearborn Heights Building Department hours?
The City’s current website lists City Hall hours as Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the official department page for holiday or temporary schedule changes.
3. How do I apply for a Dearborn Heights building permit?
Open the City’s Online Applications & Forms page, choose the Building Permit Application, complete the project information, prepare required plans and supporting documents, and follow the Building Department’s current submission instructions. Electrical, plumbing, heating and refrigeration permits are available through the City’s BS&A system.
4. Can I schedule a Dearborn Heights inspection online?
Yes. Dearborn Heights provides inspection scheduling through BS&A for supported building-department records. Open the City of Dearborn Heights BS&A page, select “Schedule an Inspection,” locate your permit and follow the scheduling time frames displayed by the portal.
5. Can I search Dearborn Heights building permits online?
Yes. BS&A provides a Building Department Record Search and a Detailed Record Search for available municipal records. Search the property and review separate building and trade records when applicable.
6. Does a contractor have to register with Dearborn Heights?
The City states that contractors must be registered with the Building Department before using the online portal for electrical, heating, refrigeration and plumbing permit applications.
7. How much does a Dearborn Heights building permit cost?
The price depends on the project and permit type. The City’s Building and Zoning Permit Fees PDF currently posted online is an older schedule dated June 1, 2011, so it should not be treated as a guaranteed 2026 price. Use the current City form and confirm the calculated amount before paying.
8. Do I need separate electrical, plumbing and HVAC permits?
They may be required separately when those trades are part of the work. A general building permit should not be assumed to authorize electrical, plumbing, heating or refrigeration work that requires its own permit.
9. What should I do if an old Dearborn Heights permit is still open?
Search the property in BS&A, review the building and related trade records, then contact the Building Department with the address and permit number. Ask which inspection, document, correction, payment or final approval is still required to close the record.
10. What happens if construction is done without a permit in Dearborn Heights?
Dearborn Heights announced increased enforcement in June 2026. Depending on the situation, unpermitted or under-permitted work can lead to stop-work action, citations, permit suspension or revocation, and required correction or removal. The City also says enforcement activity can occur on weekends.
Information reviewed for 2026 using City of Dearborn Heights Building Department resources, current City forms and BS&A services, Dearborn Heights planning and zoning information, the City’s June 2026 enforcement notice, and Michigan LARA construction-code resources. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the City of Dearborn Heights.