⚠️ Important Notice – Incomplete Applications
Incomplete applications will be returned and will not be processed.
To avoid delays, please ensure all required plans, supporting documents, contractor information, and applicable registrations are submitted at the time of application.
Building Department - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of The Building Code?
The purpose of the building code is to insure public safety, health and welfare insofar as they are affected by building construction, through structural strength, adequate egress facilities, sanitary equipment, light and ventilation, and fire safety; and, in general, to secure safety to life and property from all hazards incident to the design, erection, repair, removal, demolition or use and occupancy of buildings, structures or premises.
What is a building code?
The building code controls all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures and their service equipment. The 2021 Michigan Building Code (MBC), based on the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), which became effective on April 9, 2025.
· MBC 2021 Commercial
- MRC 2021 Residential
- MPC 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code
- MMC 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code
- NEC 2023 Electrical
- 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
- ICC A117.1-2009 Accessibility
- RESIDENTIAL: 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- COMMERCIAL: 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) & ASHRAE 90.1-2019
Are building permits necessary?
Before construction of a building or structure, an owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
A permit is not required for ordinary repairs. Ordinary repairs to structures may be made without permit, but such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the exit requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs including addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.
How do I submit permits?
You can always submit in person during office hours.
You simply fill out the application, complete the contractor registration (if applicable), send in an email the application, cont. registration, Driver’s License, Contractors License, copy of the general liability insurance to the Building Dept. Email. Building@highlandparkmi.gov.
When is a license necessary to secure a building permit?
A person engaged in the construction of a residential structure or a combination residential and commercial structure must be licensed as a Residential Builder with the Department of Labor & Economic Growth. There are certain exceptions in the licensing law (P.A. 299 of 1980, as amended) to this requirement.
When are plans required for a residential permit?
Plans are required for all residential new builds, additions, and alterations.
However, the Building Official may waive the requirement if code compliance can be clearly determined from the description provided in the permit application.
Do I need stamped architectural or engineering plans for my house?
Stamped plans are not required for:
- One- and two-family dwellings under 3,500 square feet of calculated floor area
- Public works projects under $15,000 in total construction cost
If your project exceeds these thresholds, stamped and signed plans may be required.
Are sealed plans required for commercial projects?
Yes. All commercial new builds, additions, and alterations require sealed and signed architectural or engineering plans at the time of application.
How do I submit my plans?
All plans and supporting documents must be submitted electronically. Accepted methods include:
- Flash drive
- Drop box
- Other approved digital format
Paper submissions are not accepted unless otherwise approved.
What documents must be submitted along with my plans?
Each submission must include:
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Contractor Registration (if applicable)
- Copy of Driver’s License
- Proof of General Liability Insurance
- Builder’s License (if applicable)
- Notarized authorization (if someone other than the licensed contractor is applying — see Question #8 below)
Incomplete submissions may delay processing or result in the application being returned.
Are trade contractors required to be licensed?
Yes. All trade contractors (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, etc.) must be licensed by the State of Michigan. Trade contractors performing work within the City are subject to an annual contractor registration fee ranging from $15.00 to $35.00, depending on the trade and registration classification.
Do contractors need to register for commercial work?
Contractors are not required to register their contractor license for commercial projects; however, the City prefers to maintain contractor license information on file for all contractors performing work within the City. Trade contractors remain subject to state licensing requirements and applicable City registration fees.
Can office staff or agents pull permits on behalf of a licensed contractor?
Yes, but notarized authorization is required. Any staff member, qualifying officer, resident agent, or other individual submitting applications or pulling permits on behalf of a licensed contractor must provide notarized documentation stating that they have the legal right and permission to act on behalf of the licensed contractor.
Permits will not be issued without proper authorization documentation.
What are the Building Department hours?
Monday-Thursday 9am-430pm (Closed for lunch noon-1pm) (We stop processing applications at 4pm)
Friday 9am-1pm (We are available by email after 1pm)
When do the inspectors inspect?
Building Official/Building Inspector: Monday’s and Wednesday’s 9am-4pm.
Electrical Inspector: Tuesday’s and Thursday’s 1130am-230pm.
Plumbing & Mechanical Inspector: Monday’s and Wednesday’s 8am-1130am.
How do I schedule an inspection?
1. Give the office a call.
2. Send an email.
Can I request a same day inspection?
No, inspections have to be called in 24 to 48 hours ahead of time and must be called or emailed in by 330pm daily.
** Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is at the discretion of the Building Official. **
PROJECTS THAT REQUIRE PERMITS:
- ROOFING
- SIDING
- FLAT CEMENT WORK
- DRIVEWAYS
- PORCHES/STEPS/WALKWAYS
- PATIOS
- DECKS
- GARAGE/SHED
- NEW HOME BUILDS
- ADDITIONS
- SIGNS
- DRYWALL
- INSULATION
- REPLACING EXISTING LIGHT FIXTURES (If new wiring has to be installed)
- INSTALLING NEW LIGHT FIXTURES
- GFCI INSTALLATION
- CIRCUIT REPLACEMENT
- ELECTRICAL SERVICE UPGRADES/REPLACEMENTS
- PLUMBING FIXTURE REPLACEMENT/NEW INSTALL
- WATER LINES
- FURNACE
- WATER HEATER
- CHIMNEY LINER
- MINI-SPLITS
- A/C UNITS
- SEWER REPAIRS (Sidewalk to the street requires a ROW permit through Engineering/Water dept. – Anything from the sidewalk to the house or the backyard is a plumbing permit through the Building Department. Repairs that are both, require permits from both the Building Department and the Engineering/Water Department).
- WINDOW REPLACEMENT (Glass repair/glass replacement does not require a permit)
- DOORWALL (IF ADJUSTING SIZE)
- ENTRY AND STORM DOORS
- FLOORING (ONLY IF REPLACING THE SUB FLOORING IN THE BATHROOM UNDER THE TUB OR CHANGING THE LOAD ANYWHERE IN THE HOUSE TO MORE THEN THE CURRENT FLOOR CAN WITHSTAND)
- IN GROUND AND ABOVE GROUND POOLS
- WATER PROOFING EXTERIOR/INTERIOR
- SUMP PUMP INSTALL OR REPLACEMENT
- FENCE REPLACEMENTS (If posts are being removed and new holes are being dug)
- FENCE NEW INSTALL (If you have never had a fence or are changing fence from chain link 4ft to another material 6ft privacy)
- SIDE WALK REPAIRS: RIGHT OF WAY PERMIT THROUGH ENGINEERING
- INSTALLATION OF GROUND WIRES AND DROP LINES
Permits are not required for minor repairs or landscaping;
- Tuck pointing
- Painting
- Broken glass/screens
- Existing switches and outlets (if you have to change the electrical, then a permit is needed)
- Kitchen cabinets (No structural changes)
- Flooring
For a complete list of what the City of Highland Park requires a permit to be pulled for and PDF’s of our applications, please Click Here.
For more inquiries, you may send an email to: Building@highlandparkmi.gov or call at: 313-252-0050 ext. 209.