If you are planning any kind of construction or renovation work in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, you will need a building permit from the City of St. Clair Shores Building Department (part of Community Development and Inspections).
Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in St. Clair Shores, what the fees are in 2026, and how to check the status of their application quickly.
This guide explains the entire process in simple language so you can understand what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems that slow things down.
Whether you are a homeowner doing your own work or a contractor handling a larger job, the steps are the same and the goal is to get your permit approved smoothly and on time.
St. Clair Shores Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Address: 27600 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48081 (City Hall)
- Phone: (586) 447-3340
- Fax: (586) 445-4098
- Email: Use the online portal for applications; general inquiries via phone
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Official Page: St. Clair Shores Building Department
St. Clair Shores Building Permit Search 2026
Official Portal: BS&A Online Portal
- Go to the BS&A Online portal (public search available).
- Search by property address or permit number.
- View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history.
How to Apply for St. Clair Shores Building Permits Online 2026
Here is the clear step-by-step process that most people follow to get their permit approved as smoothly as possible.
- Go to the BS&A Online portal and create or log into your account.
- Start a new permit application and select the correct type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fence, driveway, etc.).
- Enter the property address and provide accurate project details including estimated job cost.
- Upload required documents such as plot plan/survey, construction drawings, and contractor information.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee plus any plan review fees and submit the application.
- Monitor your account and respond promptly to any review comments or requests for additional information.
- Once approved, display the permit card at the job site before any work begins.
- Schedule required inspections through the portal or by contacting the department.
St. Clair Shores Building Permit Fees 2026
- Official Fee Schedule: Download Building Permit Application and Fee Schedule
- Permit fee is based on job cost: $30 minimum for jobs $300 or less; $50 + application fee for $301–$5,000; $10 per $1,000 (up to $50,000) thereafter; $5 per $1,000 over $50,000.
- Non-refundable application fee: $50.
- Additional plan review fees apply where required; re-inspection fee: $30.
- Starting work without a permit adds an administrative fee of at least $30 per infraction and may result in double fees plus fines or a Stop Work Order.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed Building Permit Application (signed)
- Plot plan/survey showing lot dimensions, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, easements, and overhead wires
- Cross-sectional view with materials, height, footings, and measurements
- Two (2) sets of plans (3 sets for commercial)
- Proof of contractor registration and license
- Owner-Builder Affidavit if applicable
How to Schedule Inspections in St. Clair Shores
Schedule inspections by contacting the Building Department. A $30 re-inspection fee applies for failed or missed inspections. All applicable inspections must be completed, and final inspections are required within ten (10) days of completion of work.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder
Contractors must register with the department and provide proof of license. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
Local Insider Tips That Really Help
- Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time so you avoid having to resubmit everything later.
- Include accurate job cost estimates to prevent delays or additional fees.
- Check the property for any old violations before you start a new application.
- Call the office early in the morning when the staff is less busy and you can get faster answers.
- Schedule each inspection as soon as the work stage is finished so you do not lose time waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for existing building permits in St. Clair Shores?
Use the BS&A Online portal by property address or permit number. You can see the status and history without logging in for basic records.
How to apply for a St. Clair Shores building permit online?
Create an account on the BS&A Online portal, choose the right permit type, upload your drawings and documents, pay the fee, and submit everything online.
What are the St. Clair Shores building permit fees in 2026?
Fees are based on job cost with a $50 non-refundable application fee. Minimum fees apply for small projects; larger projects add $10 per $1,000 (up to $50,000) and $5 per $1,000 thereafter. Re-inspection fees are $30.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in St. Clair Shores?
Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must sign paperwork that says you take full responsibility for the work and safety.
How long does it take to get a building permit in St. Clair Shores?
Simple projects can be approved in just a few days if submitted completely. More complicated jobs usually take between two and four weeks depending on how complete your submission is.
Official Resources
- BS&A Online Portal – Apply & Search Permits
- Building Department Homepage
- Applications, Permits & Forms
- Building Permit Application and Fee Schedule (PDF)
Updated April 2026 using only official City of St. Clair Shores sources. Use the BS&A Online portal for the fastest permitting experience.
Khushboo Bobade is a public records researcher and editorial writer specializing in government service documentation and construction permit systems.
Her research focuses on explaining building permits, inspection procedures, zoning regulations, and public permit records maintained by local government building departments across the United States.
Professional profile: View LinkedIn Profile
Check Permit Type, Estimate Fees, Prepare Inspections and Find Official Building Department Links
Use this free tool before applying for a building permit, booking an inspection, checking zoning rules, or searching permit records. It helps homeowners, contractors, landlords, buyers, and business owners understand the next step before visiting the official building department portal.
What building department task do you need help with?
Choose your goal. The tool will suggest the right next step, what to prepare, and which official page to check.
Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.
Many portals require contractor registration, license details, insurance, plans, owner authorization, and inspection scheduling access.
Building Permit Type Finder
Select the project type to understand which permits or reviews are commonly required. Always confirm with the official local building department.
Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
Estimate a rough permit fee using project value and common percentage-based review assumptions. Local minimum fees, technology fees, impact fees, reinspection fees, and trade fees can change the final amount.
Inspection Readiness Checklist
Use this before scheduling framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, final, or certificate-related inspections.
Zoning and Setback Pre-check
Use this before applying for a permit when your project may affect land use, setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, signs, fences, accessory structures, or business use.
Plan Review Timeline Estimator
Estimate how complex your review may be. Local staffing, incomplete plans, corrections, holidays, fire review, zoning review, and outside agency review can change timing.
Permit Records Search Helper
Use this if you are trying to find old permits, inspection history, certificate of occupancy details, open permits, or code-related records.
Official Building Department Resource Finder
Enter city/county and state to create safe searches for official permit portals, inspection scheduling, building codes, zoning maps, forms, fees, and contact pages.
Building Department vs Planning/Zoning
- Building Department: permits, plan review, inspections, code compliance, certificates.
- Planning/Zoning: land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking, variances.
Best sitewide placement
Place this tool after the first main guide section or before FAQs. It turns a normal article into a practical permit-preparation page.
Important note
This tool gives educational guidance only. Final permit requirements, fees, inspections, forms, and deadlines must be confirmed with the official local building department.