Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a Macomb Township Building Permit
Macomb Township uses BS&A Online for permit applications, fee payments and public permit records. Licensed plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors need an online account and Township PIN before submitting trade permits.
This guide gives homeowners, builders and business owners the exact permit route, current July 2026 fees, plan requirements, local garage and pool rules, inspection timing, zoning dependencies and final occupancy steps.
Choose the Exact Macomb Township Task
Open the Route That Matches Your Project
Each panel gives the first practical step and the main document risk.
New house
Prepare a signed and sealed plot plan, complete blueprints, energy-code documents, soil-erosion approval and applicable trade permits. New plot plans are submitted electronically to plotplannew@macomb-mi.gov.
Residential addition
Submit two plot plans and two construction-plan sets showing the foundation, floor plans, wall sections, elevations, braced walls, trusses and energy compliance. A soil-erosion permit is required when the project is within 500 feet of a watercourse or includes a basement below the addition.
Basement finish
Submit two plan sets showing ceiling height, insulation, draft stopping and emergency egress. Rough trade inspections come before rough building, insulation and final inspections.
Garage, shed or gazebo
Use the accessory-building checklist. Provide two plot plans and two construction-plan sets. Confirm parcel size, setbacks, maximum permitted area, height and foundation before ordering the structure.
Fence
Show total length, individual runs, height, type and pool-barrier status on two plot plans. The Township arranges a grade check before processing the permit.
Pool, spa or hot tub
A pool containing 24 inches or more of water requires building and electrical permits. Add a mechanical permit when a heater is installed. In-ground projects can also require soil-erosion review and a $1,000 bond.
Commercial project
Obtain Planning and Engineering approvals before building review. Submit coordinated site, architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans sealed by Michigan design professionals.
New business or tenant
Obtain Certificate of Zoning Compliance approval before establishing a new commercial, industrial or office use. Interior construction, change of occupancy and final approvals may require separate permits and inspections.
Macomb Township Building Department Contact Information
Macomb Township Handles the Building Permit—County Agencies May Handle Other Approvals
Macomb Township commonly handles
- Building permits
- Electrical permits
- Mechanical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Construction inspections
- Certificate of Zoning Compliance
- Certificate of Occupancy requests
- Local code enforcement
Another agency may handle
- County soil-erosion permits
- County road or approach permits
- Septic permits for unsewered parcels
- County-drain requirements
- State highway access permits
- Township water and sewer taps
- Subdivision private restrictions
- Utility-company approvals
Which Macomb Township Permit Fits the Work?
Project |
Start with |
Additional requirement |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home |
Building permit |
Plot-plan review, energy documents, soil erosion, utilities and trade permits |
Home addition or structural alteration |
Building permit |
Two plot plans, two plan sets and applicable electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits |
Basement finish |
Building permit |
Egress, ceiling height, insulation, draft stopping and trade permits |
Electrical, HVAC, gas or plumbing |
Trade permit |
Licensed contractor account and Township PIN for online contractor filing |
Garage, shed, pole barn, pergola or gazebo |
Accessory-building permit |
Plot plans, construction details, zoning setbacks, lot size and foundation |
Fence |
Fence permit |
Plot plan, grade check, pool-barrier identification and final inspection |
Pool or spa |
Building permit |
Electrical permit, mechanical permit for heater, plot plan, bond and barrier |
Deck |
Deck permit |
Footings, framing, stairs, guards, handrails and property setbacks |
New commercial building or addition |
Planning and building review |
Sealed plans, site approval, Engineering, DPW, soil erosion, fire and accessibility |
New commercial, industrial or office use |
Zoning compliance |
Interior-finish permit, change-of-use inspections and occupancy approval when applicable |
Apply Online in Seven Clear Steps
Search and select the correct property
BS&A allows searches by address, parcel number or owner name.
Choose the exact permit type
Select building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing or the specific project category shown in the portal.
Enter applicant and notification information
Verify the homeowner, contractor and contact details. Choose the parties who should receive status-change emails.
Estimate the correct fee quantities
Select the fee items and quantities that match the work. The Township checks the application before issuing the final invoice.
Attach plans and supporting documents
Upload readable plot plans, construction drawings, licenses, insurance, contracts and outside approvals required for the permit type.
Save the confirmation and monitor View My Activity
A successful submission produces a confirmation screen. Review portal activity for comments, approvals and invoices.
Confirm formal issuance before starting work
An application, estimated fee or review approval is not the issued permit.
What to Prepare Before Opening BS&A
Property and applicant
- Project address
- Subdivision and lot number
- Parcel number
- Owner’s legal name
- Applicant phone and email
- Detailed scope
Plans and project data
- Plot plan
- Floor plans
- Building elevations
- Foundation details
- Wall and framing sections
- Construction valuation
Contractors and approvals
- Builder or trade license
- Driver’s-license information
- Insurance certificates
- Workers’ compensation proof
- Soil-erosion permit
- Planning or Engineering approval
Additional Items for a New Single-Family Home
Required plan package
- Signed and sealed plot plan showing adjacent-lot setbacks
- Property address and finished first-floor elevation
- Foundation and floor plans
- Wall sections and elevations
- Braced-wall plans
- Energy-code compliance report
- Heat plan with Manual J and S calculations before rough mechanical inspection
- Sealed truss and I-joist drawings before rough building inspection
Unplatted-parcel checks
- Septic approval when municipal sewer is unavailable
- Culvert or approach permit when applicable
- Notice of Address from Township Planning
- Parcel Approval Notice from Assessing
- County soil-erosion approval
- Township water and sewer approvals
Accessory Building, Fence and Pool Requirements
Project |
Township guidance |
Critical action |
|---|---|---|
Accessory-building documents |
Two plot-plan copies and two construction-plan or brochure copies |
Show existing buildings, septic system, property lines, section and foundation |
Accessory-building location |
Detached structures belong in the rear yard and cannot occupy utility or dedicated easements |
Have Zoning confirm exact setbacks before ordering the structure |
Small residential parcels |
Certain listed districts on lots of 10,000 sq. ft. or less allow one garage up to 900 sq. ft. and one other accessory building up to 150 sq. ft. |
Confirm the parcel’s zoning district and area |
Accessory-building height |
Detached accessory buildings on the listed small parcels are limited to 12 feet |
Show the Township-defined height measurement on elevations |
Detached structure foundation |
Structures 600 sq. ft. or less use a 24-inch ratwall and slab detail; garages over 600 sq. ft. require a 42-inch footing |
Request open-trench inspection before concrete |
Fence processing |
Water Department grade check takes approximately two to three days; the handout allows seven to ten working days for the complete permit process |
Do not install until the permit is issued |
Fence construction |
No pointed tops; finished side faces outward; no fence closer than 3½ feet to another fence |
Identify the property lines and request final inspection |
Pool permit threshold |
Building and electrical permits are required at 24 inches or more of water; heater adds a mechanical permit |
Include pool, equipment, cables, easements, barrier and setbacks on the plot plan |
Pool separation |
Pool water edge must be at least 10 feet from a building; the handout allows a spa at least five feet from the main structure |
Dimension the pool, deck and equipment separately |
Pool bond |
$250 above-ground pool bond; $1,000 in-ground pool bond |
Budget the refundable bond separately from permit and trade fees |
Basement Finish Inspection Order
Residential Re-Roof Rules Updated April 2026
Permit required
The Township FAQ states that residential roof replacement requires a building permit.
Published roof fee: $100 residential.
Tear-off triggers
Existing roofing must be removed when there are two or more roof-covering applications or when the existing covering is water-soaked or deteriorated.
Ice-barrier rule
The Township handout requires the ice barrier to extend from the roof edge to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line.
Commercial and Land-Development Projects Start With Planning
Planning applications include
- Site-plan review
- Special land use
- Site condominium review
- Subdivision review
- Planned unit development
- Zoning variance
- Rezoning
- Address assignment
Planning submission method
- Complete the correct application and checklist.
- Create PDFs of the application, plans and supplemental documents.
- Include a copy of the fee check.
- Email the package to PlanDropBox@macomb-mi.gov.
- Deliver or mail the original check to Township Hall.
- Wait for confirmation of a complete submission.
Documents Required Before Commercial Building Review
Township approvals
- Planning Commission approval letter
- Engineering site-plan approval
- Township DPW construction permit
- Water and sewer tap permits
- Assessing master-deed approval when applicable
Outside approvals
- County soil-erosion permit
- County road or MDOT approach permit
- Soil report
- Structural calculations
- Special-inspection statement
Construction plans
- Site and architectural
- Structural
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Mechanical
- Energy compliance
- Accessibility plan
Construction Codes Enforced by Macomb Township
Macomb Township Building Permit Fees
Fee item |
Current Township amount |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|
Online application charge |
$2 |
Added to online filings |
New single-family application |
$200 |
Non-refundable but credited toward issued permit |
Commercial, industrial or multi-family alteration application |
$150 |
Application fee only |
New commercial, industrial or multi-family application |
$300 |
Permit and plan-review fees are additional |
Residential roof |
$100 |
Commercial or industrial roof is $200 |
Deck |
$150 |
Plan review and trade work may be additional |
Above-ground pool |
$100 |
$250 pool bond is separate |
Free-standing hot tub or spa |
$100 |
Electrical and mechanical permits may apply |
Residential demolition |
$150 |
Commercial demolition is $250 |
Fence |
$75 |
Grade check and final inspection required |
Concrete, paver or patio |
$100 |
Township zoning fee |
Shed, pergola or gazebo under 200 sq. ft. |
$100 |
Larger structures use building-permit calculations |
Residential project plan review |
$50 |
Applies to listed alterations, additions, decks, pools, fences and similar projects |
New single-family plan review |
$150 |
Plot-plan engineering review is separate |
Commercial plan review |
25% of building fee |
$200 minimum |
New residential plot-plan engineering review |
$350 |
$500 for a scattered parcel |
Work started without permit |
$150 |
Other permit and enforcement costs can still apply |
Locked-out inspection |
$50 |
Provide safe and reliable access |
Work not ready |
$75 |
Check the inspection stage before calling |
Additional reinspection |
$75 |
First reinspection of original violations has no charge |
Valuation-based building fees
Projects without a specific flat fee use the Township’s graduated construction-value table.
- $0–$1,000: $100
- $1,001–$10,000: $100 plus $10 per $1,000 above $1,001
- $10,001–$100,000: $190 plus $6.50 per $1,000 above $10,001
- Higher brackets use separate formulas
Why the live invoice can be higher
- Plan review
- Engineering review
- Trade permits
- State or consultant charges
- Project bonds
- Plan revisions
- Special inspections
- Outside-agency approvals
Schedule and Pass Macomb Township Inspections
Residential notice
24-hour notice is required.
Call 586-992-0710 ext. 1 with the permit number, address and inspection type.
Commercial scheduling
Commercial inspections requested before 3:30 PM are normally scheduled for the next day.
Scheduling is not a guarantee of approval.
Inspector questions
Residential guidance lists inspectors in the office:
8:00–8:30 AM
4:00–4:30 PM
Have ready
- Issued permit number
- Correct inspection type
- Approved Township plans
- Work completed for the stage
- Concealed work left exposed
- Safe access to the site
Avoid reinspection charges
- Read prior correction notes
- Complete every cited item
- Coordinate all required trades
- Provide ladders or access where needed
- Do not call before work is ready
- Prevent locked gates or buildings
Typical New-Home and Addition Inspections
Stage |
Common inspection |
Do not proceed until |
|---|---|---|
Foundation |
Basement footing, garage footing and backfill when applicable |
Footing and waterproofing stages are approved |
Underground and slab |
Drain tile, plumbing and sand/subbase inspections |
Underground work is approved before covering or concrete |
Rough trades |
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical rough inspections |
All concealed trade work is approved |
Rough building |
Framing, braced walls, structural connections and required fire blocking |
Trade roughs and structural documents are complete |
Envelope |
Flashing, weep holes, concealed insulation and insulation |
Required materials remain visible |
Final trades |
Final electrical, plumbing and mechanical |
Fixtures and systems are complete and operational |
Final building |
Building final |
Address is permanently affixed and required utility/site items are complete |
Final Building Inspection Comes After Other Final Approvals
Before final building
- Final plumbing approved
- Final electrical approved
- Final mechanical approved
- Fire alarm approval complete
- Fire suppression approval complete
- Third-party summary report accepted
- Engineering and site work complete
- Approved plans followed
Completion document
Certificate of Completion: May be used for a shell or white-box project with no approved use.
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: Requires trade, fire, Engineering and life-safety approval.
Permanent Certificate of Occupancy: Requires all permits and site work to be complete.
Keep the Permit and Application Active
Building permits
- Initially valid for 180 days.
- Can be renewed for one-year periods with continuing reasonable progress.
- Work cannot be suspended or abandoned for 180 days.
- Annual renewal is 50% of the original permit fee, up to $500.
Trade permits
- Become invalid when work does not begin within six months.
- Can close when no inspection is requested and conducted within six months.
- Closed trade permits cannot be refunded or reinstated.
- Permits and fees are non-transferable.
Find an Old, Open or Expired Macomb Township Permit
Search by permit number first
Use the number from an invoice, permit card, inspection report or contractor document.
Try address and parcel searches
Use the base property address or parcel number when the permit number is unavailable.
Check every permit connected to the project
A building project may have separate electrical, mechanical, plumbing, zoning and occupancy records.
Request stored plans or plot plans early
The Township FAQ warns that some plot plans are in storage and may take several days to retrieve.
Contact Building when the record is incomplete
Email building@macomb-mi.gov with the address, approximate year, owner or contractor and document requested.
Obtain Zoning and Occupancy Approval Before Opening
Certificate of Zoning Compliance
Required before establishing a new use in a commercial, industrial or office zoning district.
- Describe the proposed business and use.
- Identify the building or tenant space.
- State whether interior or exterior work is proposed.
- Complete interior-finish permits when required.
Certificate of Occupancy request
The Township request form requires the applicable boxes to be cleared:
- Certificate of Zoning
- Building approval
- Electrical approval
- Mechanical approval
- Plumbing approval
- Engineering final bond release
- Fire Department approval
Ten Macomb Township Permit Problems to Avoid
- Applying to Macomb County instead of Macomb Township.
- Using a mortgage survey instead of the approved Township plot plan.
- Submitting a trade permit without the contractor account and PIN.
- Leaving out required electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits.
- Starting work before formal permit issuance.
- Ignoring a Planning, Engineering, soil-erosion or road approval.
- Ordering an accessory structure before confirming the parcel-specific zoning limits.
- Covering work before inspection.
- Calling for an inspection when the work is not ready or inaccessible.
- Assuming one building final closes all trade and occupancy records.
What to Say When Contacting Township Staff
“I am planning [exact work] at [address, subdivision and lot]. Which building, zoning, Engineering and trade permits are required, and which plans should I submit?”
“My BS&A account is registered under [email/company]. I need the Township PIN or account connection required to submit a [electrical/mechanical/plumbing] permit.”
“Permit application [number] received comments dated [date]. I uploaded revised drawings and a numbered response showing the sheet and detail for every correction.”
“I found permit [number] at [address], but it does not appear closed. Which inspection, fee, plan or outside approval remains outstanding?”
Do Not Treat the Project as Finished Until These Are Complete
- Macomb Township jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit types identified
- Approved plot plan obtained
- Planning approval complete
- Engineering approval complete
- County approvals obtained when required
- Contractors licensed and registered
- Complete plans submitted
- Review corrections resolved
- Fees and bonds paid
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans kept on site
- Inspections requested on time
- Failed items corrected
- All trade permits finalized
- Occupancy document obtained when required
Macomb Township Building Department Map
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Call 586-992-0710 ext. 1 before making a special trip or delivering large plan sets.
Open the Correct Macomb Township Portal, Form or Checklist
Macomb Township Building Permit FAQs
Where do I apply for a Macomb Township building permit?
Use the Macomb Township BS&A Online portal. Search the property, choose the permit type, enter the work description and applicant information, estimate fee quantities and attach required plans or documents.
How do licensed trade contractors apply online?
Licensed and registered plumbing, mechanical and electrical contractors need a BS&A account and Township PIN before submitting online trade-permit applications.
How do I schedule a Macomb Township inspection?
Call the Building Department at 586-992-0710, extension 1. Residential inspection guidance requires 24-hour notice. Commercial inspections requested before 3:30 PM are normally scheduled for the next day.
Can I use a mortgage survey as my plot plan?
No. The Township FAQ says a mortgage survey cannot replace the approved plot plan. Contact the Building Department to request the Township plot-plan record; older files may take several days to retrieve.
How much is a Macomb Township roof permit?
The July 2026 fee schedule lists $100 for a residential roof permit and $200 for a commercial or industrial roof permit.
How much is a fence permit?
The current Township fee is $75. The fence application requires plot plans, a Township grade check and a final inspection.
Does a swimming pool need more than one permit?
A pool containing 24 inches or more of water requires building and electrical permits. A mechanical permit is also required when a pool heater is installed.
When does a Macomb Township permit expire?
Building permits are initially valid for 180 days and can be renewed when reasonable progress continues. Trade permits can become invalid or close when work or inspections do not occur for six months.
What is required before a commercial Certificate of Occupancy?
The Township request form requires the applicable zoning, building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, Engineering and Fire Department approvals before a temporary or final certificate request is submitted.
How do I find an old or open permit?
Use Building Department Record Search in Macomb Township BS&A. Search by permit number first, then by property address or parcel. Review all related building and trade records and contact building@macomb-mi.gov when an older document is missing.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not Macomb Township.
This page was checked against the official Macomb Township Building Department, BS&A portal, July 2026 fee schedule, April and July 2026 permit forms, current code sheet, residential and commercial inspection guides, project-specific requirement PDFs, Planning application packets and Macomb County permit resources.
Last verified: July 22, 2026.
Forms, fees, code editions, permit procedures, staff contacts, review requirements and inspection availability can change. Confirm time-sensitive information with Macomb Township before filing, paying or beginning work.
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.