If you are planning any kind of construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence, roof replacement, or other building work in the City of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, you will need a building permit from the Dearborn Heights Building Department.
Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in Dearborn Heights, 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.
Dearborn Heights Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Address: 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
- Phone: (313) 791-3470
- Email: building.dept@dearbornheightsmi.gov
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Official Page: Dearborn Heights Building Department
Dearborn Heights Building Permit Search 2026
Official Portal: Dearborn Heights BS&A Online Portal
- Go to the BS&A Online portal (public search available).
- Search by property address, parcel number, or owner name.
- View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history.
How to Apply for Dearborn Heights Building Permits 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.
- Select the property by searching address, parcel number, or owner name.
- Choose the permit type (building, electrical, heating/refrigeration, plumbing) and enter project details including estimated construction value.
- Upload detailed drawings, site plans, specifications, and supporting documents.
- Pay the required fees online and submit the complete application.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or corrections during plan review.
- Once approved, display the permit card at the job site before any work begins.
- Schedule inspections through the BS&A portal or by contacting the department.
Dearborn Heights Building Permit Fees 2026
- Official Fee Schedule: Available on the city website (Building and Zoning Permit Fees PDF).
- Fees are based on the type of work and estimated construction cost or square footage.
- Electrical, heating/refrigeration, and plumbing permits are now available online with specific fees listed on the applications.
- Work started without a permit can result in double fees plus possible fines or a Stop Work Order.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed BS&A permit application
- Detailed construction drawings and specifications
- Site plan showing existing structures and proposed work
- Proof of contractor license and insurance (if applicable)
- Owner-Builder Affidavit if you are doing the work yourself
- Any required trade permit applications (electrical, heating, plumbing)
How to Schedule Inspections in Dearborn Heights
Schedule inspections through the BS&A Online portal or by contacting the Building Department. Have your approved plans and the permit card ready when the inspector arrives. Re-inspection fees may apply for failed or missed inspections.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder
Contractors must hold valid Michigan licenses. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
Local Insider Tips That Really Help
- Use the BS&A Online portal for faster submission, payments, and real-time tracking of your permit.
- Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time to avoid delays in plan review.
- Electrical, heating/refrigeration, and plumbing applications are now available online — use them for trade work.
- Check the property for any old violations or open permits before starting a new application.
- Call the office early in the day for status checks when lines are less busy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for existing building permits in Dearborn Heights?
Use the public search function in the BS&A Online portal by property address, parcel number, or owner name.
How to apply for a Dearborn Heights building permit?
Create an account on the BS&A portal, select the property, choose the permit type, upload your drawings and documents, pay the fees, and submit everything online.
What are the Dearborn Heights building permit fees in 2026?
Fees are based on the type of work and estimated construction cost. Refer to the current Building and Zoning Permit Fees PDF on the city website.
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in Dearborn Heights?
Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Dearborn Heights?
Simple projects can be approved in just a few days. More complicated jobs usually take between one and three weeks depending on how complete your submission is.
Official Resources
- Dearborn Heights BS&A Online Portal – Apply & Search Permits
- Building Department Homepage
- Online Applications & Forms
- Building and Zoning Permit Fees
Updated April 2026 using only official City of Dearborn Heights sources. Use the BS&A Online portal for faster submission and real-time tracking.
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.