Choose the Correct BS&A Permit, Clear Zoning and Keep Every Inspection on Track
Sterling Heights makes every permit type available through its BS&A online portal. Homeowners use the homeowner route, while licensed and City-registered contractors need an account and PIN.
This guide explains which permit fits the work, what plans to prepare, current Michigan code editions, zoning and floodplain checks, homeowner limitations, contractor registration, inspection scheduling, business Certificates of Occupancy and the City’s 2026–2027 fee schedules.
What Do You Need From Sterling Heights Building?
Sterling Heights Next-Step Finder
Select the project or problem that best matches your situation.
Sterling Heights Building Department Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Building, Planning, Engineering, Fire and Health Handle Different Parts
Office |
What it reviews |
Best starting contact |
|---|---|---|
Office of Building |
Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits, plan review and construction inspections |
|
Planning |
Land use, zoning district, setbacks, height, parking, density, trees and site plans |
|
Engineering |
Floodplain, soil erosion, grading, drainage, utilities, sidewalks, roads and site restoration |
|
Fire Department |
Fire access, hydrants, high-piled storage, alarms, suppression, Fire Code and business occupancy |
|
Macomb County Health |
Food, health and septic-system questions |
|
City Clerk |
Business licenses and Freedom of Information Act requests |
Check Zoning Before Ordering Final Plans or Signing a Commercial Lease
Residential project
Confirm the proposed structure’s setbacks, location, lot coverage, height, driveway impact, flood status and relationship to easements.
Sheds, decks, fences and pools can require zoning review even when the structure appears simple.
Commercial use
Ask Planning whether the proposed business or occupancy is permitted before signing the lease or beginning a tenant alteration.
Changes of use can affect parking, accessibility, Fire review, plumbing fixtures and Certificate of Occupancy requirements.
Which Sterling Heights Permit Fits the Work?
Project |
Starting permit |
Prepare or check first |
|---|---|---|
New house |
Building permit and plan review |
Plot plan, architectural plans, structural plans, heat plans, energy documents and Engineering soil-erosion review |
Residential addition |
Building permit |
Zoning, foundation, framing, energy, trade permits, lot coverage and drainage |
Basement finish |
Residential basement-finish permit |
Room use, egress, smoke and CO alarms, ceiling height, stairs and trade work |
Interior remodel |
Residential interior-finish permit |
Structural walls, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, windows and intended room use |
Deck or porch |
Building permit |
Plot plan, setbacks, footings, attachment, guards, stairs and property lines |
Shed between 50 and 200 square feet |
Building permit |
Plot plan, zoning placement, size, height, foundation and electrical work |
Fence |
Fence permit |
Plot plan, corner lot, height, privacy-fence finish side and pool-barrier rules |
Reroof |
Roofing permit required |
Existing layers, decking repair, tear-off scope and ice-and-snow shield |
Above-ground or in-ground pool |
Building and trade permits |
Zoning, barrier, electrical bonding, equipment, deck and utility locations |
Water-heater replacement |
Plumbing permit |
Fuel, venting, temperature-pressure relief, expansion control and electrical reconnect |
Furnace or air-conditioner replacement |
Mechanical and possibly electrical |
Equipment size, reconnect, gas piping, electrical panel and location |
Electrical service, generator or wiring |
Electrical permit |
Michigan license, City registration, utility coordination and load calculation |
Commercial construction or alteration |
Commercial plan review |
Planning, site plan, design-professional seal, Fire, accessibility, energy and all trade plans |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Contractor eligibility, utilities, water and sewer abandonment, gas and electric shutoff and final site restoration |
Apply for a Sterling Heights Permit Step by Step
Research the property
Use the City maps and BS&A property search to confirm the correct address, parcel, zoning district, existing permits and code-enforcement records.
Confirm Planning and Engineering dependencies
Ask about setbacks, lot coverage, site-plan review, floodplain, grading, drainage, soil erosion and utility requirements before completing the design.
Select the homeowner or contractor route
Homeowners use the homeowner permit link. Licensed and registered contractors need their BS&A account and PIN.
Search and select the property
Use the address, parcel number or owner information offered by the portal and verify that the displayed property is the correct job site.
Choose the exact permit type
Select building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fence, sign, Fire or the other record matching the actual scope.
Enter applicant and contractor information
Provide a monitored email address. Current forms state that permit correspondence is sent by email.
Upload the complete application and plans
Include the signed application, plot plan, construction drawings, calculations, product information, energy documents and outside approvals required for the project.
Submit the nonrefundable application fee or deposit
Follow the portal invoice. Plan-review deposits and permit-item charges vary by project type.
Respond to review comments as one coordinated revision
Update every affected drawing and supporting document, then explain where each correction was made.
Obtain permit issuance before starting
Do not begin regulated construction merely because the application was submitted or payment was accepted.
Keep approved plans onsite and request inspections
Use the issued permit record, leave work visible and complete all Building, trade, Fire and Engineering finals.
From Property Research to Final Approval
Confirm Who Is Legally Allowed to Pull and Perform the Work
Homeowner building permit
- The applicant must be an individual—not a company.
- The work must generally be for the owner’s own use.
- The dwelling must be owner-occupied or the owner must document future occupancy.
- A rental-property owner may obtain a building permit for maintenance and alteration, but the City’s homeowner guide excludes additions.
- The homeowner accepts inspection and code-compliance responsibility.
Homeowner trade permits
- Plumbing self-work is limited to the owner’s qualifying single-family dwelling.
- Mechanical self-work is limited to qualifying heating and cooling work in the owner’s single-family dwelling.
- Electrical self-work is limited to the owner’s qualifying single-family home and accompanying outbuildings.
- A notarized occupancy affidavit may be required.
- The City may deny a permit to an unqualified unlicensed person.
What a Complete Residential Plan Package Should Show
Property and plot plan
- Property address and parcel
- Property lines
- Existing and proposed structures
- Setbacks and easements
- Driveway and utilities
- Grading and drainage direction
Architectural plans
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Room names and dimensions
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Doors and windows
- Stairs, guards and handrails
Structural details
- Footings and foundation
- Floor and roof framing
- Beams, headers and posts
- Connections and anchors
- Truss documents
- Structural calculations when required
Mechanical and energy
- Heating and cooling equipment
- Duct or distribution plan
- Gas piping and venting
- Insulation values
- Window and door performance
- Energy-compliance documents
Electrical and plumbing
- Electrical service and panel
- Lighting and receptacles
- Fixture locations
- Water and drain piping
- Water-heater information
- Required separate trade permits
Outside approvals
- Planning approval
- Soil-erosion permit
- Floodplain permit when applicable
- Utility approvals
- Macomb County Health when applicable
- Fire review when required
Coordinate the Entire Commercial Set Before Submitting
Complete plan set
- Site, architectural and structural plans
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical plans
- Actual address and suite numbers
- North arrow and property layout
- One consistent sheet size, no larger than 24 by 36 inches
- Michigan design-professional seal
Code analysis
- Current governing codes
- Occupancy classification
- Construction type
- Height and area
- Occupant load and egress
- Fire-resistance and deferred submittals
Accessibility and life safety
- Accessible parking and route
- Accessible entrances and exits
- Toilet and bathing facilities
- Exit signs and emergency lighting
- Door and hardware schedule
- Stairs, ramps, guards and handrails
Fire review
- 2024 International Fire Code noted on plans
- Fire-access road widths and turning radii
- Hydrants and Fire Department connections
- Commodity and storage classifications
- High-piled storage permit when applicable
- Alarm and suppression deferred submittals
Special inspections
- Statement of special inspections
- Structural steel
- Concrete and masonry
- Soil and compaction
- Fire-resistant assemblies
- Third-party reports
Site readiness
- Safe inspector access
- Public sidewalks kept passable
- Dumpster containment at least three feet high
- Portable toilet at least 15 feet from residential property lines
- Project sign with address and permit number
- Preconstruction meeting for larger projects
Use the Code Edition Posted by Sterling Heights
Discipline |
Current City-listed code |
Plan preparation note |
|---|---|---|
Residential |
2015 Michigan Residential Code |
Confirm any State transition before filing a long-term project |
Commercial building |
2021 Michigan Building Code |
Use for occupancy, construction type, egress and accessibility analysis |
Accessibility |
2021 Michigan Building Code and ICC A117.1-2017 |
Show the complete accessible route and required facilities |
Electrical |
2023 Michigan Electrical Code |
Use current service, circuit, load and equipment requirements |
Mechanical |
2021 Michigan Mechanical Code |
Show equipment, ventilation, ductwork, gas piping and sizing |
Plumbing |
2021 Michigan Plumbing Code |
Show fixtures, drainage, venting and water distribution |
Commercial energy |
2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code |
Update legacy documents that still cite the 2015 energy code |
Fire prevention |
2024 International Fire Code with City amendments, references and appendices |
List this code on current Fire-reviewed plans |
Common Sterling Heights Projects That Cause Confusion
Reroof
A permit is required for a complete tear-off or for adding a second layer. The City allows no more than two roofing layers.
A complete tear-off requires ice-and-snow shield at the roof decking.
Water heater
A replacement water heater requires a plumbing permit. Mechanical or electrical work may also apply depending on the equipment and reconnect scope.
Flat concrete patio
A flat concrete patio poured on grade with no footings does not require a Building permit.
Do not direct drainage toward the neighboring property, especially near a property line.
Fence
Submit the permit, payment and plot plan together. Privacy fences must be installed with the finished side facing outward.
Shed
The current Building application has a specific fee category for sheds between 50 and 200 square feet. Use the shed and garage packet before placing the structure.
ADU or second dwelling
Do not assume an accessory dwelling unit is currently permitted by right. Confirm the property’s present zoning and adopted ordinance directly with Planning before design.
Schedule Online and Leave Every Required Component Visible
Before requesting
- Permit formally issued
- Correct inspection type selected
- Required prior inspections passed
- Work complete for that stage
- Work remains visible
- Approved revisions completed
Before the inspector arrives
- Approved plans onsite
- Permit information available
- Safe access provided
- Building or work area accessible
- Ladder and test equipment ready
- Animals and hazards secured
Qualifying Homeowners Can Request Early or Late HCI Appointments
Eligible work
- Furnace replacement
- Air-conditioner replacement
- Water-heater replacement
- Electrical service
Available trial windows
- 7:30–8:30 AM
- 3:30–4:30 PM
- Schedule online at least seven days ahead
- Select HCI as the inspection type
Call after scheduling
- Plumbing: 586-446-2355
- Electrical: 586-446-2379 or 586-446-2381
- Mechanical: 586-446-2363 or 586-446-2379
Do Not Cover Work Before the Required Approval
Inspection |
What should be ready |
Do not do yet |
|---|---|---|
Footing and foundation |
Excavation, reinforcing, forms, bearing and required special-inspection documentation |
Pour or conceal before approval |
Underground plumbing and electrical |
Sanitary, storm, water, feeder and site-lighting work installed and tested |
Backfill or pour slab |
Sand or slab preparation |
Subbase, perimeter insulation, vapor barrier and reinforcement complete |
Place concrete |
Rough trades |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas and Fire-related concealed work complete |
Install insulation or wall finishes |
Framing |
Structural framing and connectors complete with required rough-trade approvals |
Conceal structural members |
Rated assemblies and insulation |
Fire-rated assemblies, insulation and energy work installed as approved |
Finish or cover before inspection |
Trade finals |
Fixtures, panels, equipment, controls, Fire systems and testing complete |
Request an incomplete final |
Engineering final |
As-builts, grading, utilities, paving, sidewalks, detention and site restoration complete |
Request the final Building inspection first when Engineering approval is required |
Final Building |
All trade, Fire, Engineering and required outside approvals complete |
Occupy a new or changed space before authorization |
Watch the Expiration Date Printed on the Permit
Check the issued record
Review the permit’s expiration information, required inspection list and current status inside BS&A.
Request an extension early
Use the City’s Permit Cancellation or Extension Request form before the permit lapses.
Expired record
The current Building, plumbing and mechanical schedules list a $77 fee to re-establish an eligible expired permit.
Do Not Stock or Open the Business Before the Required Inspections
A new C of O is required for
- Moving a business into Sterling Heights
- Change of ownership
- Change of use
A business-name change without an ownership change generally requires an updated use permit rather than a new C of O.
Submit
- Use Permit Application
- Applicant’s driver’s license
- Floor plan with dimensions, exits, entrances, square footage and suites
- City Clerk business-license application
- Restaurant hours and menu when applicable
Inspection sequence
- Initial Building, Fire, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections
- Do not stock before all initial approvals
- Final Fire and Building inspections
- C of O emailed within two business days after all approvals
Selected Current Sterling Heights Building Fees
Selected Building item |
Current posted fee |
Practical note |
|---|---|---|
Plan number on file |
$130 |
Use only when the City confirms an approved plan is eligible |
Miscellaneous plan review |
$76 |
Separate from the application fee |
Roof or reroof |
$78 |
Add the $56 nonrefundable application fee |
Shed between 50 and 200 square feet |
$78 |
Plot plan and zoning compliance still required |
Deck or porch |
$78 |
Does not include trade or additional review charges |
Gazebo or pergola |
$78 |
Confirm zoning location and construction documents |
Above-ground pool |
$78 |
Electrical and barrier requirements are separate |
Below-ground pool |
$160 |
Trade and zoning requirements are additional |
Solar panels |
$153 |
Electrical permit fees may also apply |
Residential basement finish |
$265 |
Add application and required trade fees |
Residential interior finish |
$265 |
Add application and required trade fees |
Demolition |
$76 + $0.10 per square foot |
Utility, Engineering and bond requirements can be separate |
Reinspection |
$75 |
Can apply when work is not ready or fails |
Re-establish expired permit |
$77 |
Subject to City eligibility review |
Selected Building Fee Lookup
Choose a common project. Enter square footage only for demolition.
Selected Current Trade-Permit Amounts
Mechanical 2026–2027
Item |
Posted amount |
|---|---|
Nonrefundable application |
$55 |
Furnace up to 75,000 BTU |
$57 |
A/C system 5 tons or less |
$57 |
Furnace wiring |
$40 |
A/C reconnect |
$40 |
Mechanical water heater |
$43 |
Generator |
$58 |
Reinspection |
$75 |
Plumbing 2026–2027
Item |
Posted amount |
|---|---|
Nonrefundable application |
$55 |
Common fixture |
$25 each |
Water or tankless water heater |
$40 |
Lawn sprinkler system |
$75 |
Building sewer connection |
$57 |
Basement waterproofing |
$55 |
Radon system |
$125 |
Reinspection |
$75 |
Submit the Fence Plot Plan and Payment With the Application
Michigan Licensing and Sterling Heights Registration Are Separate
Submit with City registration
- Completed registration application
- Legible email address
- Copy of applicable State license
- Copy of license holder’s driver’s license
- Workers’ compensation or exemption information
- License expiration and business details
Current 2026–2027 registration fees
- Building contractor: $33
- Electrical or Fire alarm contractor: $33
- Mechanical contractor: $16
- Plumbing contractor: $1
- Sign or sign-specialist contractor: $33
Even Fills, Excavation and Fences Can Need Floodplain Approval
Covered development
The City requires permits for development within the 100-year floodplain, including buildings, filling, excavation, fences and similar site work.
Multiple approvals
A City permit and State environmental approval are required. FEMA approval may also be needed depending on the floodplain impact.
Before work
Call Engineering at 586-446-2720 before disturbing the site, importing fill, changing drainage or installing a fence in the mapped area.
Disconnect Utilities and Prepare the Site Before Demolition
Confirm who may pull the permit
Residential demolition generally requires a Michigan-licensed residential builder or a maintenance-and-alteration contractor with the applicable house-wrecking specialty. Commercial demolition uses a different eligibility route.
Arrange water and sewer abandonment
Coordinate the Engineering and Department of Public Works procedures for water disconnect and sewer cut-and-cap inspection.
Obtain utility shutoff documentation
Prepare gas and electric disconnection letters and any other required utility releases.
Resolve septic and environmental conditions
Contact Macomb County Health when a septic system exists. Follow the City’s requirements for tanks, hazardous materials and site conditions.
Complete demolition inspections
Schedule the required backfill or open-site inspection so the City can confirm footings and debris are removed, then complete the final restoration inspection.
Search BS&A First, Then Use FOIA for Missing Documents
Open the City’s BS&A municipality page
Search by property address or parcel number to locate available building-permit and code-enforcement information.
Review every related permit
A project can have separate building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Fire, fence, sign or Engineering records.
Check inspection and final status
An application or issued permit does not prove that the project passed final inspection.
Identify the exact missing record
Write down the address, parcel, permit number, approximate year and whether you need plans, inspections, violations, site plans or occupancy records.
Submit a written FOIA request
Email foia@sterlingheights.gov or use the City Clerk’s official FOIA process. Describe the requested record precisely enough for staff to locate it.
What to Check When the Application Stops Moving
Fix Common Sterling Heights Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Contractor cannot submit online |
City registration, account or PIN is missing |
Submit the current registration form and contact Building before creating another account. |
Application is returned |
Scope, email, plot plan, signature, contractor or supporting documents are incomplete |
Use the project packet and respond to every missing item together. |
Building permit is waiting on Planning |
Setbacks, land use, parking, lot coverage or site-plan review is unresolved |
Email shplanning@sterlingheights.gov with the address and exact proposed use. |
Commercial review cites old and new code years |
A legacy checklist still contains prior editions |
Use the current Building Codes page and ask the reviewer which note must be revised. |
Inspection cannot be approved |
Work is covered, incomplete, inaccessible or differs from approved plans |
Ask what must be exposed or revised before paying for a reinspection. |
HCI date is not available |
Inspector availability changed after the online request |
Contact the listed trade inspector after scheduling so another date can be arranged. |
Business cannot open |
Initial or final Building, Fire or trade inspections remain open |
Request a complete C of O correction list and do not stock before initial approval. |
Permit appears expired |
The printed activity or extension deadline passed |
Contact Building and submit the cancellation or extension form before continuing work. |
Fee estimate differs from invoice |
Application, trade, plan review, Planning, Engineering, Fire or other charges were added |
Ask for an itemized fee explanation and use the City invoice as the final amount. |
What to Say When You Contact the City
“I plan to [describe exact work] at [full address and parcel]. Which Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Planning, Engineering and Fire approvals are required?”
“Before I submit, please confirm whether my project requires a plot plan, structural calculations, energy documents, soil-erosion approval, floodplain review or Fire plans.”
“I need the [inspection type] for permit [number]. The approved plans are onsite, the work is complete for that stage and nothing has been covered.”
“Permit [number] appears complete. Which Building, trade, Engineering, Fire, Planning or Certificate of Occupancy item remains open?”
Do Not Consider the Project Closed Until These Are Confirmed
- Correct address and parcel confirmed
- Zoning and land use approved
- Flood and Engineering requirements checked
- Correct homeowner or contractor account used
- Every required permit type submitted
- Current code editions shown
- Plans and outside approvals complete
- Contractor license and City registration verified
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans kept onsite
- Work inspected before concealment
- All trade finals passed
- Engineering and Fire finals complete
- Final approval or C of O saved
Sterling Heights Building Department Map
Main phone: 586-446-2360.
Published City Hall hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM.
Call before visiting with commercial plan sets or a project-specific review question.
Open the Correct Sterling Heights Permit Resource
Sterling Heights Building Department Questions
How do I apply for a Sterling Heights building permit?
Open the City’s Online Permits page and choose the homeowner or contractor route. Homeowners may self-register through the homeowner link. Licensed and City-registered contractors need a BS&A account and PIN.
What is the Sterling Heights Building Department phone number and email?
Call 586-446-2360 or email bldg@sterlingheights.gov. The Office of Building is at 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313.
How do I schedule a Sterling Heights building inspection?
Use the online inspection scheduler linked from the City’s Permits and Inspections page. Select the inspection associated with the issued permit, keep approved plans onsite and leave the work visible.
Can a homeowner pull their own permit?
A qualifying individual homeowner may obtain permits for work on an owner-used or qualifying future-occupied property. Plumbing, mechanical and electrical self-work has narrower single-family limitations. The City may deny a permit when the applicant is not qualified for the proposed work.
Is a permit required to reroof a Sterling Heights home?
Yes. Sterling Heights requires a permit for a complete tear-off and reroof or for adding a second roofing layer. No more than two layers may be installed, and a complete tear-off requires ice-and-snow shield.
Does a replacement water heater require a permit?
Yes. The City requires a plumbing permit for a replacement water heater. Mechanical or electrical work may also be required depending on the fuel, venting and reconnect scope.
Does a flat backyard concrete patio require a Building permit?
A flat concrete patio poured on grade with no footings does not require a Building permit. The work must not direct drainage toward a neighboring property, and zoning or Engineering requirements can still apply.
Which building codes does Sterling Heights currently enforce?
The City lists the 2021 Michigan Building, Mechanical, Plumbing and Commercial Energy Codes, the 2023 Michigan Electrical Code, the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments and the 2015 Michigan Residential Code.
How much is a Sterling Heights building permit?
The 2026–2027 Building application lists a $56 nonrefundable application fee. Project charges vary—for example, reroofs, decks and qualifying sheds are listed at $78, while a residential basement or interior finish is $265. Trade and other department fees are additional.
How do I verify that an old Sterling Heights permit was completed?
Search the City’s BS&A municipality page by address or parcel and review the related permits and inspections. Submit a written FOIA request through the City Clerk when plans, site documents or older records are not available online.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Sterling Heights.
This page was checked against the Sterling Heights Office of Building, Online Permits, BS&A records, Permits and Inspections, current 2026–2027 Building, mechanical, plumbing, fence and contractor forms, Building Codes, homeowner rules, commercial plan and inspection checklists, business Certificate of Occupancy requirements, Planning, Engineering, floodplain, Fire and FOIA resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Portal functions, fees, code editions, forms, staff, inspection availability and zoning requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive information with the responsible City office before submitting, paying, ordering materials or starting 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.