Choose the Correct BS&A Permit Route, Upload the Township Worksheets and Protect the 180-Day Permit Clock
Shelby Township uses BS&A Online for homeowner and contractor applications, inspection requests, payments, permit searches and inspection results. Some Township forms can be completed online, while other project documents must be downloaded, completed and added to the application or presented to the Building desk.
This guide explains which permit is required, what plans and county approvals must be prepared, how the September 2025 fee schedules work, when a gas-sizing worksheet blocks inspection scheduling and how to complete grade, trade and final inspections before the initial 180-day permit period expires.
Choose the Shelby Township Task You Need
Shelby Township Building Department Phone, Email, Address and Hours
Confirm the Property and Outside Agencies Before Preparing Plans
Township parcel
Verify the street address, parcel ID, subdivision or business name and lot number before filing. Similar Shelby-area mailing addresses can create record-search mistakes.
County roads and approaches
Road approaches and work affecting county road right-of-way can require Macomb County Department of Roads approval in addition to the Township permit.
Well, septic and soil erosion
Projects without municipal utilities or involving substantial earth disturbance can require Macomb County Health or soil-erosion approval before Township issuance.
Use the Online Permit System Without Splitting the Project
Homeowner application
- Open the homeowner permit route.
- Locate the property.
- Select the closest permit type.
- Complete owner and project information.
- Upload required forms and plans.
- Sign the homeowner affidavit when applicable.
Contractor application
- Log in to the BS&A contractor account.
- Confirm the license and registration are current.
- Choose the property and permit type.
- Enter all equipment, fixtures and valuation items.
- Upload plans and worksheets.
- Monitor fees and review comments.
After submission
- Save the application number.
- Pay only through the linked permit record.
- Read all review notes.
- Upload corrections to the original application.
- Wait for formal issuance.
- Use the same permit for inspection requests.
Match the Project to the Correct Shelby Township Route
Project |
Primary route |
Important extra requirement |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home |
Building + zoning plan review |
Four plot plans, three construction-plan sets, tree permit, energy worksheet, grade certificates and county approvals |
Residential addition |
Building permit |
Zoning setbacks, construction plans, energy worksheet and separate trade permits |
Finished basement |
Building permit |
Egress, smoke/CO alarms, framing, electrical, mechanical and plumbing scope |
Deck |
Building permit |
Plot plan, setbacks, footing design, ledger, guards, stairs and easements |
Accessory building over 200 sq ft |
Building + zoning permit |
Plot plan, construction drawings, setbacks, drainage and septic separation |
Detached accessory building 200 sq ft or less |
Zoning compliance permit |
Township procedure calls for three plot-plan copies even though a building permit is not required |
Fence |
Fence permit |
Fence ordinance agreement, property lines, easements and subdivision restrictions |
Pool, hot tub or spa |
Building + trade permits |
Barrier, alarm affidavit, hydraulic worksheet, equipment location, electrical bonding and possible bond |
Generator or gas equipment |
Mechanical + electrical permits |
Current gas-pipe/meter worksheet and equipment-placement acknowledgement before inspection |
Demolition |
Building demolition permit |
Three site-plan copies, utility disconnects, soil-erosion approval, open-hole and final inspections |
Commercial alteration or new business |
Zoning/site plan + building permits |
Use approval, accessibility, Fire, special inspections, sign and Certificate of Zoning Compliance |
Public sidewalk work |
Sidewalk permit |
Township sidewalk standards, inspection and possible deferral documents |
Apply for a Shelby Township Permit in Eight Steps
Confirm zoning and private restrictions
Check setbacks, easements, permitted use, lot coverage, tree rules, subdivision restrictions and septic-system location before finalizing the project.
Choose the complete permit route
Identify Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fence, sidewalk, sign, Fire, tree and county permits that apply to the full scope.
Download the Township procedure sheet
Use the project-specific outline for new homes, additions, decks, fences, basements, demolition, pools, signs or accessory buildings.
Prepare the plot plan and construction documents
Show all required dimensions, structures, easements, utilities, grades, drainage and construction details. Use the Township’s required copy count for the project.
Complete owner, contractor and professional information
Enter the owner, licensed contractor, workers’ compensation, architect or engineer and detailed project information accurately.
Submit through the correct BS&A account
Use the homeowner route only for qualifying work personally performed at the owner’s residence. Contractors should use the contractor account.
Pay application, plan-review, permit and bond charges
Review each line before paying. Trade permits and performance bonds are separate from the main Building permit.
Wait for issuance before construction
Do not begin because an application was accepted or payment was made. Start after the permit is formally issued and keep the approved documents on site.
Prepare Documents That Match the Township Review
Application information
- Street address
- Parcel ID
- Lot or building number
- Subdivision or business name
- Owner information
- Detailed project type
- Estimated construction value
- Proposed use
Plot-plan information
- Lot dimensions
- Property description
- Existing and proposed buildings
- Zoning setbacks
- Recorded easements
- Roads and right-of-way
- Existing and proposed utilities
- Existing trees
Construction information
- Foundation plan
- Floor plans and room uses
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Framing details
- Energy worksheet
- Trade plans when required
- Special-inspection statement
Current Single-Family Procedure Has Exact Copy and Grade Requirements
Application fee
$250
Listed on the single-family procedure revised September 2025.
Plot plans
Four copies
Include grading, drainage, utilities, trees and zoning information.
Construction plans
Three copies
Foundation, floors, elevations, sections and construction details.
Review target
At least two weeks
A complete submission is required before the estimate is meaningful.
New-home milestone |
What must happen |
Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
Tree permit |
Obtain before the building permit unless a subdivision tree permit already covers the lot |
Tree and woodland preservation is administered locally |
County approvals |
Provide soil erosion, well/septic and road-approach approvals when applicable |
Township issuance does not replace county jurisdiction |
Water and sewer |
Complete the required DPW application and pay applicable fees |
Utility approval may be an issuance condition |
Preliminary grade certificate |
Submit and obtain approval before requesting the garage-footing inspection |
Confirms house location and preliminary grading |
Final grade certificate |
Submit and obtain approval before final Building inspection |
Confirms completed site grading and drainage |
Large house plans |
Architect- or engineer-sealed plans for houses exceeding 3,500 square feet |
Meets the Township’s published professional-design requirement |
A Shed of 200 Square Feet or Less Still Needs Zoning Approval
Published permit route
- A Building permit is not required for a qualifying detached residential accessory building of 200 square feet or less.
- The property owner must obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit.
- The Township procedure calls for three plot-plan copies.
- Allow review time before ordering delivery or preparing a pad.
Published location rules
- Do not place the building in the front yard.
- Provide at least five feet from a side or rear property line.
- Do not place it within an easement.
- Maintain at least ten feet from a septic system unless the Health Department approves otherwise.
- Provide at least ten feet between accessory buildings on adjoining parcels.
Use the Michigan Code Edition Listed for Each Discipline
Discipline |
Township-listed code |
Effective date |
|---|---|---|
Residential |
2015 International Residential Code with Michigan amendments |
February 8, 2022 |
Building |
2021 International Building Code with Michigan amendments |
April 9, 2025 |
Rehabilitation |
2021 International Existing Building framework with Michigan amendments |
April 9, 2025 |
Residential energy |
2015 Michigan residential energy provisions incorporated into the Residential Code |
February 8, 2022 |
Electrical |
2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan amendments |
March 12, 2024 |
Mechanical |
2021 International Mechanical Code with Michigan amendments |
March 12, 2024 |
Plumbing |
2021 International Plumbing Code with Michigan amendments |
March 12, 2024 |
Commercial energy |
2021 International Energy Conservation Code with Michigan amendments |
April 22, 2025 |
Use the Correct License or Sign the Full Homeowner Affidavit
Licensed contractor route
- Residential builder or maintenance license
- Electrical contractor license
- Mechanical contractor license
- Plumbing contractor and master-plumber details
- Current Township registration
- Workers’ compensation information
Homeowner permit route
- The homeowner must personally qualify for the exemption.
- The affidavit states that the work is performed by the homeowner at the home in which the homeowner lives or is about to occupy.
- Work cannot be concealed, covered or placed into operation before inspection and approval.
- The homeowner accepts responsibility for arranging inspections and code compliance.
Understand the Current Shelby Township Permit Fee Layers
Trade minimum
$75
Electrical, mechanical and plumbing schedules each list a $75 minimum permit fee.
Application fee
$50
Added to the applicable electrical, mechanical or plumbing permit charges.
Online fee
$2
Added when the trade permit is submitted online.
Contractor registration
$15
Listed for electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors.
Estimate assumes the $75 minimum permit fee, $50 application fee and $2 online fee. It excludes other circuits, fixtures, plan review, registration, Building permit, Fire review, bond and consultant charges.
Current fee rule |
Published amount |
Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
Trade plan review |
0.00035 of construction value; $75 minimum |
Applied when electrical, mechanical or plumbing plan review is required |
Included reviews |
Initial review + one re-review |
Each additional review is listed at $75 |
Consultant review |
Consultant cost + 25% |
Can apply when the Building Official determines outside review is necessary |
Work not ready |
$75 |
Charged when an inspector arrives and the work is not ready |
First reinspection of original violations |
No charge |
Applies to the first return for listed original corrections |
Additional reinspection |
$75 |
Can apply after the first reinspection |
180-day trade renewal |
50% of original permit; $500 maximum |
Subject to reasonable progress and no 180-day suspension or abandonment |
Cancellation processing |
$50 |
Plan-review fees and work completed affect the refundable amount |
Complete the Revision 06/2025 Gas Worksheet Before Requesting Inspection
Projects covered
- New gas piping
- Tankless water heaters
- Generators
- Pool heaters
- Tankless boilers
- Combination boilers
Prepare these details
- Existing meter information
- Total connected BTU load
- Pipe material
- Pipe length
- Individual appliance input
- Requested meter capacity
Request the Inspection Only After the Permit and Work Are Ready
Confirm the permit is issued and active
Use BS&A to verify the permit number, status, address and remaining inspection types.
Complete prerequisite documents
Upload gas-sizing worksheets, grade certificates, special-inspection reports or other required documents before selecting the inspection.
Submit the online inspection request
Select the correct permit and exact inspection stage. Save the confirmation and do not assume a preferred date is confirmed until the system accepts it.
Provide safe access
Include the responsible contact, phone number, gate or lockbox instructions and any occupied-unit coordination.
Keep regulated work visible
Do not pour concrete, backfill, insulate, drywall, conceal wiring or piping or operate new equipment before the required approval.
Review the posted result
Use the BS&A result search. Correct every listed item before requesting reinspection.
Building inspections
- Footing
- Foundation
- Rough framing
- Insulation
- Final Building
Trade inspections
- Electrical rough and final
- Mechanical rough and final
- Plumbing underground, rough and final
- Gas test and final
Project-specific inspections
- Pool and barrier
- Open-hole demolition
- Fence or sidewalk
- Grade and location
- Special inspections
Protect the Initial 180-Day Permit Period
Track the issuance date
Save the permit and calendar the 180-day date immediately. Do not depend on a contractor or portal reminder.
Document progress
Keep inspection results, photographs, invoices and correspondence showing that work is continuing.
Ask before expiration
Contact the Building Department while the permit is active to confirm eligibility, renewal fee and required written explanation.
Extra Requirements for Demolition, Pools, Fences and Commercial Work
Demolition
- Submit a Building permit application.
- Provide three site-plan copies.
- Verify electric, gas, water, sewer and communication disconnects.
- Obtain soil-erosion approval when required.
- Request an open-hole inspection after foundation material is removed.
- Complete final grading and debris removal before final inspection.
Pools, hot tubs and spas
- Use the correct aboveground, inground, hot-tub or spa route.
- Provide the pool alarm affidavit or safety-cover request when applicable.
- Submit the hydraulic worksheet when required.
- Show setbacks, equipment and overhead or underground utility conflicts.
- Obtain Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits as applicable.
- Do not use the pool before barrier and final approvals.
Fences and easements
- Submit the fence application and ordinance agreement.
- Identify actual property lines.
- Show easements and corner visibility.
- Check subdivision restrictions.
- Do not treat the Township permit as private easement consent.
Commercial or industrial
- Confirm zoning use and site-plan status first.
- Coordinate Building, Fire and trade plan review.
- Prepare accessibility and energy documents.
- Submit a Statement of Special Inspections when applicable.
- Obtain sign and Certificate of Zoning Compliance approvals.
Building Approval Does Not Replace Land-Use or County Review
Issue |
Possible approval |
Start with |
|---|---|---|
Commercial development or major site change |
Site-plan review |
Shelby Township Planning and Zoning |
Use requiring discretionary approval |
Special land use |
Planning Commission process |
Dimensional hardship or zoning appeal |
Zoning Board of Appeals |
Planning and Zoning |
Permanent commercial sign |
Planning sign application + Building/electrical permits |
Planning and Zoning |
New house or regulated woodland impact |
Tree permit |
Planning and Zoning or Building |
Water or sewer connection |
DPW application and fees |
Shelby Township Public Works |
Well or septic system |
County Health permit |
Macomb County Health Department |
County road approach |
Approach or right-of-way permit |
Macomb County Department of Roads |
Earth disturbance or demolition |
Soil-erosion permit |
Responsible Macomb County agency |
Mapped floodplain |
Floodplain documentation or permit |
Shelby Township Building Department |
What Your BS&A Permit Status Means
Search BS&A First, Then Request Missing Township Records
Search the public BS&A record
Use the address, parcel number or permit number to find permits and inspection results.
Check every related permit
A project can have separate Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fence, sidewalk and zoning records.
Verify final inspection
An issued permit does not prove completed construction. Look for the final approval and closure status.
Submit a focused FOIA request
Describe the property, permit type, date range and exact records needed rather than requesting the entire Township file.
Review the cost notice
The Township can charge for research, duplication, redaction, plan copies, storage media, postage and other allowed costs.
Copy paper
$0.03 per sheet
Township FOIA schedule effective July 7, 2025.
16 × 24 plan copy
$2 per sheet
Other sizes or outside reproduction may differ.
General research
$30.45 per hour
Based on the lowest-paid employee capable of the work.
Postage and media
Actual cost
Applies when needed to fulfill the request.
Fix Common Shelby Township Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely reason |
Next action |
|---|---|---|
Online application cannot continue |
Property, permit type or applicant account is incorrect |
Use the correct homeowner or contractor route and verify the parcel |
Application remains incomplete |
Missing plot plan, construction plans, signature, license or outside approval |
Compare the upload against the project procedure sheet |
Inspection option is unavailable |
Permit is not issued, active or ready for that inspection stage |
Check permit status and prerequisite documents |
Gas inspection cannot be scheduled |
Revision 06/2025 gas-sizing worksheet is missing or incomplete |
Complete and upload the current Township worksheet |
Inspector marks work not ready |
Work, test, approved plans or access was incomplete |
Correct readiness and expect the listed $75 charge when applicable |
Garage footing inspection is blocked |
Preliminary grade and location certificate is not approved |
Submit the certificate early enough for Township review |
Final Building inspection is blocked |
Final grade, trade finals, special inspections or site work remains open |
Build a complete closeout list before rebooking |
Permit is close to 180 days |
Little or no inspection activity has occurred |
Contact Building before expiration and document reasonable progress |
Township approves but HOA objects |
Private deed restrictions or easement agreements are more restrictive |
Review recorded restrictions and obtain private approval |
Old permit is missing online |
Address, parcel, permit number or historical indexing differs |
Try multiple BS&A searches and submit a focused FOIA request |
Ask Township Staff a Question They Can Answer Quickly
“I am planning [exact work] at [address and parcel ID]. Which Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fence, tree or sidewalk permits are required?”
“For [project type], how many plot plans and construction-plan sets are required, and which energy, grading or county documents must be submitted?”
“Permit [number] is ready for [inspection type]. Is the permit active, are all prerequisite worksheets approved and what must remain visible?”
“Permit [number] was issued on [date]. What inspection or renewal action is required before the initial 180-day period ends?”
Shelby Township Permit Completion Checklist
- Address and parcel ID confirmed
- Subdivision restrictions checked
- Easements shown on plot plan
- Zoning route confirmed
- Correct homeowner or contractor account used
- Required plot-plan copies prepared
- Construction drawings coordinated
- Energy worksheet included
- Contractor licenses verified
- Tree and county approvals obtained
- Gas-sizing worksheet completed
- Application, permit and bond fees paid
- Permit formally issued
- 180-day date calendared
- Approved documents kept on site
- Work left visible for inspections
- Grade certificates approved
- Building and trade permits finaled
Shelby Township Building Department at 52700 Van Dyke Avenue
Open the Exact Shelby Township Permit Resource
Shelby Township Building Permit and Inspection FAQs
Where do I apply for a Shelby Township building permit?
Use the Township’s official BS&A route. Homeowners and contractors have separate application links on the Building Department website. Some supporting forms must be downloaded and uploaded or presented to the Building desk.
What is the Shelby Township Building Department phone number?
Call 586-731-5969 or email building@shelbytwp.org. The department is on the upper level of Township Hall at 52700 Van Dyke Avenue.
What are the Shelby Township Building Department hours?
The Township lists Building Department hours as 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
How long is a Shelby Township permit valid?
Permits issued under the fee changes effective September 1, 2025 begin with an initial 180-day validity period. Contact Building before expiration to confirm renewal eligibility and fees.
Does a shed under 200 square feet need a permit?
A qualifying detached residential accessory building of 200 square feet or less does not require a Building permit, but the property owner must obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit and provide the required plot-plan information.
How do I schedule a Shelby Township building inspection?
Use the official online inspection-request link connected to BS&A. Confirm that the permit is issued and active, all prerequisite documents are approved and the work is fully ready before submitting.
Why can’t I schedule my generator or tankless water-heater inspection?
The Township requires its Revision 06/2025 Gas Pipe and Gas Meter Sizing Worksheet for gas piping, tankless water heaters, generators, pool heaters and tankless or combination boilers before an inspection can be scheduled.
How much is a Shelby Township trade permit?
The September 2025 electrical, mechanical and plumbing schedules list a $75 minimum permit fee, a $50 application fee and a $2 online application fee, plus applicable equipment, circuit, fixture, plan-review and registration charges.
Can a Shelby Township homeowner pull their own permit?
A qualifying homeowner can use the homeowner permit route and sign the responsibility affidavit. The homeowner accepts responsibility for the work, inspections and code compliance and cannot use the exemption to evade contractor licensing requirements.
How do I find old Shelby Township permits and inspection results?
Start with the Township’s public BS&A permit and inspection-result search. For files not available there, submit a focused Township FOIA request using the address, parcel number, permit type and date range.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent guide and is not the Charter Township of Shelby, BS&A Software or the State of Michigan. Applications, fees, inspections, code decisions and permit issuance must be completed through official government systems.
This guide was checked against the Shelby Township Building Department, official BS&A homeowner and contractor routes, inspection and payment links, September 2025 fee schedules, current code list, permit forms, gas-sizing notice, single-family procedure, accessory-building procedure, demolition procedure, Planning and Zoning page and Township FOIA schedule.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Forms, fees, code editions, staff assignments, permit routes and inspection procedures can change. Confirm live requirements before paying, ordering plans, beginning work or allowing a permit to approach expiration.
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.