Apply, Upload Plans, Schedule Inspections and Close a Southfield Permit Through the Correct BS&A Route
Southfield handles permit applications, plan review, inspection requests, payments and permit records online—but they are not all the same BS&A service.
This guide separates Building, Planning/Zoning, Engineering, rental registration and Certificate of Occupancy tasks so homeowners, contractors and businesses can start with the correct department and avoid preventable delays.
Open the Correct Southfield Online Service
Southfield Building Department Phone, Address, Hours and Payment Information
Southfield Permit Route Finder
Select the project that most closely matches the work.
Which Southfield Permit or Approval Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Do not miss |
|---|---|---|
New building, addition or structural change |
Building permit |
Planning and Engineering sign-off may be required before issuance. |
Roof, reroof, siding, gutters, insulation or window work |
Building permit |
Southfield specifically lists reroofing and similar exterior work as permit-required. |
Shed under 200 square feet |
Zoning permit |
Show size, stories, property lines, house location and required setbacks. |
Shed or detached garage over 200 square feet |
Building + zoning |
Site plan, construction details, property setbacks and association restrictions. |
Fence |
Zoning / fence permit |
Administrative Planning approval, height, location, visibility and residential fence rules. |
Electrical, plumbing or HVAC installation or alteration |
Separate trade permit |
Michigan-licensed contractor and the correct specialty inspection. |
Generator |
Zoning + electrical/mechanical |
Equipment location, setbacks, screening, gas piping and electrical connection. |
Commercial interior demolition |
Building demolition route |
Scope, utility safety, insurance, owner authorization and later tenant-improvement permit. |
New commercial tenant or change of use |
Planning approval + special inspection |
Egress, life safety, required trade inspections and Certificate of Occupancy. |
New home or new commercial development |
Planning + Engineering + Building |
Tree review, site drainage, soil erosion, utilities, grading and final site approvals. |
Apply Without Sending the Project to the Wrong Department
Confirm the complete work scope
List the structure, room or system being changed, dimensions, valuation, structural work and every affected trade.
Ask whether Planning or Engineering must approve first
New construction, additions, exterior commercial changes, parking, equipment, tree removal, drainage, grading and right-of-way work can require separate approval.
Create the correct BS&A application
Use Apply for a Permit for construction permits. Use Apply for a Planning or Zoning Process for PZE reviews. Use the Engineering permit page for Engineering submissions.
Search and select the correct property
Confirm the street address and parcel before attaching plans. Do not submit against a neighboring parcel or mailing-only address.
Add the correct applicant and contractor
Enter the owner, contractor, license information, email and phone accurately because notices, invoices and inspection access depend on the record contacts.
Upload one coordinated document package
Include the permit form, site plan, construction plans, calculations, contractor documents and prior department approvals that apply.
Pay the City invoice
Open Pay a Building Department Fee from the Southfield BS&A municipal page. Save the receipt and watch the application for review comments.
Wait for formal issuance
An application or paid review fee is not permission to begin. Start regulated work only after the required permit has been issued.
Prepare the Documents Reviewers Need
Property and zoning
- Property address
- Parcel or Sidwell number
- Existing structures
- Proposed structure location
- Property-line distances
- Planning approval
- Tree-removal information
- Association approval if required
Construction plans
- Project scope
- Floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Foundation details
- Structural calculations
- Energy-code information
- Deferred submittal list
Commercial code summary
- Construction type
- Use group
- Occupant load
- Egress plan
- Barrier-free compliance
- Soils report when required
- Special-inspection statement
- Fire-protection scope
Planning and Engineering Can Control Building-Permit Issuance
Planning Department
contactplanning@cityofsouthfield.com
- Administrative site plans
- Full site-plan review
- Special land use
- Rezoning
- Commercial and multifamily fences
- Landscape plans
- Tree removal
- Zoning letters
Most Planning submissions are online through the BS&A PZE process.
Engineering Department
- New residential site review
- New commercial site review
- Grading and drainage
- Soil erosion controls
- Utilities
- Right-of-way work
- Culverts
- Final grade inspection
Specified Engineering processes are submitted online rather than by mail or walk-in delivery.
Local Rules That Frequently Surprise Homeowners
Shed under 200 sq. ft.
A building permit may not be required for a qualifying one-story detached accessory structure, but Southfield requires a zoning permit.
Show the shed size, stories, distance to the house and distances to property lines.
Reroofing
Southfield states that a building permit is required to reroof over an existing shingle layer.
The City FAQ also states that the roof is limited to two shingle layers.
Owner obtains contractor’s permit
Do not pull a homeowner permit merely because an unlicensed person asks you to do so.
Verify Michigan licensing, insurance, references and who will be legally responsible.
Codes Listed by the Southfield Building Department
Building and trade codes
- 2021 Michigan Building Code
- 2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code
- 2021 Michigan Residential Code
- 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code
- 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code
- 2023 NEC Michigan Electrical Code
Accessibility, fire and property codes
- ICC A117.1-2009 accessibility standard
- 2015 International Fire Code
- 2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- 2015 International Property Maintenance Code
- Applicable City ordinances and health regulations
Southfield Building Permit Fees and Payment Charges
Charge |
Published amount or formula |
Practical meaning |
|---|---|---|
General application fee |
$40 |
City-linked fee ordinance lists this as nonrefundable for permit and application types. |
Minimum building permit |
$60 |
Listed for construction valuation under $1,000. |
$1,000–$10,000 valuation |
$60 + 1.6% of value over $1,000 |
The City may use ICC Building Valuation Data rather than only the contractor’s price. |
$10,000–$100,000 valuation |
$204 + 1.5% of value over $10,000 |
Plan review and trade charges may be additional. |
Residential addition, alteration or pool plan review |
$75 + 0.18% of construction cost |
City-linked ordinance excludes roofs, gutters and siding from this formula. |
New-home plan review |
$150 + 0.18% of construction cost |
Separate Building permit, Engineering and other fees may apply. |
Commercial plan review |
$250 + 0.18% of construction cost |
Listed for commercial new construction, additions and alterations. |
Nonstructural interior demolition |
$150 permit + $100 plan review |
Other application, insurance, utility or bond requirements can apply. |
Additional reinspection |
$50 |
May be charged when work remains uncorrected, unavailable or not ready. |
Permit extension |
$40 |
The linked ordinance says permits over one year old will not be renewed. |
In-person card charge |
2.75% |
Current Building page lists Visa, debit and Mastercard; American Express is not accepted. |
Online credit-card charge |
2.6% |
Current City page calls this an invoice-cloud fee for BS&A payments. |
Worked example: $20,000 alteration
Using the linked building-permit formula:
$204 + ($10,000 × 0.015) = $354
Illustrative residential alteration plan review:
$75 + ($20,000 × 0.0018) = $111
Application, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, Engineering, fire, online-payment and other charges may be additional.
Fee-age warning
The Building Department continues to link Ordinance No. 1663 as its fee schedule, but the PDF is older and detailed charges can be amended.
Use BS&A’s project invoice as the amount due and confirm unusual calculations with the department.
Schedule Only When the Correct Work Is Ready
How to request
- Open Southfield BS&A.
- Select Schedule an Inspection.
- Locate the issued permit.
- Select the exact inspection discipline and type.
- Provide the responsible contact and access information.
- Save the request confirmation.
Before submitting the request
- Permit is issued
- Approved plans are available
- Work is complete for that stage
- Work remains exposed
- Safe access is provided
- Correct trade permit is active
- Contact can admit inspector
- Corrections are fully completed
Inspection discipline |
Typical work checked |
Do not conceal |
|---|---|---|
Building |
Footings, foundation, framing, insulation, structural alterations and final construction |
Concrete preparation, structural connections, framing or insulation before approval. |
Electrical |
Service, underground, rough wiring, equipment and final installation |
Conduit, cable, grounding and rough wiring. |
Plumbing |
Underground piping, rough plumbing, tests, fixtures and final system |
Piping, connections and required tests. |
Mechanical / HVAC |
Ducts, gas piping, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and final equipment |
Ductwork, fuel piping and required pressure tests. |
Fire alarm |
New or altered fire-alarm systems |
Wiring and devices before the required inspection sequence. |
Fire suppression |
New or modified suppression and sprinkler systems |
Piping, connections and test points. |
Obtain Approval Before Occupying an Existing Commercial Suite
Step-by-step
- Give Planning the property address and suite number.
- Confirm that the proposed use and parking comply with zoning.
- Planning records its approval in BS&A.
- Apply for the Building Department special/change-of-occupancy inspection.
- Complete Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire or other required inspections.
- Correct every life-safety or egress violation.
- Wait for the Certificate of Occupancy before opening.
City-published commercial charges
- $40 application fee
- $100 per inspector
- Two inspections included per listed trade
- $150 commercial CO fee
- Additional correction permits may apply
- Someone must provide access
Register and Certify a Southfield One- or Two-Family Rental
Register the rental property
Submit the rental registration information and required City charges.
Schedule the inspection window
An adult must be present for the full three-hour window so the inspector can access the dwelling.
Correct cited violations
The City gives owners 30 days to obtain required permits, make corrections and arrange follow-up inspections.
Receive the rental certificate
The certificate is issued after required inspections pass and must be renewed through the next three-year cycle.
Special Projects Need More Than a Standard Building Application
Moving an existing building
- Building Department preliminary inspection
- Traffic Engineering house-moving permit
- Route and outside clearances
- Site plan and building plans
- Building permit
- Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits
Traffic Engineering: 248-796-4860
Demolition preparation
- Correct demolition application
- Utility cut-off letters
- Owner demolition authorization
- Insurance naming the City when required
- Applicable demolition bond
- Final site restoration and inspection
Search the Record Before Assuming the Permit Is Complete
Open Building Department Record Search
Start from the Southfield BS&A municipal page and choose Building Department Record Search.
Search by address or permit information
Use the exact job address, permit number, owner or contractor details available in the portal.
Review every related permit
A building permit may have separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire-alarm or fire-suppression records.
Check inspection results
Identify failed, canceled, missing or incomplete inspections. Confirm the final inspection—not only issuance.
Check Planning and Engineering closeout
New construction may still need landscaping, tree, final-grade, soil-erosion or other site approvals before occupancy.
Save proof
Keep the issued permit, approved plans, inspection history, final approval and Certificate of Occupancy when required.
What Common Online Permit Statuses Usually Mean
Fix Common Southfield Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Application is in the wrong BS&A service |
Building work was submitted as PZE or site work was submitted only to Building. |
Call the controlling department before creating another record. |
Permit cannot be issued |
Planning or Engineering sign-off is missing. |
Ask Building which department and approval remain outstanding. |
Small shed application is rejected |
Missing zoning site plan, setbacks or association approval. |
Upload a property survey showing size, location and all distances. |
Inspection request cannot be completed |
Permit is not issued, wrong discipline selected or record access is incomplete. |
Verify permit status and call 248-796-4100. |
Inspection fails |
Work is incomplete, covered, inaccessible or differs from approved plans. |
Correct every item before requesting reinspection. |
Commercial tenant cannot open |
Zoning approval, special inspection, corrections or CO remains incomplete. |
Complete the change-of-occupancy sequence before operating. |
New home cannot receive occupancy |
Final grade, landscaping, Engineering or another site approval is incomplete. |
Request the full department-by-department closeout list. |
Permit is old |
Work stopped or required inspections were not approved. |
Contact Building before resuming; extension, new permit or updated-code review may apply. |
What to Say When Contacting Southfield Staff
“I plan to [exact work] at [address/Sidwell]. Which Building permit, trade permits, Planning PZE process and Engineering review are required?”
“Application [number] is not issued. Which Planning, Engineering, contractor, fee or plan-review item remains incomplete?”
“I need the [inspection type] for permit [number] at [address]. The work is complete, exposed and accessible. Is the record eligible for scheduling?”
“The proposed tenant and use at [address/suite] are [use]. Which Planning approval, special inspections, corrections and CO charges apply?”
“Permit [number] at [address] does not appear closed. Which Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, Fire, Planning or Engineering item remains?”
“I am registering the one- or two-family rental at [address]. Which application, payment, inspection window and furnace documentation are required?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Items Are Saved
- Correct BS&A service selected
- Property and parcel verified
- Planning approval completed
- Engineering approval completed
- Tree review completed if required
- Permit application accepted
- Invoices paid
- Plan comments resolved
- Permit formally issued
- Trade permits issued
- Approved plans retained
- Inspections passed
- Final grade approved if required
- Landscaping/site conditions cleared
- Certificate of Occupancy issued
- Final records downloaded
Southfield Building Department Map
Open the Correct Southfield Resource
City of Southfield Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Southfield building permit?
Use the City of Southfield BS&A Online municipal page. Select Apply for a Permit for building and trade permits. Use Apply for a Planning or Zoning Process for PZE applications.
What is the Southfield Building Department phone number?
Call 248-796-4100 for permit, plan-review, inspection, fee and Certificate of Occupancy questions.
What are the Southfield Building Department hours?
The department lists office hours of 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. In-person payments are not accepted after 4:00 PM.
Does Southfield accept paper permit applications?
The Building Department moved permit applications, plan review and inspection requests online through BS&A. Use the online portal and contact staff when a document cannot be uploaded.
Does a shed under 200 square feet need a permit?
A qualifying one-story detached accessory structure under 200 square feet may not require a building permit, but Southfield requires a zoning permit to verify location and setbacks.
Do I need a Southfield permit to reroof my house?
Yes. The City states that a building permit is required to reroof over an existing shingle layer and that the roof is limited to two shingle layers.
How do I schedule a Southfield building inspection?
Use the Schedule an Inspection service on Southfield’s BS&A page. Select the issued permit and exact inspection discipline only when the work is complete, exposed and accessible.
What is required before opening a business in an existing suite?
Obtain Planning zoning approval, complete the required special or change-of-occupancy inspections, correct all egress and life-safety violations and receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
How often must a Southfield rental dwelling be registered?
The City states that one- and two-family rented or leased dwellings must be registered and inspected every three years. A rental certificate is issued after required inspections pass.
How do I check whether a Southfield permit was closed?
Use Building Department Record Search in BS&A. Review the main permit, every related trade permit, inspection history, Planning and Engineering conditions and the Certificate of Occupancy when required.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Southfield. Permit issuance, fee calculations, inspections, zoning approvals, Engineering approvals, rental certification and Certificate of Occupancy decisions must come from the City or its authorized systems.
This page was rebuilt using Southfield’s Building Department pages, BS&A municipal portal, December 2025 Guide to Development, February 2025 Engineering residential checklist, current code page, Planning and Engineering application pages, rental instructions, Certificate of Occupancy instructions and City-linked fee ordinance.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fees, portal behavior, payment charges, code editions and department procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive information before paying, submitting 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.