Move From Property Search to Approved Plans, Digital Inspection and Final Permit Closure
Farmington Hills now uses an online-first permit process. Building applications go through BS&A, while building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections must be requested through the City’s digital inspection form.
This guide separates the steps that cause the most confusion: homeowner affidavits, contractor account linking, residential fences, driveway permits, re-occupancy, rental registration, zoning appeals, fees and approved-plan downloads.
Choose the Farmington Hills Task You Need
Farmington Hills Project Route Finder
Choose the project to see the correct department and first action.
Farmington Hills Building, Trade, Zoning and Engineering Numbers
Farmington Hills and the City of Farmington Are Different Jurisdictions
Use Farmington Hills when
- The physical project address is inside Farmington Hills.
- The Farmington Hills BS&A portal returns the property.
- The parcel is handled by Farmington Hills Planning and Community Development.
Verify before filing when
- The mailing address says Farmington rather than Farmington Hills.
- The site is near the separate City of Farmington boundary.
- BS&A does not return the address or parcel.
Which Permit or Department Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Important local detail |
|---|---|---|
New house, addition or structural alteration |
Building permit |
Plans, zoning, site information, trades and applicable Engineering approval |
Interior remodel or finished basement |
Building permit |
Show existing/proposed rooms, egress, smoke alarms and separate trade work |
Garage or shed over 200 sq. ft. |
Building permit |
Check placement and setbacks with Zoning before final plans |
Shed or accessory structure 200 sq. ft. or less |
Zoning check |
Building permit may not apply, but Zoning assists with placement |
Deck |
Building permit |
Use the city deck guide, site plan, framing details and required inspections |
Residential fence |
Zoning permit |
Current city page lists a $100 fee and requests a plan or survey |
Commercial fence |
Planning Office |
Commercial fencing is not handled through the residential Zoning route |
Driveway or poured concrete without footings |
Engineering review |
A building permit may not apply, but right-of-way approval can be required |
Roof, siding, windows or exterior doors |
Building permit |
Roof projects use the city Roofing Certification form |
Electrical service, circuits, generator or fire alarm |
Electrical permit |
Electrical question line: 248-871-2462 |
Water heater, sewer, irrigation or backflow work |
Plumbing permit |
Plumbing question line: 248-871-2465 |
Furnace, air conditioner, gas piping or ducts |
Mechanical permit |
Mechanical question line: 248-871-2456 |
Business use, tenant or ownership change |
Re-occupancy review |
Floor plan required; Planning and Building approval apply |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utility shutoff notices and a refundable cleanup bond may apply |
Apply Online in Seven Clear Steps
Search the correct property
Use the project address, parcel number or owner name in BS&A.
Choose the correct permit type
Select building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or the correct project category.
Write a useful work description
State what is changing, where it is located, dimensions and each system affected.
Verify applicant and notification contacts
Choose the people who should receive status-change emails.
Estimate fees and upload attachments
Enter applicable quantities and attach readable plans, surveys, photos and required forms.
Confirm successful submission and pay online
Save the confirmation screen. After processing, pay invoices through View My Activity.
Download stamped plans before construction
Open the permit record, select Documents/Attachments and download files containing City approval stamps.
Homeowners Must Meet the City’s Owner-Occupancy Conditions
Homeowner eligibility
- Registered legal homeowner
- Home is the primary residence
- Owner resides in the house
- Correct permit type selected
- Work description is complete
- Required trade permits identified
Required online attachment
- Use the official Homeowner Affidavit.
- Sign the affidavit.
- Have it notarized.
- Attach it to every homeowner permit application.
- Accept responsibility for code compliance and inspections.
Prepare These Items Before Opening BS&A
Property
- Project address
- Parcel number
- Owner name
- Primary-use information
- Zoning/setback check
- Subdivision or HOA rules
Project
- Exact scope of work
- Construction valuation
- Site or plot plan
- Existing/proposed plans
- Structural details
- Product instructions
Applicant
- BS&A account
- Contractor Web PIN/link
- Contractor license
- Homeowner affidavit
- Email recipients
- Supporting approvals
What to Prepare for Common Farmington Hills Projects
Project |
Useful submittal items |
Question to answer first |
|---|---|---|
New house |
New-house packet, site information, architectural/structural plans, energy and trade documents |
Have Planning and Engineering requirements been completed? |
Deck |
Site plan, framing plan, footing, beam, joist, ledger, stair and guard details |
Does the deck fit zoning setbacks and the city’s approved guide? |
Shed over 200 sq. ft. |
Location plan, dimensions, foundation and structural information |
Are existing accessory structures and setbacks shown? |
Roof replacement |
Scope, sheathing condition, underlayment, ventilation, flashing and Roofing Certification |
Must existing roofing be removed rather than recovered? |
Pool or spa |
Site plan, barrier, structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical information |
Does the location comply with zoning and utility easements? |
Commercial tenant change |
Floor plan, previous use, proposed use, occupant/business information and re-occupancy application |
Is the proposed use permitted before lease or construction commitment? |
Farmington Hills Building Permit, Review and Reinspection Fees
Fee item |
Published amount or formula |
Important condition |
|---|---|---|
First $1,000 of building valuation |
$100 |
Valuation is based on the City’s applicable construction-cost method |
$1,001–$50,000 valuation |
$9 per $1,000 |
Confirm how partial thousands are calculated in the live invoice |
$50,001 and above |
$8 per $1,000 |
Other plan-review, trade and administrative charges may apply |
Single-family plan-review deposit |
$590 |
Collected at application; balance due before permit issuance |
Garage, addition or accessory structure review deposit |
$50 |
Balance is due before permit issuance |
Multiple-residential, commercial or industrial review deposit |
$250 |
Published formula and outside-consultant charges can increase the balance |
Wall sign |
$75 |
Freestanding signs use separate area and foundation charges |
Change of occupancy / existing structure |
$150 |
The separate re-occupancy form also lists a $150 non-refundable fee |
Residential or commercial demolition |
$150 |
Refundable cleanup bond may also be required |
Residential fence permit |
$100 |
Processed through Zoning, not the standard building-permit path |
Reinspection when work is not ready |
$45 |
Must be paid before another inspection is scheduled |
Permit renewal |
20% of original building-permit fee |
Confirm eligibility before continuing expired work |
Plan revision after approval |
$50 |
Applies after initial approval is obtained |
The fee schedule linked by the City is marked effective July 1, 2023. Use BS&A or written City confirmation for the final current invoice.
Use the City Form—Do Not Call the Old Inspection Line
Request online
Use the inspection form on the official City inspection page.
City email confirmation
Building staff responds by email. Do not assume the preferred date is approved until the response arrives.
All-day access
Approved inspections occur Monday–Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The City does not provide an estimated time of day.
Information required in the form
- Inspection discipline
- Permit number
- Project address
- Preferred date
- Contact phone when used
- Valid email
Site readiness
- Safe access arranged
- Approved plans available
- Required work exposed
- Correct stage complete
- Pets and gates controlled
- Previous corrections fixed
What Common BS&A Statuses Mean
Send the Project to the Correct Division Before Buying Materials
Project or question |
Correct office |
Practical action |
|---|---|---|
Residential fence |
Zoning — 248-871-2520 |
Submit the fence application with a proposed plan or property survey |
Commercial fence |
Planning — 248-871-2540 |
Confirm site-plan, landscape and commercial design requirements |
Accessory structure 200 sq. ft. or less |
Zoning |
Confirm placement, setbacks, lot coverage and existing structures |
Accessory structure over 200 sq. ft. |
Building + Zoning |
Complete zoning placement and building-permit review |
Temporary sign |
Zoning |
Use the temporary-sign permit route |
Permanent sign |
Planning / Building |
Confirm sign review, building permit and foundation inspection needs |
Patio, playhouse, playground equipment or flagpole |
Zoning check |
A building permit may not apply, but zoning compliance still must be checked |
Driveway or right-of-way work |
Engineering — 248-871-2560 |
Confirm right-of-way, drainage, approach and deposit requirements |
Commercial and Larger Projects May Need Planning and Engineering First
Engineering submittal
- Current standards call for complete construction plans.
- An electronic copy is required.
- Additional copies may be requested for reviewing agencies.
- Plans must be sealed by a Michigan-registered engineer or architect when required.
Closeout dependency
- Engineering reviews water, sewer, drainage, grading and paving.
- Outside-agency comments can be included in the City review.
- Partial approval is not provided under the published standards.
- Engineering site inspection may be required before occupancy.
Do Not Move a Business In Until the Proposed Use Is Approved
Re-occupancy application requires
- Property address
- Sidwell number
- Owner information
- Previous use
- New business/occupant
- Specific proposed use
- Square footage
- Floor plan
Review path
- Confirm the proposed business use with Planning.
- Prepare the required floor plan.
- Submit the re-occupancy application.
- Pay the published $150 non-refundable fee.
- Complete Planning and Building approval.
- Obtain construction permits when alterations are required.
Register the Rental and Prepare for the Three-Year Inspection Cycle
Registration
Farmington Hills requires registration of single-family rental dwellings inside the City.
Inspection frequency
The City’s program requires qualifying rental properties to be inspected once every three years.
Inspection focus
Exterior maintenance, fire safety, egress, structure, electrical, sanitation, infestation and trash conditions.
Link the Contractor Record Before Starting the Online Application
BS&A account setup
- Create a BS&A Online account.
- Contact the City to link the contractor name record.
- Obtain the Web PIN when required.
- Confirm the correct business and license information.
- Use the linked account for applications and status emails.
Official registration form
The contractor-registration PDF linked by the City asks for the licensee, business details, license number, expiration date and ownership type.
The form currently displays a $15 registration fee but carries an older effective date. Confirm the live requirement and payment amount with Building before submitting.
Complete the Roofing Certification and Keep the Correct Details On Site
Roof deck and covering
- Replace unsuitable sheathing.
- Use approved roofing materials.
- Confirm whether tear-off is required.
Weather protection
- Approved underlayment
- Drip edge
- Ice guard
- Flashing at intersections and openings
Ventilation and closeout
- Document ventilation method.
- Dispose of materials lawfully.
- Sign the City certification.
- Use current code directions from Building.
Farmington Hills ZBA Filing Requirements and Fees
Application item |
Current linked requirement |
Practical action |
|---|---|---|
Meeting |
Second Tuesday at 7:30 PM, subject to cancellation or schedule change |
Check the approved 2026 schedule before filing |
Residential fee |
$475 + $75 for each additional variance |
List every requested variance accurately |
Commercial fee |
$565 + $75 for each additional variance |
Confirm whether separate sign or site-plan requests apply |
Interpretation |
$600 + $50 for each additional request |
Identify the exact ordinance question |
Site plan |
Show existing structures, proposed work and property-line setbacks |
Use a scaled plan and boundary/stake survey for setback requests |
Plans and copies |
Application packet describes full-size and 15 letter-size copies for applicable layouts |
Confirm current copy requirements before printing |
Property photos |
Optional but recommended; packet requests 15 copies when color photos are supplied |
Show the subject and neighboring conditions clearly |
Search the Record, Download Stamped Plans and Verify Final Closure
Search BS&A
Use permit number first when available. Otherwise search the property address, parcel or owner.
Open the correct permit record
Compare address, owner, permit type, work description and contractor before relying on the result.
Open Documents/Attachments
Download the PDF files that contain the official City approval stamps.
Review inspections and status
Check whether building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing finals are complete.
Request missing records
Use the City forms page and select Request for Public Records FOIA when documents are not available online.
Fix Common Farmington Hills Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
BS&A cannot find the property |
Wrong jurisdiction, address format or parcel |
Confirm Farmington Hills jurisdiction before creating another record |
Contractor cannot submit |
Account is not linked or Web PIN is missing |
Contact Building to link the contractor’s City record |
Homeowner application is incomplete |
Signed/notarized Homeowner Affidavit was not attached |
Upload the official affidavit to each homeowner application |
Inspection request received no time |
The City does not issue estimated times |
Arrange access for the full approved 8:00 AM–4:00 PM window |
Inspection failed for no access |
Gate, lock, pet, tenant or unsafe conditions blocked entry |
Fix access and pay the $45 reinspection fee before rescheduling |
Fence application delayed |
Plan, survey, association review or property-line information is missing |
Submit a clear proposed plan or preferred property survey to Zoning |
Driveway project sent to Building |
Right-of-way work belongs with Engineering |
Call 248-871-2560 before pouring concrete |
Business cannot occupy space |
Re-occupancy, zoning or building approval is incomplete |
Submit the floor plan and exact proposed use before move-in |
Permit is expired |
Work or required activity was not completed in the permit period |
Ask whether renewal is available before continuing work |
Open permit affects a property sale |
Final or trade inspection was never completed |
Collect the record and request a written closeout path |
What to Say When You Contact the City
“I am planning [exact work] at [Farmington Hills address/parcel]. Which building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning and Engineering approvals are required before I submit through BS&A?”
“Permit [number] at [address] does not appear final. Which inspection, approved document or related trade permit is still outstanding, and what is required to close it?”
Do Not Consider the Project Complete Until These Are Saved
- Correct city jurisdiction confirmed
- Building and trade permits identified
- Zoning and setbacks checked
- Engineering approval completed when required
- Contractor BS&A account linked
- Homeowner affidavit attached when applicable
- Permit formally issued
- Stamped plans downloaded
- Digital inspection confirmed by email
- Safe all-day access arranged
- All trade finals completed
- Main permit shows final or closed
Farmington Hills Building Division Location
Open the Correct Farmington Hills Resource
Farmington Hills Building Department Questions
Where do I apply for a Farmington Hills building permit?
Use the City’s BS&A Online portal. Search the property, choose the correct permit type, enter the work and applicant information, estimate fees and upload the required attachments.
What is the Farmington Hills Building Division phone number?
Call 248-871-2450. The Building Division is located at Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48336.
How do I request a Farmington Hills building inspection?
Use the digital form on the official City inspection page. The former inspection request line at 248-871-2460 is deactivated. Provide the discipline, permit number, address, preferred date and contact information.
What time will the Farmington Hills inspector arrive?
The City does not provide an estimated time of day. Approved inspections occur Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so safe access must be available throughout that window.
Can a Farmington Hills homeowner pull a permit?
A homeowner may pull a permit instead of a licensed contractor only when the person is the registered legal homeowner, the house is the primary residence and the owner resides there. A signed and notarized Homeowner Affidavit must be attached to each application.
Does a Farmington Hills fence require a permit?
Residential fences are processed through the Zoning Division. The current City fence page lists a $100 permit fee and requests a completed application with a proposed plan or property survey.
Does a Farmington Hills shed require a building permit?
The City lists sheds over 200 square feet as requiring a building permit. Zoning assists with placement of accessory structures 200 square feet or less, so zoning compliance should still be confirmed.
What happens when an inspection site is inaccessible?
The City states that failure to arrange safe inspector access results in a failed inspection. A $45 reinspection fee must be paid before the reinspection is scheduled.
Does a new business need a Farmington Hills re-occupancy application?
A business, tenant or occupancy change may require the City’s re-occupancy process. The official application requires a floor plan, previous and proposed use, occupant details, square footage and Planning and Building approval.
How do I find approved Farmington Hills permit plans?
Log into BS&A, locate the active permit and open the Documents/Attachments tab. Download the PDF files containing the City’s official approval stamps.
Source and Accuracy Notes
Building-Department.org is an independent informational website and is not the City of Farmington Hills. Submit permits, payments, inspections, appeals and records requests through the City or its authorized systems.
This guide was rebuilt from the official Farmington Hills Building Division, BS&A instructions, digital inspection page, permit-required guidance, fee schedule, Zoning Division, fence process, rental-inspection program, re-occupancy application, ZBA application and Engineering standards.
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026.
Forms, fee schedules, code editions, staff procedures and online links can change. Confirm time-sensitive details 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.