City Of Farmington Hills Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Official Contact

Farmington Hills permit control guide

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.

BS&A application, payment and plan download
Digital-only building and trade inspections
Fence, driveway, rental and re-occupancy routes
Farmington Hills permit moving across rolling hills from plans to inspection An animated site plan, rolling hills, BS and A review screen, permit card and final inspection check explain the local permit process. PROPERTY + PROJECT PLAN PARCEL ✓ ZONING ✓ AFFIDAVIT ✓ BS&A REVIEW APPROVED PERMIT DIGITAL INSPECTION PASSED
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Important 2026 workflow Permit applications use BS&A. Inspection requests are accepted only through the City’s digital inspection form. The former inspection voicemail line, 248-871-2460, is deactivated.
Start here

Choose the Farmington Hills Task You Need

Farmington Hills Project Route Finder

Choose the project to see the correct department and first action.

Official contacts

Farmington Hills Building, Trade, Zoning and Engineering Numbers

Building Division 248-871-2450 Permits, plans and Building Official questions
Electrical questions 248-871-2462 Electrical permits and technical questions
Mechanical questions 248-871-2456 HVAC and mechanical permit questions
Plumbing questions 248-871-2465 Plumbing permits and technical questions
Zoning Division 248-871-2520 Fences, small accessory structures and zoning
Planning Office 248-871-2540 Commercial fencing, site plans and development
Engineering Division 248-871-2560 Driveways, right-of-way, grading and utilities
City Hall hours 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Monday through Friday
Office: 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.
Jurisdiction check

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.
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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.
Avoid duplicate applications: Call 248-871-2450 with the exact property address or parcel number when jurisdiction is unclear.
Permit decision table

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
BS&A application workflow

Apply Online in Seven Clear Steps

Search the correct property

Use the project address, parcel number or owner name in BS&A.

Check first: Make sure the property is in Farmington Hills, not the separate City of Farmington.

Choose the correct permit type

Select building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or the correct project category.

Do not combine unrelated work: Trade permits may need their own records and inspections.

Write a useful work description

State what is changing, where it is located, dimensions and each system affected.

Good example: “Finish 700-square-foot basement with recreation room, bathroom, electrical circuits and new supply/return ducts.”

Verify applicant and notification contacts

Choose the people who should receive status-change emails.

Contractor account: The City must link the contractor name record or provide a Web PIN.

Estimate fees and upload attachments

Enter applicable quantities and attach readable plans, surveys, photos and required forms.

Homeowner applications: Attach a signed and notarized Homeowner Affidavit to each permit application.

Confirm successful submission and pay online

Save the confirmation screen. After processing, pay invoices through View My Activity.

Keep: Account email, permit number, receipt and uploaded plan set.

Download stamped plans before construction

Open the permit record, select Documents/Attachments and download files containing City approval stamps.

Job-site rule: Build and inspect from the approved version, not the original draft.
Homeowner permit rules

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.
Do not pull a homeowner permit for a paid contractor. The permit holder remains responsible for the work, corrections and inspection closeout.
Application checklist

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
Project-specific preparation

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?
Older-guide warning: Some linked city construction guides reference older Michigan code editions. Use their diagrams and checklist categories, but confirm the currently adopted code and any updated detail with the Building Division.
Current linked fee schedule

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
Starting before issuance doubles the normal permit fee under the City’s currently linked building fee schedule.

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.

Open the Official Fee Schedule

Digital inspection workflow

Use the City Form—Do Not Call the Old Inspection Line

Request online

Use the inspection form on the official City inspection page.

Open the inspection form

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
No access means failure. The City states that failure to arrange safe access results in a failed inspection and a $45 reinspection fee before rescheduling.
Permit status help

What Common BS&A Statuses Mean

Draft The application is not fully submitted. Reopen and complete required fields.
Submitted The City received the application but may still be checking attachments and applicant information.
Under review Building, trade, Planning, Zoning or Engineering review is underway.
Corrections required Open every comment and replace the correct files with one coordinated revision.
Invoice available Open View My Activity, verify the project and pay the correct invoice.
Approved Approval may still be waiting for payment, attachments or formal issuance.
Issued Work can begin only within the approved plans and permit scope.
Final / closed Save proof and confirm all electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits are also complete.
Zoning, fences and small structures

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
Subdivision approval: The City suggests obtaining subdivision-association approval before submitting a residential fence application when applicable. City approval does not cancel private deed or HOA restrictions.
Site development sequence

Commercial and Larger Projects May Need Planning and Engineering First

Project concept
Zoning and site-plan check
Planning review
Engineering review
Corrections completed
Building permit
Site and building finals
Do not skip site approval. Farmington Hills Engineering standards state that required Planning and Engineering approvals must be completed before building-permit issuance for applicable site-development projects.

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.
Business and re-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

  1. Confirm the proposed business use with Planning.
  2. Prepare the required floor plan.
  3. Submit the re-occupancy application.
  4. Pay the published $150 non-refundable fee.
  5. Complete Planning and Building approval.
  6. Obtain construction permits when alterations are required.
Lease-protection question: “Is this exact business use permitted at this address, and what re-occupancy, building, fire, sign, accessibility or site approvals are required?”

Open the Re-Occupancy Application

Single-family rental properties

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.

Landlord timing: Review the registration application and exterior inspection checklist before advertising the property or scheduling a new tenant.

Open Rental Registration and Checklist

Contractor accounts

Link the Contractor Record Before Starting the Online Application

BS&A account setup

  1. Create a BS&A Online account.
  2. Contact the City to link the contractor name record.
  3. Obtain the Web PIN when required.
  4. Confirm the correct business and license information.
  5. 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.

Open Contractor Registration Form

Roofing requirements

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.
Code-date warning: The linked Roofing Certification references the 2015 Michigan Residential Code. Confirm current code requirements before ordering materials.

Open Roofing Certification

Zoning appeals

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

Open Current ZBA Schedule Open ZBA Application

Permit records and approved plans

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.

Buyer and seller warning: An issued permit is not proof of completion. Confirm final inspections and closed status for every associated trade.
Troubleshooting

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
Useful scripts

What to Say When You Contact the City

Permit question
“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?”
Open-permit question
“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?”
Final project checklist

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
Office map

Farmington Hills Building Division Location

Address: Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. Most permit and inspection actions should be started online.
Official resource library

Open the Correct Farmington Hills Resource

FAQs

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.

Independent guide and freshness

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.

Free Building Permit & Inspection Assistant

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.

Start Permit Helper
8 toolsPermit finder, fee estimate, inspection checklist, zoning pre-check, and official searches.
All citiesWorks sitewide on city, county, village, and regional building department pages.
No loginNo address, permit number, email, or private data is required to use the tool.
Mobile-firstBuilt for visitors checking permits and inspections from a phone.

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.

Homeowner tip

Before starting work, check whether your project needs building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, right-of-way, or HOA approval.

Contractor tip

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.

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