Apply, Review, Inspect and Close a Birmingham Building Permit Without Missing the Site Steps
Birmingham uses BS&A Online for permit applications, planning processes, payments, record searches and inspections. But a portal application alone may not complete the submittal.
New construction, additions, pools and other large projects can also require an Engineering Site Evaluation, certified survey, topographic elevations, tree locations, separate trade permits and hard-copy plan sets. This guide puts those requirements in the correct order.
Choose the Exact Birmingham Task You Need
Birmingham Permit Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that matches your project.
Birmingham Building Department Phone, Address and Staff Hours
Confirm the Property Is Inside Birmingham Before Applying
Use Birmingham BS&A when
- The site is inside the City of Birmingham, Michigan.
- The Birmingham BS&A property or permit search returns the address.
- The city—not a neighboring township or city—controls the parcel.
Verify before filing when
- The mailing address resembles Bloomfield, Beverly Hills, Troy or another municipality.
- The project is near a municipal boundary.
- The property does not appear under Birmingham’s BS&A municipality.
Which Birmingham Permit or Review Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Birmingham-specific check |
|---|---|---|
New home, addition or major structural work |
Building + Site Evaluation |
Certified survey, four-corner topography, City trees, engineering review, separate trade permits and new-construction packet |
Renovation, basement finish, deck, porch, garage or roof |
Building permit |
Plans, builder license, zoning/setbacks and electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits |
Fence |
Fence permit |
Placement, height, zoning and current fee schedule; city FAQ lists a $50 permit fee |
Driveway, patio or walkway over 3 feet wide |
Impervious Surface permit |
Survey/open-space calculation, runoff protection and zoning compliance |
Accessory structure under 200 square feet |
Impervious Surface permit |
Two site-plan copies, assembly drawings, setbacks and height |
Swimming pool or spa |
Building + Site Evaluation |
Survey, placement, enclosure/safety, electrical and mechanical requirements |
Electrical work |
Electrical permit |
Licensed contractor, or an owner actually performing eligible work at an owner-occupied single-family home |
Plumbing work |
Plumbing permit |
Licensed plumbing contractor/master plumber, or eligible owner work as allowed by state rules |
Furnace, A/C, ductwork or refrigeration |
Mechanical permit |
Refrigeration is merged into mechanical; outdoor condenser placement may require a plot plan |
Exterior commercial changes, paint or sign |
Planning approval first |
Planning approval is required before the Building Department can issue the permit |
Complete or partial demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utility disconnects, survey, neighbor notices, photos, fencing, erosion control and obstruction permit |
Apply Online Without Leaving Out the Offline Requirements
Choose the correct Birmingham service
Open the City of Birmingham municipal page in BS&A and choose Apply for a Permit or Apply for a Planning, Zoning or Engineering Process.
Create and verify the BS&A account
Complete registration, verify the email address and sign in. For inspection scheduling, the city says applicants must obtain a PIN or call the Building Department to link the account to Birmingham.
Confirm zoning and Site Evaluation before final plans
New construction, additions, pools and other large projects require an Engineering Site Evaluation. Exterior commercial changes may need Planning review first.
Prepare the complete plan package
The city’s published construction procedure calls for two folded sets of complete drawings, a certified survey when required and all relevant project documents.
Pay Building and Engineering review fees
Birmingham states that Building and Engineering plan-review fees must be paid before the project can be submitted for review.
Monitor review and answer comments
The city publishes an approximate two-to-three-week review period for complete plans. Staff may request revisions or additional information.
Wait for issuance, then complete inspections
Do not begin before the permit is issued. Keep approved plans on site, schedule inspections through BS&A and close all building and trade permits.
What to Prepare Before the Application Enters Review
Property and applicant
- Exact site address
- Owner name
- Parcel information
- Applicant contact details
- Builder license copy
- Project valuation
Plans and survey
- Two folded plan sets when required
- Certified survey
- Four-corner topographic elevations
- City trees in right-of-way
- Existing/proposed conditions
- Structural information
Related approvals
- Engineering Site Evaluation
- Planning approval
- BZA decision if required
- Trade permit applications
- Demolition documents
- New-construction packet signature
When a Birmingham Site Evaluation Is Required
Projects specifically identified by the city
- New construction.
- Additions.
- Pools.
- Other large projects that affect the site.
Apply through BS&A under the Planning, Zoning or Engineering process or submit the city’s Engineering Plan Review materials.
What the review protects
- Grades and drainage.
- City trees and right-of-way conditions.
- Driveways, walks and impervious surface.
- Neighboring property from runoff.
- Engineering requirements before building review.
Driveways, Patios, Walkways and Small Accessory Structures
Local rule |
What it means for the applicant |
|---|---|
Permit trigger |
New or replacement driveways, patios and walkways over three feet wide require an Impervious Surface Permit. |
Materials covered |
Concrete, asphalt, brick, stone pavers and similar surfaces that prevent water infiltration. |
Survey/open-space test |
A registered survey may be required to show zoning compliance and at least 50% open space, unless the Building Official accepts other documentation. |
Drainage proof |
Documentation must show that runoff will not negatively affect neighboring properties. |
Accessory structure under 200 sq. ft. |
An Impervious Surface Permit is required before installing or replacing the structure. |
Small-structure submittal |
Provide two site-plan copies showing placement and construction drawings showing assembly. |
Use the Correct BS&A Action
Apply
Select Apply for a Permit for construction and trade permits.
Search
Select Building Department Record Search for available public records.
Pay
Select Pay a Building Department Fee for an existing charge.
Inspect
Select Schedule an Inspection after the account is linked and permit is eligible.
Schedule Birmingham Inspections Through BS&A
First-time account setup
- Select Birmingham in the Municipal Directory.
- Create and verify the BS&A account.
- Call 248-530-1850 for the PIN/account link.
- Return to Schedule an Inspection.
Before requesting
- Permit is issued
- Correct inspection type selected
- Work is complete for that stage
- Work remains uncovered
- Safe access is available
- Approved plans are on site
Use Birmingham’s 2026 Fee Schedule—Not Generic Percentages
Correct way to budget
- Identify every building, trade, engineering, planning or zoning process.
- Use the 2026 citywide fee schedule updated July 1, 2026.
- Pay Building and Engineering plan-review charges before review begins.
- Review the BS&A invoice before payment.
- Ask about an unexplained line item instead of filing a duplicate application.
Why the old article was unreliable
It claimed that plan review was “typically 50%” of the permit fee and referenced technology fees without tying those statements to Birmingham’s current schedule.
This article does not use a generic fee calculator because Birmingham’s current city schedule controls.
Check Setbacks and Paving Before Finalizing the Design
Residential placement
Required setbacks may differ from the rules in effect when the existing home was built. Confirm current setbacks before designing a new home or addition.
Front-yard paving
Birmingham requires at least 65% of front open space to remain free of paved surface.
Commercial exteriors
Exterior changes—including painting and signage—must receive Planning approval before permit issuance.
BZA detail |
Current city information |
|---|---|
Meeting |
Second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in the City Commission Room. |
Filing deadline |
Application and checklist items are due by the 12th of the month before the meeting. |
Agenda limit |
The agenda is limited to seven appeals; the first seven complete applications are heard. |
Contact |
Building Official Jeff Zielke, 248-530-1849. |
Appeal window |
Certain Planning or administrative decisions must be appealed to the BZA within 21 days. |
Residential Demolition Requires More Than a Permit Form
Utility releases
- DTE electrical disconnect.
- Consumers Energy gas disconnect.
- Telephone/cable disconnection verification.
- Water disconnect and meter removal process.
Property documents
- Survey showing structures to be demolished.
- Proof of notice to adjoining owners.
- Front, rear and both-side color photos.
- Contractor contact and anticipated dates.
Site protection
- Rigid perimeter fencing.
- Buried silt fencing.
- Address posted on fencing.
- Sidewalk and street kept clear.
- City trees protected.
- Engineering obstruction permit.
Codes Listed by Birmingham for Current Projects
Code |
City-listed effective date |
|---|---|
2021 Michigan Building Code |
April 9, 2025 |
2015 Michigan Residential Code |
February 8, 2016 |
2021 Michigan Mechanical Code |
March 12, 2024 |
2021 Michigan Plumbing Code |
March 12, 2024 |
2023 National Electrical Code and Michigan Part 8 Rules |
March 12, 2024 |
2021 Michigan Uniform Energy Code |
April 22, 2025 |
2025 Michigan Rehabilitation Code Rules |
April 9, 2025 |
Old Permit Not Closed? Use This Checklist
Gather first
- Permit or record number
- Property address
- Original scope
- Approved plans
- Contractor details
- Inspection history
- Current photographs
- Sale/refinance deadline
Ask the department
- Which final is missing?
- Is the permit expired?
- Are revised plans needed?
- Can the contractor change?
- Are trade permits open?
- Is Site Evaluation incomplete?
- Are fees outstanding?
- What proves closure?
Local Site Rules That Protect the Permit and the Neighborhood
Communicate
Tell adjoining neighbors the project, expected duration and contact person before disruptive work begins.
Control the site
Maintain safe fencing, controlled access, open walkways and organized deliveries without overloading the right-of-way.
Protect public property
Protect City trees, sidewalks, curbs, streets and utilities. Builders are responsible for repair costs and debris cleanup.
Fix Common Birmingham Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
Cannot apply or inspect in BS&A |
Account not verified or not linked to Birmingham |
Verify email, then call 248-530-1850 for the PIN/account link |
Building review has not started |
Building/Engineering fees or Site Evaluation still incomplete |
Check payment and prerequisite engineering status |
Plans are returned |
Missing survey, topography, tree locations, license or coordinated details |
Answer every comment and submit one coordinated revision set |
A/C location is rejected |
Condenser is an accessory structure in a restricted side yard |
Provide a plot plan and ask the Mechanical Inspector about placement |
Driveway/patio permit stalls |
Open-space or drainage proof is missing |
Provide survey/calculation and runoff documentation |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Permit not issued, account not linked or wrong record |
Confirm issuance and call the department for account help |
Final occupancy is delayed |
Mechanical, electrical or plumbing final is missing |
Complete every trade final before requesting the Final Certificate of Occupancy |
Neighbor reports site impacts |
Noise, debris, unsafe fencing, blocked walk or runoff |
Correct the site immediately and use GovAlert/Citizen Requests when official follow-up is needed |
What to Say When You Contact Birmingham
“I plan to [exact work] at [full address]. Does this require a building permit, Site Evaluation, certified survey, impervious-surface permit, Planning approval or separate trade permits?”
“Application [number] is waiting at [status]. Can you confirm whether Building fees, Engineering fees, Site Evaluation, hard-copy plan sets or a reviewer correction is outstanding?”
“Record [number] at [address] is still open. Which inspection, revised plan, payment or trade final is required for closure?”
Do Not Finish Until Every Required Approval Is Complete
- Correct Birmingham jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct permit and review types selected
- Site Evaluation completed if required
- Certified survey and topography accepted
- Planning/BZA approvals completed
- Building and Engineering fees paid
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans kept on site
- Required work left visible
- Inspection corrections resolved
- Electrical final approved
- Mechanical final approved
- Plumbing final approved
- Final Certificate of Occupancy obtained
- Permit record shows final/closed
- Closure proof saved
Birmingham City Hall Building Department Map
Open the Correct Birmingham Service
Birmingham Michigan Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Birmingham building permit?
Use the City of Birmingham municipal page in BS&A Online and select Apply for a Permit. For zoning, planning, engineering or Site Evaluation, choose Apply for a Planning, Zoning or Engineering Process.
What is the correct Birmingham Building Department phone number?
The official Building Department number is 248-530-1850. The office is in Community Development Department #223 on the second floor of City Hall at 151 Martin Street.
What are the Building Department office hours?
The city lists Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Inspectors are generally available for questions from 8:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–5:00 PM.
How long does Birmingham plan review take?
The city asks applicants to allow approximately two to three weeks for review. That estimate depends on a complete submission, required payments, project complexity, Site Evaluation and the need for revisions.
Which projects require a Birmingham Site Evaluation?
The city specifically identifies new construction, additions, pools and other large projects for Engineering Department Site Evaluation review.
Does a Birmingham fence require a permit?
Yes. Birmingham’s official FAQ states that a Fence Permit is required and lists a $50 fee. Confirm the amount against the current 2026 city fee schedule before paying.
Do Birmingham driveways and patios require a permit?
New and replacement driveways, patios and walkways over three feet wide require an Impervious Surface Permit. The city may require survey, open-space and runoff documentation.
How do I schedule a building or trade inspection?
Create and verify a BS&A account, call the Building Department for the PIN or account link, sign in and select Schedule an Inspection under Birmingham’s Building Department services.
What must be complete before a Final Certificate of Occupancy?
Final mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections must be completed and approved before the Building Inspector issues the Final Certificate of Occupancy.
How do I find an old Birmingham permit?
Open Birmingham’s BS&A municipal page and choose Building Department Record Search. When the online information is incomplete, contact the Building Department with the address, approximate year and record type needed.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Birmingham.
This article was rebuilt from Birmingham’s official Building Department, BS&A municipal portal, permit procedures, application forms, inspection instructions, current codes, zoning/BZA, demolition and code-assistance resources.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Staff, forms, fee amounts, review procedures and code requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details before filing, paying, printing plan sets 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.
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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
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Permit Fee Estimate Calculator
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Inspection Readiness Checklist
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Zoning and Setback Pre-check
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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
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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.