Apply, Correct, Inspect and Close a Dearborn Building Permit
Dearborn uses BS&A Online for permit applications, payments, record searches and inspection requests. Creating an account is not enough—the account must also be linked to the City before permit activity can be submitted.
This guide gives homeowners, contractors, property buyers and business owners a clear route from the first zoning check to final inspection, permit closure or Certificate of Occupancy.
Choose the Exact Task You Need
Dearborn Permit Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that best matches your project.
Dearborn Building Permit Contact Information
City of Dearborn or Dearborn Heights?
Use Dearborn BS&A when
- The property is legally inside Dearborn
- The address appears under City of Dearborn in BS&A
- Dearborn Planning confirms jurisdiction
- Existing permits are shown in Dearborn’s record search
Verify before applying when
- The property is near Dearborn Heights
- The postal city and legal municipality differ
- The address cannot be found in Dearborn BS&A
- The contractor gave you a different city portal
Which Dearborn Permit Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New home, addition or structural renovation |
Building permit |
Site plan, zoning, structural drawings, energy and trade permits |
Kitchen, bath, basement or interior remodel |
Renovation permit |
Structural changes, egress, electrical, mechanical and plumbing |
Electrical, HVAC or plumbing work |
Trade permit |
Michigan license, Dearborn contractor registration and related building permit |
Detached garage |
Garage permit |
700-sq.-ft. maximum, setbacks, height, coverage, foundation and electrical work |
Shed |
Shed certificate |
100-sq.-ft. maximum, concrete footing, height, setback and parking-pad restriction |
Pool, spa or hot tub |
Pool permit |
Water depth, barrier, setback, electrical grounding, plumbing and deck permit |
Fence, porch, deck, ramp or concrete |
Project-specific permit |
Property lines, site plan, neighbor or district approvals and structural details |
Commercial renovation or new commercial use |
Planning and building review |
Site-plan review, occupancy, fire, engineering, sanitation and water/backflow |
Special land use or zoning deviation |
Planning application |
Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals or City Council approval |
Demolition or wrecking |
Dismantle/wrecking permit |
Utilities, sewer cap, barricades, debris removal and site restoration |
Apply Through Dearborn BS&A in Seven Steps
Confirm jurisdiction and project scope
Search the property in Dearborn BS&A and write a clear list of every structure and building system affected.
Create and activate your BS&A account
Register as a homeowner, resident or contractor and open the activation email.
Ask the City to link the account
Email the username and account email to DBNInspections@dearborn.gov.
Prepare plans, contract and authorizations
Collect the site plan or survey, scaled drawings, signed construction contract, owner authorization and contractor documents.
Submit the correct application
Open Dearborn BS&A, select Apply for a Permit and choose the permit category that matches the work.
Respond to the complete correction report
Dearborn states that ordinary building plan review commonly takes about five to ten business days, although complex or incomplete projects can take longer.
Pay, obtain issuance and save the approved set
Pay the City invoice and confirm the permit is formally issued before construction begins.
Dearborn Permit Document Checklist
Property and applicant
- Exact property address
- Parcel identification number
- Owner’s legal name
- Applicant contact information
- Owner authorization
- Construction value
Plans and project records
- Mortgage survey or site plan
- Floor plans
- Building elevations
- Foundation and framing details
- Signed construction contract
- Manufacturer information when applicable
Contractor and approvals
- Michigan contractor license
- Dearborn contractor registration
- Insurance certificate
- Workers’ compensation information
- Historic or association approval
- Planning or special approval
Do Not Pull a Homeowner Permit for an Unregistered Contractor
Licensed contractor route
- Verify the applicable Michigan license.
- Confirm current City of Dearborn registration.
- Check that the contract uses the same legal business name.
- Confirm insurance remains active during the job.
- Use a notarized authorization when someone other than the qualifying officer submits documents.
Homeowner permit responsibility
- The permit holder is responsible for code compliance.
- The permit holder must schedule required inspections.
- The permit holder receives correction notices.
- The City cannot resolve workmanship problems with an unlicensed contractor.
- A homeowner should not pull a permit merely because a contractor requests it.
Garage, Shed and Pool Rules to Check Before Buying Materials
Project |
Dearborn rule shown in City forms |
Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
Garage size |
Maximum 700 square feet |
Show outside dimensions, floor area and total lot coverage on the site plan |
Garage location |
Minimum three-foot side-yard setback; minimum ten feet from the house shown in the form checklist |
Use a current mortgage survey and dimension every separation |
Garage height |
Maximum 16 feet from grade to roof peak |
Show roof peak and mean roof height on elevations |
Shed size |
Maximum 100 square feet and maximum ten-foot height |
Show width, length, height and building section |
Shed foundation |
Concrete slab with 24-inch-deep trench footing; sheds cannot be placed on parking pads |
Leave footing and slab work open for inspection before concrete |
Detached accessory buildings |
Only one detached accessory building per site; total structures cannot exceed 35% of site area |
Calculate existing and proposed lot coverage before applying |
Pool permit threshold |
Permit required for pools, spas and hot tubs containing water over 24 inches deep |
Include temporary and inflatable pools when they exceed the depth threshold |
Pool location |
Minimum three-foot side and rear setback; ten-foot separation from overhead wires |
Show property lines, structures, wires, barrier and equipment on the site plan |
Use Dearborn’s 2026 Site-Plan Process for Commercial and Land-Use Projects
Administrative site-plan review
Dearborn’s 2026 guide states that a new use, new structure or change that affects zoning compliance generally requires site-plan review, subject to listed exceptions.
- Application fee: $500
- Initial completeness check: allow two to three business days
- Department review: approximately 20 business days per review cycle
- Departments may include: Planning, Building, Fire, Engineering, Sanitation and Water/Backflow
Prepare before submission
- Confirm zoning district
- Confirm proposed use is allowed
- Write detailed project narrative
- Prepare sealed survey
- Prepare site and civil plans
- Prepare floor plans and elevations
- Prepare landscaping and lighting information
- Obtain owner-signed affidavit
Special Land Use and Planning Commission Review
Special land use fee
$1,200
Shown in Dearborn’s April 2026 Planning Commission guide.
Planning Commission site-plan fee
$1,000
Separate from administrative site-plan review.
Public hearing notice
Properties within 300 feet receive notice for applicable Planning Commission hearings.
Code Editions to Confirm for a 2026 Dearborn Project
Dearborn Permit and Occupancy Fees
Fee item |
Posted City amount |
How it works |
|---|---|---|
Permit processing |
$100 |
Listed for all permits |
Residential plan review |
$1 per $1,000 construction cost |
$15 minimum to $150 maximum |
Residential plan revision |
$10 per sheet |
$50 minimum |
Commercial plan review up to $500,000 |
$200 |
Higher-value formula applies over $500,000 |
Construction permit |
$100 minimum |
For $2,001–$1 million: $100 plus $15 per $1,000 construction cost |
Electrical, HVAC or plumbing permit |
$180 minimum |
Includes processing, one rough and one final inspection |
Permit reinspection |
$30–$60 |
Amount depends on the applicable permit reinspection |
Garage permit |
$200 |
Electrical or other related permits may be separate |
Shed, deck, ramp or gazebo |
$100 |
Verify complete invoice and plan-review charges |
In-ground pool |
$150 |
Trade and deck permits may be separate |
Above-ground pool, spa, hot tub or sauna |
$50 |
Depth, location and barrier rules still apply |
Fence permit |
$125 |
Includes processing and plan review |
Single-family sale/rental inspection |
$225 |
Includes one reinspection |
Two-family sale/rental inspection |
$275 |
Certificate of Occupancy has no listed charge |
Schedule and Pass Dearborn Permit Inspections
Online scheduling
Open Dearborn BS&A and choose Schedule an Inspection.
Linked users can also manage records through My Activity.
Job-site preparation
The permit and stamped plans must be visible and available.
Arrange safe access and leave required work uncovered.
Before requesting an inspection
- Permit is issued
- Correct inspection code selected
- Work is complete for that stage
- Stamped plans are on site
- Concealed work is exposed
- Inspector can access the area
After a failed inspection
- Read every correction
- Identify the responsible contractor
- Correct all related items
- Keep repaired work visible
- Pay reinspection fee if charged
- Request another inspection only when ready
Garage, Shed and Pool Inspection Order
Project |
Dearborn form inspection sequence |
Do not cover |
|---|---|---|
Garage |
#110 footing/foundation → #116 concrete floor → #130 framing after rough electrical → #140 final |
Footings, slab preparation, framing and rough electrical |
Shed |
#110 footing/slab before concrete → #140 final |
Trench footing and slab preparation |
Residential in-ground pool |
Electrical grounding and underground plumbing → #119 re-steel → #113 pool deck before concrete |
Grounding, plumbing, steel reinforcement and deck preparation |
Residential above-ground pool |
#157 pool barrier and pool-use approval |
Barrier, gate, electrical safety and approved equipment location |
What the BS&A Permit Status Means
Find an Old, Open or Missing Dearborn Permit
Open Building Department Record Search
Use the service list on Dearborn’s BS&A municipality page.
Search by permit number first
Use the number from a permit card, invoice, correction notice or inspection report.
Try the base property address
Remove apartment, suite or unit information when the complete address returns no result.
Read the complete record
Check fees, permit status, documents, reviews and inspection history.
Request manual help
Email DBNPermits@dearborn.gov with the address, approximate year, contractor or owner name and the document needed.
Dearborn Requires a Pre-Sale Inspection Before Closing
Seller’s process
- Submit the inspection application and payment.
- Schedule the pre-sale inspection well before closing.
- Receive the electronic inspection report.
- Correct cited violations and obtain required permits.
- Complete required permit inspections.
- Pass the occupancy reinspection.
Request the Certificate of Occupancy
Email the buyer’s name and whether the buyer will occupy the property to DBNSales@dearborn.gov.
For a non-owner-occupied property, include the purchaser’s full contact information.
The Certificate of Occupancy is issued only after required violations, permits, inspections and fees are cleared.
Ten Dearborn Permit Delays You Can Prevent
- Creating a BS&A account without asking the City to link it.
- Applying to Dearborn for a Dearborn Heights property.
- Using an incomplete site plan or old mortgage survey.
- Leaving out the signed construction contract.
- Using a contractor who is not registered with Dearborn.
- Ignoring historic-district or neighborhood review.
- Submitting revised plans without a comment-response letter.
- Starting work when the record is approved but not issued.
- Covering work before the required inspection.
- Passing the building final while leaving a trade permit open.
What to Say When Contacting Dearborn Staff
“I am planning [exact work] at [address]. Which building and trade permits are required, and do I need zoning, site-plan, historic or neighborhood approval before submitting?”
“My BS&A username is [username], and the account email is [email]. Please link the account to City of Dearborn permit activity.”
“Permit [number] received comments dated [date]. I uploaded revised sheets and a numbered response addressing each comment. Please confirm receipt and identify any remaining review.”
“I found permit [number] for [address], but it does not appear closed. Which inspection or document is missing, and what must the current owner do next?”
Do Not Treat the Project as Finished Until These Are Complete
- Dearborn jurisdiction confirmed
- BS&A account activated
- Account linked to the City
- Correct permit types selected
- Planning and special approvals complete
- Contractor registration verified
- Complete plans and contract submitted
- Review comments resolved
- Fees paid
- Permit formally issued
- Stamped plans kept on site
- Required inspections completed
- Failed items corrected
- Building final passed
- Trade permits closed
- Certificate of Occupancy obtained when required
Dearborn Administrative Center Map
Public hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Call 313-943-2150 before making a special trip or printing multiple plan sets.
Open the Correct Dearborn Portal, Guide or Form
Dearborn Building Permit FAQs
Where do I apply for a Dearborn building permit?
Use the City of Dearborn municipality page in BS&A Online. Select “Apply for a Permit,” sign into your account and complete the City account-linking step before submitting permit activity.
How do I link my BS&A account to Dearborn?
Create and activate the account, then email your BS&A username and account email to DBNInspections@dearborn.gov. Wait for City staff to confirm that the account is linked.
How long does Dearborn building plan review take?
The City states that ordinary building plan review typically takes about five to ten business days. Complex projects, missing documents, revisions and additional department reviews can take longer.
How do I schedule a Dearborn permit inspection?
Use the Schedule an Inspection service in Dearborn BS&A or call 313-943-2400. Have the complete permit number and inspection code ready.
Do contractors need to register with Dearborn?
Yes. Contractors must hold the applicable Michigan license and complete City of Dearborn contractor registration. License, insurance and company information must remain current.
How much is the Dearborn permit processing fee?
The City’s posted permit and occupancy schedule lists a $100 processing fee for all permits. Plan review, construction, trade and project-specific fees may be added.
What are Dearborn’s garage and shed limits?
The City’s project forms list a 700-square-foot maximum and 16-foot maximum height for a detached garage. Sheds are limited to 100 square feet and ten feet in height. Additional setback, footing and lot-coverage rules apply.
Does a pool or hot tub require a Dearborn permit?
A permit is required for pools, spas, hot tubs and similar recreational bathing structures containing water more than 24 inches deep, including qualifying temporary or inflatable pools.
Does Dearborn require an inspection before a home sale?
Yes. A City pre-sale inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before closing. Violations and related permit work must be corrected and reinspected.
How do I find an old or open Dearborn permit?
Use Building Department Record Search in Dearborn BS&A. Search by permit number first, then by property address. Review the inspection history and final status, and email DBNPermits@dearborn.gov when records are incomplete.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Dearborn.
This page was checked against the official City of Dearborn BS&A instructions, permit application library, home-improvement process, permit fee schedule, 2026 planning guides, accessory-structure forms, home-sale requirements and the State of Michigan construction-code list.
Last verified: July 22, 2026.
Fees, forms, code editions, review times, account procedures and inspection requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details with the City 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.