City of Farmington Hills Building Department: Permits, Inspections, BS&A Portal and Official Contact
Farmington Hills building permits are now an online-first process. The city announced that beginning early March 2026, all building permit applications and inspection requests move through the BS&A online portal, replacing paper applications, over-the-counter submissions and phone inspection requests. This guide explains where to apply, how to request inspections, which phone numbers to use for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and zoning questions, and how to avoid common delays before your project reaches plan review.
Office
City of Farmington Hills Building Department, 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.
Building phone
Call 248-871-2450 for Building Department and Building Official contact.
Online portal
Use BS&A Online for building permit applications, records, status and inspection requests.
Zoning
For zoning and code enforcement, Farmington Hills lists 248-871-2520.
Official Farmington Hills Building Permit Links
Office: 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. Use the official BS&A portal for permit applications, uploaded materials and inspection requests. For zoning and code enforcement, the city lists 248-871-2520.
What the Farmington Hills Building Department Handles
The Farmington Hills Building Department handles building permit applications, inspection requests, building fee schedule guidance, deck construction guidance, new house forms, rental inspection information and permit-required guidance.
The city’s Building page connects users directly to BS&A online permit applications and BS&A inspection scheduling. That matters because the city’s 2026 announcement says building permit applications and inspection requests transition fully to online submission through BS&A, creating one centralized route for homeowners, contractors and professionals.
Building permits
Use the BS&A permit application route to submit permit details, required documents and project information.
Inspections
Use the BS&A inspection request form after the permit is issued and the work is ready for inspection.
Forms and guides
The official Building page links to fee schedules, deck construction guide, rental inspection and new house forms.
Farmington Hills BS&A Portal: Apply, Upload, Search and Request Inspections
The BS&A portal is the practical starting point for most building permit and inspection tasks in Farmington Hills.
Task | Official route | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
Apply for a building permit | BS&A Apply for Permit | Create or use the correct account, then upload required plans and documents. |
Upload permit materials | BS&A permit application workflow | Name files clearly by project address, document type and date. |
Request inspection | BS&A Schedule an Inspection | Do not use the old inspection phone process; use the digital inspection form. |
Search records | BS&A public search tools | Search by address, parcel number, owner name or permit record where available. |
Check status | BS&A permit record | Watch for plan review comments, missing documents, invoice status or inspection results. |
How to Apply for a Farmington Hills Building Permit Without Creating Delay
A complete application should explain the project clearly and include all documents needed for review, zoning and inspection planning.
Step 1: Confirm permit need
Use the official “When is a Permit Required” guidance and Building Department page before starting work.
Step 2: Prepare your documents
Gather project scope, property address, owner details, contractor information, plans, site plan, valuation and supporting attachments.
Step 3: Use BS&A
Apply online through BS&A, upload materials and keep the permit record number for future tracking.
Step 4: Watch for comments
Respond quickly if staff requests revised drawings, missing files, fee payment or zoning clarification.
Step 5: Wait for issuance
Do not treat application submission as permit approval. Begin regulated work only after the permit is issued.
Step 6: Request inspections
Once work is ready, use BS&A inspection scheduling and keep inspection results with your project records.
Common Farmington Hills Building Permit Topics
Farmington Hills links to several common building resources from its Building page. Use the current official pages because requirements can change by project type and code cycle.
Topic | What it helps with | Practical guidance |
|---|---|---|
Building permit application | New construction, additions, repairs, alterations and regulated building work. | Apply online through BS&A and upload complete documents. |
Building fee schedule | Permit and review cost planning. | Check current fees before budgeting or quoting the project. |
Deck construction guide | Deck permits, construction details and inspection planning. | Review the city’s deck guide before buying materials or scheduling labor. |
New house forms | New residential construction submittal requirements. | Prepare site, architectural, structural, trade and zoning details early. |
Rental inspection | Rental property inspection process and compliance. | Use official rental inspection guidance if the property is rented or will be rented. |
Forms, permits and applications | Citywide forms and permit resources. | Use current city forms instead of saved copies from old projects. |
Farmington Hills Building Inspections: Online Requests Through BS&A
Farmington Hills moved inspection requests to the digital BS&A inspection request form. The old inspection request phone line is no longer the right path.
Use the digital form
Open the BS&A inspection request link connected to Farmington Hills.
Have permit details ready
Keep your permit number, record number, address, inspection type and site contact information ready.
Do not request too early
Only request an inspection when the work is complete, visible, safe and ready.
Check access
Make sure gates, lockboxes, pets, tenants and job-site documents do not block the inspection.
Fix corrections fully
If an inspection does not pass, correct the exact listed items before requesting re-inspection.
Save final approval
Keep final inspection and closed-permit proof for resale, insurance, refinancing or future permit history.
Farmington Hills Zoning, Code Enforcement and Trade Question Numbers
Building permits often interact with zoning, property layout, setbacks, use, code enforcement and trade-specific questions.
Question type | Official contact listed | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
Building permit and Building Official | 248-871-2450 | General building permit, plan review and Building Department questions. |
Electrical questions | 248-871-2462 | Electrical permit, inspection or technical questions. |
Mechanical questions | 248-871-2456 | HVAC, mechanical system or mechanical permit questions. |
Plumbing questions | 248-871-2465 | Plumbing permit, inspection or technical questions. |
Zoning and code enforcement | 248-871-2520 | Setbacks, property use, code enforcement and zoning-related questions. |
Planning and Community Development | 248-871-2540 | Planning, community development or broader development-review questions. |
How to Search Farmington Hills Permit Records and Application Status
Permit search is useful for homeowners, buyers, sellers, contractors, real estate agents and property managers checking whether work was permitted, inspected or closed.
Search by address
Use BS&A and search by address if you do not know the permit record number.
Search by parcel
Use parcel number when property addresses are formatted differently or multiple units are involved.
Check status carefully
Look for issued, active, inspection, correction, expired, closed or final status before relying on a record.
Farmington Hills Homeowner Permit Checklist
Homeowners should verify permit needs before hiring a contractor or starting DIY work. Some small projects may still trigger building, zoning, electrical, mechanical or plumbing review.
Project | What to check first | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
Deck | Deck construction guide, site plan, footings, setbacks and inspections. | Review city deck guidance before buying materials. |
Addition or alteration | Building permit, zoning, construction drawings and trade permits. | Confirm whether electrical, mechanical or plumbing permits are separate. |
New house | New house forms, site plan, building plans and zoning review. | Prepare complete documents early because new construction has more review steps. |
Rental property | Rental inspection information and city requirements. | Do not wait until move-in or lease signing to verify rental inspection rules. |
Trade work | Electrical, mechanical or plumbing permit and inspection requirements. | Use the trade-specific phone numbers for technical questions. |
Contractor Tips for Faster Farmington Hills Permit Review
Contractors can reduce delay by submitting clean documents through BS&A, using consistent contact details, and tracking review comments inside the permit record.
Use BS&A consistently
Apply, upload, track and request inspections through the BS&A online route instead of mixed paper or phone workflows.
Label files clearly
Use file names like “31555-W-11-Mile-Site-Plan-2026-05-03.pdf” so reviewers can quickly identify documents.
Watch review comments
Unanswered comments can hold permit issuance even when most of the application is complete.
Schedule only when ready
Inspection requests should be made only when the work is complete, visible and accessible.
Why Farmington Hills Building Permits and Inspections Get Delayed
Most delays happen because the application is incomplete, the wrong workflow is used, zoning issues are unresolved, or inspections are requested before the work is ready.
Delay reason | What it usually means | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
Old submission method | Applicant is trying to use paper, counter or old phone workflows after the BS&A transition. | Use the official BS&A online permit and inspection routes. |
Missing plans | Reviewer cannot verify the proposed construction. | Upload complete plans, site plan and supporting documents at the start. |
Zoning issue | Setbacks, use, accessory structure or site layout may not be resolved. | Contact zoning/code enforcement before submitting final drawings if unsure. |
Trade permit confusion | Electrical, mechanical or plumbing work needs separate review or inspection. | Use the city’s trade question phone numbers before starting work. |
Unanswered BS&A comments | Permit review is waiting for applicant correction. | Check BS&A status and respond to every comment clearly. |
Inspection not ready | Work is covered, incomplete or inaccessible. | Schedule only when work is complete, visible, safe and ready. |
Farmington Hills Building Department Phone Number, Address, Staff and Map
Use the official contact details below for building permits, permit records, BS&A online permit questions, inspection routing, zoning questions and trade-specific permit questions.
Building Department contact
Phone: 248-871-2450
Office: 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
BS&A Portal: bsaonline.com/?uid=316
Official staff and related contacts
The city directory lists Scott Lenhart as Building Official. It also lists electrical questions at 248-871-2462, mechanical questions at 248-871-2456, plumbing questions at 248-871-2465 and zoning/code enforcement at 248-871-2520.
Map shows the City of Farmington Hills municipal address at 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. For most permit and inspection actions, use the official BS&A portal first.
City of Farmington Hills Building Department FAQs
These FAQs focus on common searches around Farmington Hills building permits, BS&A online applications, inspections, permit status, zoning contacts, trade questions and official Building Department contact details.
QHow do I contact the City of Farmington Hills Building Department?
The Building Department is located at 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. The main Building Department phone number is 248-871-2450.
QWhere do I apply for a Farmington Hills building permit online?
Use the official City of Farmington Hills BS&A online portal. The city announced that building permit applications and inspection requests move to BS&A online submission beginning early March 2026.
QCan I still submit Farmington Hills building permits over the counter?
The city announced that the BS&A online process replaces paper applications, over-the-counter submissions and inspections previously requested by phone beginning early March 2026.
QHow do I schedule a Farmington Hills building inspection?
Use the BS&A inspection request form. The BS&A inspection page says the inspection request phone line, 248-871-2460, is deactivated and inspection requests are accepted through the digital form.
QWhat is the Farmington Hills Building Department phone number?
The official Building Department phone number is 248-871-2450.
QWhat is the Farmington Hills Building Department address?
The Building Department is listed at 31555 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336.
QWho is the Farmington Hills Building Official?
The official Department and Services directory lists Scott Lenhart as Building Official under Planning and Community Development, with phone 248-871-2450.
QWhere do I ask Farmington Hills electrical, mechanical or plumbing questions?
The city directory lists electrical questions at 248-871-2462, mechanical questions at 248-871-2456 and plumbing questions at 248-871-2465.
QWhat causes Farmington Hills permit delays?
Common delays include old submission methods, incomplete plans, missing documents, zoning questions, trade permit confusion, unpaid fees, unanswered BS&A comments or inspection requests made before the work is ready.
QIs Building-Department.org the official City of Farmington Hills website?
No. Building-Department.org is an independent guide. Official permit applications, inspections, payments, corrections, records and approvals must be handled through the City of Farmington Hills or the official BS&A portal.
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.
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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.