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

Planning to build a new home, add a garage, finish a basement, install a pool, replace a roof, or do any other construction or renovation project in the City of Farmington Hills, Michigan? You will need a building permit from the City of Farmington Hills Building Department.

Most people get stuck on the same questions: “How do I actually apply?”, “What will it cost in 2026?”, “How long does approval really take?”, “What documents do they want?”, and “What are the hidden tricks that make this process go faster?” This long, practical guide answers all of those questions with real-world steps, insider tips, and the exact workflow that experienced contractors and smart homeowners use every day in Farmington Hills.

City of Farmington Hills Building Department Contact Details 2026

How to Apply for a Building Permit in Farmington Hills, Michigan – Complete Micro Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

1. Confirm your project is inside the City of Farmington Hills limits.
2. Register or log into the BS&A Online Portal.
3. Prepare detailed construction drawings, site plans, specifications, and supporting documents.
4. Determine if your project qualifies for fast-track or over-the-counter processing (many roofing, windows, siding, HVAC, and water heater replacements do).
5. Submit the complete application online through BS&A with all attachments.
6. Pay the required application and plan review fees online (credit card service fee applies).
7. Monitor your application status in the portal and respond quickly to any review comments.
8. Once approved, pay the remaining permit fees and print/post the permit visibly at the job site before any work begins.
9. Schedule inspections through the BS&A portal or by calling the Building Division.

City of Farmington Hills Building Permit Fees 2026 – What You’ll Actually Pay

Fees include a non-refundable application fee, plan review fees, and a building permit fee based on the type and value of construction. Additional charges include technology fees and re-inspection fees for failed or missed inspections. Contractor registration is required for most work. Always review the latest fee schedule on the Building Department page before submitting to budget accurately.

Insider Tips & Tricks That Save Time and Money in Farmington Hills

• Use the BS&A Online Portal for all submissions, payments, tracking, and scheduling — it is the fastest method.
• Submit complete and clearly labeled drawings the first time — incomplete submissions cause the most delays.
• Call (248) 871-2550 early in the morning for questions — staff is most responsive then.
• For smaller projects (roofing, windows, HVAC, water heater), confirm fast-track eligibility before submitting a full application.
• Pay with cash or check in person if possible to avoid credit card service fees.
• Schedule inspections at least 24–48 hours in advance through the portal.
• Verify contractor registration and coordinate with Zoning early if your project involves additions or changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: April 15, 2026