Use the Correct Dearborn Heights Form, BS&A Service and Inspection Route
Dearborn Heights uses two connected permit workflows. Building, zoning, fence, certificate and contractor-registration forms are downloaded from the City, while BS&A Online handles trade applications, permit payments, inspection scheduling, property records and rental searches.
This guide shows exactly where to start, what documents to prepare, which projects need plot plans or multiple plan sets, how to avoid under-permitted work and what must be completed before a sale, rental, final inspection or occupancy certificate.
Choose the Exact Dearborn Heights Task
Dearborn Heights Building Department Contact Information
Use a City PDF or BS&A Online?
Task |
Correct route |
What to do |
|---|---|---|
Building permit |
City PDF form |
Download the application, complete the package and contact Building for submission instructions |
Zoning permit |
City PDF form |
Prepare property, owner, contractor, scope, valuation, plot plan and required drawings |
Fence permit |
Fence form package |
Submit the fence application, site plan and applicable neighbor/maintenance affidavits |
Electrical permit |
BS&A Online |
Contractor must be registered before using the online application |
Heating permit |
BS&A Online |
Use the online permit service, payment and inspection scheduler |
Refrigeration permit |
BS&A Online |
Select refrigeration and enter all equipment and test items |
Plumbing permit |
BS&A Online |
List every fixture, connection, service and required inspection |
Pay or schedule inspection |
BS&A Online |
Open the Dearborn Heights municipality page and choose the matching service |
Sale, lease or rental certificate |
Certificate inspection form |
Use the correct residential or commercial application and keep utilities on |
Match the Project to Every Required Permit
Project |
Primary permit |
Separate work to identify |
|---|---|---|
Roof tear-off or replacement |
Building permit |
Structural deck repair, gutters, chimney, electrical or mechanical changes |
Addition, second story or dormer |
Building + zoning review |
Electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, foundation, concrete and occupancy |
Deck, porch or patio |
Building/zoning permit |
Footings, lighting, concrete, stairs, guards and property-line review |
Driveway, approach, sidewalk or service walk |
Concrete/building permit |
City right-of-way, curb, drainage and sidewalk-program requirements |
Fence |
Fence application |
Site plan, neighbor approval where applicable and maintenance affidavit |
Shed, garage or pool |
Building + zoning permit |
Plot plan, electrical, pool barriers, heating or plumbing |
Furnace, air conditioning or refrigeration |
Heating or refrigeration |
Electrical, gas piping, pressure tests and additional inspections |
Water service, sewer, fixtures or water heater |
Plumbing permit |
Building drain, water tap, backflow, street work and testing |
New business or commercial alteration |
Planning/zoning + building |
Site plan, parking, signage, fire protection, trades and commercial occupancy certificate |
Demolition of condemned property |
Demolition process |
Utility disconnection, ownership proof, demolition appeal and site restoration |
Prepare a Dearborn Heights Permit in Seven Steps
Write the complete project scope
List every area and system affected: structure, roof, concrete, electrical, plumbing, heating, refrigeration, driveway, sidewalk, fence, sign or change of use.
Check zoning before ordering final drawings
Confirm setbacks, lot coverage, height, parking, use, signage and whether the property or project is nonconforming.
Choose the correct City form or BS&A service
Use the City’s building, zoning, fence, certificate or registration PDFs. Use BS&A for online electrical, heating, refrigeration and plumbing applications.
Prepare plans, plot plan and contracts
The building form identifies concrete, new buildings, additions, garages, second stories, decks, foundations, patios, porches, sheds and pools as projects requiring a plot plan and three plan sets unless only being repaired.
Confirm contractor registration
Contractors must register with the Building Department before using online trade-permit services.
Submit and wait for permit issuance
Follow the department’s filing instructions. Online trade applicants should track the BS&A record and pay through the Building Department payment service.
Schedule every required inspection
Use BS&A for supported permits and observe the scheduling time frames shown in the portal. Keep work visible until the required inspection passes.
What to Prepare Before Submitting
Project information
- Exact property address
- Owner name and phone
- Contractor business information
- Licenseholder/applicant name
- Detailed work description
- Contract price or project cost
Plans and site information
- Plot plan where required
- Three sets of plans where required
- Existing and proposed structure locations
- Property lines and dimensions
- Driveway and concrete work
- Construction and structural details
Responsibility documents
- Signed contractor agreement
- Current contractor registration
- Michigan trade license
- Liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation information
- Applicant signature
A Dearborn Heights Fence Package Needs More Than the Main Form
Main fence application
- Property location and lot number.
- Owner name and phone.
- Fence material, length and height.
- Fence installer information.
- Owner or installer signature.
Site layout
- A site plan must accompany the request.
- Draw the proposed fence location.
- Confirm the final property-line location.
- Use the City’s fence-layout guide.
Related affidavits
- Neighbor-approval affidavit when applicable.
- Owner maintenance affidavit.
- Contractor registration when installed professionally.
- ZBA relief when the proposal is not permitted.
Register Before Using BS&A Trade-Permit Services
The posted registration form asks for
- Business name and required email
- Business address and phone
- Licenseholder information
- Driver-license information
- Partners, officers or directors
- People authorized to obtain permits
- Federal employer ID or exemption
- Workers’ compensation information
Attach and verify
- Contractor license copy
- Driver-license copy requested by form
- Limited-liability insurance
- Correct qualifying licenseholder
- Matching business names
- Current City registration
Registration category |
Fee shown on posted form |
Verify before payment |
|---|---|---|
Building |
$35 |
Current registration year and license type |
Demolition |
$35 |
Demolition qualification and insurance |
Electrical |
$35 |
Michigan electrical license |
Fence |
$35 |
Fence contractor requirements |
Fire |
$15 |
Fire-alarm or suppression scope |
Mechanical |
$15 |
Heating or refrigeration classification |
Plumbing |
$31 |
Michigan plumbing license |
Sign, utility or zoning compliance |
$35 |
Correct category and current fee |
Dearborn Heights Permit, Trade and Reinspection Fees
Construction-cost bracket |
Building/zoning fee on posted 2011 table |
Plan-review amount |
|---|---|---|
$1,000 or less |
$45 |
$15 |
$5,001–$6,000 |
$120 |
$30 |
$10,001–$11,000 |
$225 |
$55 |
$20,001–$21,000 |
$475 |
$105 |
$30,001–$31,000 |
$730 |
$155 |
$39,001–$40,000 |
$1,000 |
$200 |
Above $40,000 |
$1,000 + $30 per additional $1,000 |
$200 + $5 per additional $1,000 |
$40,000+ Posted-Schedule Reference
This uses only the formula printed on the official schedule dated June 1, 2011. It is not a current invoice.
Current posted trade-form highlights
- Electrical base fee: $60 on form effective December 1, 2023.
- Plumbing base fee: $60 on form effective December 1, 2023.
- Heating base fee: $60 on form effective November 11, 2024.
- Refrigeration base fee: $60 on form effective November 11, 2024.
- Missed/reinspection/additional inspection: $75 on these trade forms.
Fixture, service, equipment, connection and test charges are added separately.
Selected trade item |
Fee on posted form |
Form date |
|---|---|---|
Electrical: 100-amp service |
$40 + base fee |
December 1, 2023 |
Electrical: 101–200 amp service |
$60 + base fee |
December 1, 2023 |
Electrical: EV charger |
$35 + base fee |
December 1, 2023 |
Plumbing: water heater |
$30 + base fee |
December 1, 2023 |
Heating: replacement furnace with liner |
$95 + base fee |
November 11, 2024 |
Refrigeration: A/C unit up to four tons |
$60 + base fee |
November 11, 2024 |
Use Planning Commission or Zoning Board Only When the Project Needs It
Planning Commission
Handles:
- Property rezoning
- Special land uses
- Site-plan approvals
- Zoning amendments
- New construction site plans
- Modifications to approved site plans
Meeting: Second Thursday, 6:00 PM.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Handles:
- Setback relief
- Lot-coverage issues
- Nonconforming-property alterations
- Height variances
- Fence appeals
- Parking and sign relief
Meeting: Third Thursday, 6:00 PM.
Condemned Properties May Require a Demolition Appeal Strategy
Demolition Board purpose
The board hears appeals from owners of condemned property and considers whether a structure can be brought into compliance within a limited period.
Bring evidence
- Proof of ownership.
- Detailed repair scope.
- Contractor estimates.
- Funding evidence.
- Proposed completion schedule.
Expect follow-up
The City notes that demolition appeals frequently require at least two meetings. Do not wait until a demolition deadline to begin gathering proof.
Schedule the Right Inspection and Avoid the $75 Trade Reinspection Charge
Schedule through BS&A
- Open Dearborn Heights BS&A.
- Select “Schedule an Inspection.”
- Sign in when required.
- Search the permit record.
- Select the correct inspection.
- Follow the time frame displayed in the scheduler.
Have the site ready
- Permit is issued
- Correct inspection stage is complete
- Work remains visible
- Approved plans are available
- Required tests remain in place
- Safe access is provided
- Address is visible
- Previous corrections are completed
Trade or project |
Prepare before inspection |
Common reason for failure |
|---|---|---|
Building |
Plans, structural work, footings, framing, stairs, guards and access |
Work covered before required inspection |
Electrical |
Service, wiring, boxes, fixtures and equipment under the active permit |
Work does not match fixture or service items listed |
Heating |
Equipment, ducts, gas piping, chimney liner and required pressure/light tests |
Test or installation item unavailable |
Refrigeration |
A/C unit, refrigeration equipment, pressure test and installation details |
Incorrect equipment or missing test |
Plumbing |
Fixtures, drains, water service, backflow, sewer and required water/air tests |
Second-floor water/waste test not performed or maintained |
What Common Permit Records Mean
Arrange the Correct Certificate Inspection Before Transfer or Occupancy
Residential inspection application
Inspection |
Posted fee |
|---|---|
Single-family or condominium sale/rental |
$250 |
Mobile home or apartment |
$100 |
Missed appointment |
$100 |
Sale inspection: Used for a Certificate of Occupancy.
Rental inspection: Used for a Certificate of Compliance.
Commercial inspection application
Floor area |
Posted fee |
|---|---|
Up to 2,000 sq. ft. |
$300 |
Each additional 1,000 sq. ft. |
Add $50 |
Missed appointment |
$100 |
Choose a sale inspection for a change of owner or a lease inspection for a change of occupant.
Before scheduling
- Complete the application fully.
- Keep all utilities turned on.
- Provide safe property access.
- Provide lockbox/open-door information for a vacant property.
Residential closeout
- Pass all inspections.
- Provide buyer or owner photo ID.
- Provide tenant name for rental compliance.
- Provide furnace-test copy.
- Provide company documents when applicable.
Commercial closeout
- Pass all inspections.
- Provide buyer or lessee photo ID.
- Provide lease copy.
- Provide furnace test.
- Provide articles of incorporation.
- Describe the intended use.
Find Dearborn Heights Permits, Inspections, Rentals and Code Records
Open the Dearborn Heights BS&A page
The municipality page contains Building Department Record Search, Rental Property Search, Assessing Search and payment services.
Choose Building Department Record Search
Search the property and open each relevant project, permit or code-enforcement record.
Review related trade records
A building project can have separate electrical, heating, refrigeration and plumbing records.
Use Rental Property Search when applicable
BS&A provides a separate search for registered rental properties within Dearborn Heights.
Contact the department for missing records
Older plans, certificate documents or incomplete online records may require direct assistance from Building.
Old Permit Not Closed? Ask for the Exact Missing Step
Give the department
- Permit number
- Full property address
- Parcel number if known
- Original scope of work
- Original contractor
- Available plans and photos
Ask the department
- Which inspection is missing?
- Is the permit expired?
- Are revised plans required?
- Are trade permits still open?
- Is a certificate required?
- What proves final closure?
Dearborn Heights Is Enforcing Permit and Licensing Rules Seven Days a Week
Unpermitted work
Construction, remodeling, structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work must be covered by the required permits before work begins.
Unlicensed contractor work
The City warns against homeowners pulling permits while unlicensed individuals perform work that requires a licensed contractor.
Under-permitted work
A permit for one activity does not cover additional concrete, driveway, sidewalk, trade or structural work not included in the approved scope.
Possible enforcement action |
What it means for the project |
|---|---|
Stop-work order |
Work must stop until permits, contractors and corrections are resolved |
Civil-infraction citation |
The owner or responsible party may face municipal penalties |
Permit suspension or revocation |
An existing permit may no longer authorize continued work |
Mandatory correction or removal |
Noncompliant work may need remediation, exposure, alteration or removal |
Court or enforcement proceeding |
Unresolved violations can move beyond administrative review |
Fix Common Dearborn Heights Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Building permit not available online |
Building application remains a City PDF process |
Download the form and contact Building for current filing instructions |
Contractor cannot use BS&A |
City contractor registration is missing or inactive |
Complete registration, license and insurance requirements first |
Project returned for missing plans |
Plot plan or three plan sets were not provided |
Use the project list on the building application and submit a complete set |
Fence application delayed |
Site plan, layout or affidavit is missing |
Submit the complete fence package, not only the first page |
Inspection cannot be scheduled |
Record, fee, registration or scheduling window is not available |
Open the full BS&A record and call 313-791-3470 |
Reinspection fee charged |
Missed appointment, failed inspection or extra inspection after issuance |
Complete all corrections and tests before rescheduling |
Fee differs from old PDF |
Posted building/zoning table is dated June 1, 2011 |
Use the department’s current calculation and request an itemized explanation |
One permit does not cover entire job |
Concrete, driveway, sidewalk or trade work was omitted |
Stop uncovered work and ask which additional permits are required |
Sale or rental certificate not issued |
Inspection, furnace test, ID, tenant, lease or corporate document is missing |
Ask staff for the exact certificate closeout list |
Open permit found before sale |
Final or trade inspection was never completed |
Request the complete permit and inspection history before closing |
What to Say When You Contact the Department
“I am planning [exact work] at [full address]. The project includes [building, concrete, electrical, plumbing, heating or refrigeration work]. Which separate applications, plot plans, plan sets and inspections are required?”
“The BS&A record for [address/permit number] shows [status]. The contractor is registered and [fee/document] has been submitted. What exact item prevents payment, scheduling or issuance?”
“Permit [number] at [address] remains open. Which building or trade inspection, document, fee or certificate is missing, and what is the current closeout process?”
“The proposed project affects [setback, lot coverage, height, parking, fence, sign or nonconforming property]. Is it permitted by right, or does it require Planning Commission or Zoning Board action?”
Do Not Finish Until These Items Are Confirmed
- Every work type identified
- Correct City form or BS&A service used
- Zoning requirements confirmed
- Planning or ZBA decision completed if required
- Plot plan and plan sets submitted
- Contractor registration verified
- Signed contract attached where required
- Permit formally issued before work
- Building and trade inspections passed
- Reinspection corrections completed
- Sale, rental or occupancy certificate obtained
- All related records show closed or final
Dearborn Heights Building Department Location
Open the Correct Dearborn Heights Resource
Dearborn Heights Building Department Questions
Where do I apply for a Dearborn Heights building permit?
Download the City’s Building Permit Application from the Online Applications and Forms page. The standard building form covers projects such as roofs, concrete, additions, garages, decks, sheds, pools and structural work. Contact the Building Department for the current submission method.
Which Dearborn Heights permits are available through BS&A Online?
Dearborn Heights lists electrical, heating, refrigeration and plumbing applications as available online. BS&A also provides Building Department payments, inspection scheduling, record searches and rental-property searches. Contractors must register with the City first.
What are the Dearborn Heights Building Department address and hours?
The department is at 6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights, MI 48127. The phone number is 313-791-3470. Current City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
How do I schedule a Dearborn Heights permit inspection?
Open the Dearborn Heights BS&A municipality page and choose “Schedule an Inspection.” Find the permit, select the correct inspection and follow the scheduling time frame displayed by the portal.
How much is a Dearborn Heights building permit?
The official building and zoning fee table currently posted by the City is dated June 1, 2011, so it should be treated as a reference rather than a guaranteed current charge. Current electrical, plumbing, heating and refrigeration applications publish their own base, fixture and inspection fees. Confirm the final amount with the department.
Does a contractor have to register with Dearborn Heights?
Yes. The City states that contractors must be registered with the Building Department before using online trade-permit services. The registration form requests licenseholder, insurance, workers’ compensation, business and authorized-applicant information.
What is required for a Dearborn Heights fence permit?
The fence application requires a site plan, owner and installer information, fence material, length, height and signature. The City also publishes a fence-layout guide, neighbor-approval affidavit and owner-maintenance affidavit.
When does a project need the Dearborn Heights Zoning Board of Appeals?
The Zoning Board hears requests involving setbacks, lot coverage, nonconforming properties, excessive height, fences, commercial parking shortages, signage and similar ordinance issues. It generally meets at 6:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month.
Is an inspection required before selling or renting Dearborn Heights property?
The City publishes residential and commercial certificate-inspection applications for sales, rentals, leases and changes of occupancy. Utilities must be on, all required inspections must pass and supporting identity, furnace-test, lease, tenant or corporate documents may be required before the certificate is issued.
What should I do about an old open permit or unpermitted work?
Search the property in BS&A, open every related building and trade record and identify missing inspections or documents. Do not continue uncovered work. Call 313-791-3470 for the current correction, additional-permit or closeout path.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Dearborn Heights.
This page was checked against the Dearborn Heights Building Department, City forms library, BS&A municipality page, building and zoning applications, contractor-registration form, fence forms, electrical and plumbing forms effective December 1, 2023, heating and refrigeration forms effective November 11, 2024, residential and commercial inspection applications, Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Demolition Board of Appeals and the City’s June 17, 2026 enforcement notice.
Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
Forms, fees, contractor requirements, meeting schedules, inspection windows and department procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive information before filing, paying, scheduling 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.