Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a Rochester Hills Building Permit Online
Rochester Hills accepts building and trade permit applications online through BS&A. New users may need an account and a City-issued PIN before the account can be linked to the correct property and permit records.
This guide explains the correct Rochester Hills—not City of Rochester—portal, application fees effective December 22, 2025, contractor registration, plan review, zoning and floodplain charges, online payments, inspections, permit expiration and final occupancy approval.
Choose the Exact Rochester Hills Permit Task
Rochester Hills Permit Next-Step Finder
Select the situation that best matches the project.
Rochester Hills Building Department Contact Information
Rochester Hills and the City of Rochester Use Different Permit Systems
Use Rochester Hills BS&A when
- The legal property is inside the City of Rochester Hills.
- BS&A municipality UID 385 recognizes the address.
- The prior permit was issued by Rochester Hills.
Use the City of Rochester system when
- The property is legally inside the smaller City of Rochester.
- The existing permit lists Rochester City Hall at 400 Sixth Street.
- The property appears under the City of Rochester BS&A municipality.
Ask Before Treating the Work as a Minor Repair
Permit commonly required
- New home or building
- Addition or structural alteration
- Finished basement
- Deck, porch or balcony
- Detached garage or accessory building
- Pool, spa or hot tub
- Roof structural repair
- Change of occupancy
- Demolition
- Electrical work
- Plumbing work
- Mechanical work
Work that still needs verification
- Roof covering repair versus structural roof repair.
- Window or door replacement without changing the opening.
- Small sheds and detached accessory structures.
- Minor electrical repairs and fixture replacement.
- Interior cosmetic work with no structural or trade changes.
- Fences that may be zoning-controlled even when no building permit is needed.
A building-permit exemption does not automatically remove zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire or HOA requirements.
Match the Project to the Correct Rochester Hills Permit Path
Project |
Start with |
Important Rochester Hills dependency |
|---|---|---|
New single-family home |
New residential building |
Plot plan, grading and drainage, zoning, energy, structural plans, drive approach and separate trades |
Home addition |
Residential addition |
Survey or plot plan, setbacks, structural design, energy compliance and trade permits |
Finished basement |
Basement finish permit |
Floor plan, emergency escape, smoke/CO alarms, fire separation and later trade permits |
Deck |
Residential alteration/accessory |
Site plan, setbacks, footing design, ledger or freestanding details and guards |
Detached garage, shed or accessory building |
Accessory structure permit |
Zoning, plot-plan review, easements, size, height, foundation and lot coverage |
Swimming pool, hot tub or spa |
Pool permit |
Plot plan, barrier, electrical bonding, equipment placement, drainage and trade permits |
Roof repair |
Roof repair guide |
Structural repair or replacement of more than 10% of roof sheathing triggers fuller plan review |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical work |
Separate trade permit |
Trade permits can be filed online after the related building permit is issued when one is required |
Solar or EV charging |
Building/electrical review |
Structural loading, electrical design, equipment location, zoning and screening |
Commercial alteration or tenant work |
Nonresidential alteration |
Change-of-use check, accessibility, fire, energy, structural and separate systems review |
Change of business occupancy |
Change of occupancy |
Building, electrical, fire, mechanical, plumbing/cross-connection and site inspections |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utility disconnects, environmental documents, site restoration and safety controls |
Apply Online in Seven Practical Steps
Confirm the correct municipality and property
Search the address under City of Rochester Hills and verify the parcel before beginning the application.
Open the local application guide
Use the City’s online application page and the project-specific form or guidebook.
Create a BS&A account and obtain a PIN
Applicants may need to call 248-656-4615 so City staff can provide a PIN and link the account to the municipal system.
Register the residential contractor
Residential builders must register their license with Rochester Hills before applying for permits.
Upload the complete PDF package
Complete the online steps and attach the application, plans, plot plan, energy information, contractor documents and supporting approvals.
Pay the application and initial review charges
The application fee and base plan-review portion must be paid before the review process can fully begin.
Answer comments and pay the final balance
Monitor email and BS&A, upload corrected documents, pay the remaining plan-review and permit fees and wait for the issued permit.
Prepare These Items Before Starting BS&A
Property and project
- Street address
- Parcel number
- Legal owner
- Applicant contact
- Detailed work scope
- Estimated project value
- Occupancy or use
- Project square footage
Plans and plot information
- Site or plot plan
- Existing structures
- Proposed structure
- Property lines and setbacks
- Architectural plans
- Structural details
- Energy compliance
- Product information
Contractor and approvals
- Michigan builder license
- Contractor registration
- License-holder ID
- Electrical contractor data
- Plumbing contractor data
- Mechanical contractor data
- Fire documents if required
- Planning approval if required
Make the Online Plan Package Easy to Review
Upload one coordinated design
- Use readable PDF documents.
- Keep each plan sheet correctly oriented.
- Show dimensions, elevations and construction details.
- Use matching information across site, architectural and structural sheets.
- Show existing and proposed work differently.
- Keep professional digital signatures valid.
Avoid common PDF problems
- Scans too faint to read.
- Plans cropped at the title block.
- Unlocked revisions mixed with old sheets.
- Missing parcel or project address.
- Energy forms that do not match the plans.
- Separate files with conflicting dimensions.
Use the Correct Code Edition for the Project
Code area |
State-listed current edition |
Effective or status note |
|---|---|---|
Nonresidential building |
2021 Michigan Building Code |
Effective April 9, 2025 |
Residential |
2015 Michigan Residential Code |
Still listed as current by Michigan; proposed 2021 implementation remains affected by litigation |
Existing-building rehabilitation |
2021 Michigan Rehabilitation Code |
Effective April 9, 2025 |
Mechanical |
2021 Michigan Mechanical Code |
Effective March 12, 2024 |
Plumbing |
2021 Michigan Plumbing Code |
Effective March 12, 2024 |
Electrical |
2023 National Electrical Code with Michigan rules |
Effective March 12, 2024 |
Commercial energy |
2021 Michigan Commercial Energy Code |
Effective April 22, 2025 |
Rochester Hills Building Permit Fee Highlights
Fee item |
Current amount or formula |
|---|---|
Residential contractor registration |
$30 |
Residential addition, alteration or accessory application |
$100 nonrefundable |
New residential building application |
$250 nonrefundable |
Nonresidential addition, alteration or accessory application |
$250 nonrefundable |
New nonresidential building application |
$750 nonrefundable |
Renew expired permit within 180 days |
$50 |
Residential zoning review |
$90 |
Accessory structure plot-plan review |
$90 |
Floodplain determination |
$280 |
Reinspection |
$90 per reinspection |
Demolition up to 1,000 square feet |
$195 per structure |
Construction Board of Appeals application |
$1,000 |
Building permit valuation formula
ICC-calculated project valuation |
Building permit fee |
|---|---|
Up to $1,000 |
$100 |
$1,000.01–$10,000 |
$100 plus $22 for each additional $1,000 or part over $1,000 |
More than $10,000 |
$298 plus $8.25 for each additional $1,000 or part over $10,000 |
Building plan-review formula
Project classification |
Plan-review fee |
|---|---|
R-3 and U occupancies |
0.00162 of ICC-estimated construction cost or $90 minimum |
Other projects up to $1,250,000 |
0.00244 of ICC-estimated construction cost or $195 minimum |
Other projects above $1,250,000 |
First $1,250,000 at 0.00244, plus 0.0008 of the amount above $1,250,000 |
Additional review after initial review and one rereview |
$90 per hour |
Accepted expedited plan review |
1.5 times normal plan-review rates |
Quick Residential Permit Planning Estimate
Enter the ICC-based project valuation and choose the residential application type.
Fees Are Due at Different Stages
Application accepted
Pay the nonrefundable application fee and the initial plan-review portion before full processing begins.
Plan review completed
The City determines the final plan-review, building, zoning and related permit charges.
Permit ready
Pay the remaining balance before the issued permit is released by email.
Understand the Status Before Calling the City
Small residential projects
Current Rochester Hills guidebooks say basement, pool and accessory-structure applications may be reviewed within about five working days when workload and project complexity allow.
New homes and complex projects
Review time varies based on workload, completeness, zoning, grading, outside consultants, fire systems and the number of corrections.
Register the Residential Builder Before Applying
Registration package
- Completed registration form
- Original license-holder signature
- Michigan builder license copy
- License-holder driver license copy
- Current contact information
- $30 registration fee
Email route
Current residential project guides say contractors may email the completed registration form to:
Use Contractor Registration in the subject line and follow City instructions for the original signature and identification.
Owner-Occupants Take Full Inspection Responsibility
Homeowner affidavit meaning
Trade permit applications include an affidavit for an owner who personally performs work in a home the owner occupies or is about to occupy.
The owner accepts responsibility for code compliance and arranging inspections.
Important restrictions
- Do not use a homeowner permit to hide an unlicensed contractor.
- Do not conceal or operate trade work before required approval.
- Check Michigan licensing law before performing specialized work.
- Use separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits when required.
Schedule Every Inspection Through the Correct BS&A Record
Before scheduling
- Permit is issued
- Correct inspection selected
- Work stage is complete
- Required trade permits issued
- Approved plans available
- Work remains uncovered
- Access is safe
- Prior corrections completed
After the inspection
- Check BS&A for approved or not-approved status.
- Read the complete correction list.
- Do not proceed to a dependent construction stage before approval.
- Correct every item before requesting another inspection.
- Verify final inspections on all trade permits.
Do Not Cover Work Before the Required Approval
Construction stage |
Schedule before |
Typical readiness check |
|---|---|---|
Footing |
Concrete placement |
Excavation, size, reinforcement, soil and approved plan dimensions visible |
Foundation |
Backfill or concealment |
Foundation construction, waterproofing and required drainage ready |
Underground plumbing |
Slab or backfill |
Piping supported, tested and visible |
Rough electrical, plumbing and mechanical |
Insulation or drywall |
All rough systems complete, tested and exposed |
Framing |
Insulation and wall covering |
Structural framing and required rough trade approvals complete |
Insulation |
Drywall |
Approved insulation values, air sealing and energy details visible |
Pool barrier and electrical |
Use of pool or final approval |
Barrier, gates, alarms, bonding, equipment and required trades complete |
Final |
Occupancy or permit closure |
All work, documents, trade finals, site items and fees complete |
Use the City Guidebook That Matches the Work
Basement finishing
Use the guide for egress, ceiling height, fire separation, alarms, rooms, insulation and inspection order.
Accessory structure
Use the guide for lot placement, zoning, foundations, framing, contractor registration and inspections.
Pool, hot tub or spa
Use the guide for plot-plan review, barriers, alarms, trade permits and inspection sequencing.
New home or addition
Use the guide for plans, grading, zoning, application, payment, trade permits and closeout.
Residential zoning
Use the zoning guide for setbacks, fences, pools, solar equipment and common residential placement rules.
Commercial development
Use the development guide for Planning Commission, engineering, fire, utilities, construction and occupancy.
Check Property Placement Before Designing the Structure
Use the City’s interactive maps
The Planning and Economic Development map provides property details, parcel information, zoning designation and links to public BS&A records.
Confirm these items
- Zoning district
- Front setback
- Side setback
- Rear setback
- Lot coverage
- Maximum height
- Easements
- Steep slopes
Some Exterior Projects Are Primarily Zoning Questions
Residential fences
- Side and rear fences are generally limited to six feet.
- Front-yard placement is more restricted.
- Fabric fences are not permitted.
- Pool enclosures must meet residential and pool-code requirements.
- Check corner-lot visibility and easements.
Ground-mounted solar
- Front-yard systems must meet the front setback.
- Front-yard systems are limited to 42 inches and require screening.
- Side or rear systems require at least a five-foot property-line setback.
- Side or rear systems are limited to ten feet at maximum tilt.
Resolve Water and Drainage Impacts Before Construction
Floodplain determination
The current Building Department fee schedule lists a $280 floodplain-determination fee.
Steep-slope analysis
The current schedule lists steep-slope analysis at $90 per hour.
Stormwater impacts
New roofs, driveways and hard surfaces increase runoff and may require drainage or detention review.
A New Business May Need Approval Even Without Major Construction
Change-of-occupancy review
The current fee schedule lists a $540 change-of-occupancy request fee.
Required pre-inspections can include building, electrical, fire, mechanical, plumbing/cross-connection and site review.
Prepare before leasing
- Confirm the proposed use is allowed by zoning.
- Check occupancy classification and occupant load.
- Review accessibility and restroom compliance.
- Identify cooking, hazardous material or fire-system needs.
- Check parking, signage and site requirements.
Search BS&A Before Filing a FOIA Request
Open the Rochester Hills BS&A municipality
Search by street address, parcel number, owner name or Building Department record number.
Review Building Department records
Check permit numbers, application type, status, fees and inspection activity.
Check the City’s permit reports
The Building Department publishes monthly reports of permits applied for and permits issued.
Use FOIA for unavailable documents
Request plans, correspondence, older inspection records or other documents not available in the public search.
Act Before Six Months of Inactivity Creates a Larger Problem
Application not yet issued
Rochester Hills residential guidebooks state that the permit should be secured within six months of the application date or the application may be canceled.
Issued permit with no activity
Issued permits with no activity for more than six months may be canceled, and a new permit may be required to finish the project.
Situation |
Best next step |
|---|---|
Permit is nearing six months without inspection |
Contact Building before expiration and schedule a valid construction inspection when the work is ready |
Permit expired within the prior 180 days |
Ask whether the $50 expired-permit renewal route is available |
Permit expired longer ago |
Ask whether new applications, current-code plans and new fees are required |
Contractor changed |
Provide the required cancellation, change and new contractor-registration documents |
Work differs from approved plans |
Submit and obtain approval of revised plans before continuing the affected work |
Final permit remains open |
Identify missing building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, site or occupancy approvals |
Close the Main Permit and Every Trade Permit
Certificate outside a building permit
The current schedule lists a $250 Certificate of Occupancy request when it is not part of a building permit.
Temporary residential occupancy
A temporary Certificate of Occupancy request or extension for a single-family project is $300.
Other temporary occupancy
A temporary Certificate of Occupancy request or extension for other projects is $600.
Fix Common Rochester Hills Permit Delays
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next step |
|---|---|---|
BS&A account is not linked |
The applicant needs a City PIN or has a duplicate account |
Call 248-656-4615 before starting another account |
Property does not appear |
Wrong municipality, address format or parcel record |
Confirm Rochester Hills jurisdiction and search by parcel number |
Review has not started |
Application or base plan-review fee remains unpaid |
Open the payment email and clear the initial invoice |
Plans returned as incomplete |
Missing plot plan, dimensions, energy data, structural detail or contractor document |
Compare the upload against the City project guidebook |
Accessory structure cannot be placed as proposed |
Setback, easement, lot coverage, height or drainage conflict |
Resolve zoning and plot-plan review before revising construction plans |
Inspection was not approved |
Incomplete work, plan deviation, concealed work or unresolved corrections |
Complete every correction and review the correct inspection guide |
Repeated inspection fee |
The project reached a third or later attempt for that inspection type |
Pay the $90 fee and verify all corrections before rescheduling |
Permit email was not received |
Final balance, spam filtering or account email issue |
Check BS&A payment status and confirm the applicant email with Building |
Final permit remains open |
Trade final, site approval, fee, document or occupancy condition remains incomplete |
Ask for a written list of every remaining closeout item |
Residential plan cites the wrong code |
Michigan residential code implementation changed through litigation |
Confirm the code edition accepted by Rochester Hills before resubmitting |
What to Say When Contacting Rochester Hills
“I plan to [exact work] at [full address and parcel]. Which building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, plot-plan, floodplain or fire approvals are required?”
“My BS&A email is [email]. I need a PIN or account link for the Rochester Hills permit at [address]. Can you check whether an account already exists?”
“Application [number] shows [status]. Can you identify the exact payment, reviewer, correction or outside approval preventing the next step?”
“Permit [number] has not closed. Which building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, site or occupancy item remains incomplete?”
Do Not Finish Until Every Related Record Is Final
- Rochester Hills jurisdiction confirmed
- BS&A account linked
- Correct application selected
- Residential contractor registered
- Plot plan and zoning accepted
- Floodplain review completed
- Building application paid
- Plans formally approved
- Permit formally issued
- Trade permits issued
- Approved plans kept onsite
- Work inspected before covering
- Failed items corrected
- Trade finals approved
- Site conditions completed
- Occupancy or final closure confirmed
Rochester Hills Building Department Map
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Building phone: 248-656-4615.
Open the Correct Rochester Hills Resource
Rochester Hills Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Rochester Hills building permit?
Use the City of Rochester Hills online permit instructions and BS&A portal. New applicants may need to call 248-656-4615 for a PIN that links the BS&A account to the City system.
What is the Rochester Hills Building Department phone number?
Call 248-656-4615. The Building Department is located at Rochester Hills City Hall, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309.
What are the Rochester Hills Building Department hours?
City Hall and the Building Department list Monday through Friday hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding City holidays.
Is Rochester Hills the same permit jurisdiction as the City of Rochester?
No. Rochester Hills and the City of Rochester are separate municipalities with different building departments and separate BS&A records. Confirm the legal municipality before applying.
How much is a Rochester Hills building permit?
The amount includes a project-specific application fee, plan review and a building permit based on ICC-calculated construction valuation. The current building permit formula starts at $100, while other zoning, plot-plan, floodplain and trade charges may also apply.
How long does Rochester Hills plan review take?
Some complete basement, pool and accessory-structure applications may be reviewed within about five working days when workload and complexity allow. New homes, commercial projects, corrections and multi-department reviews can take longer.
How do I schedule a Rochester Hills inspection?
Sign in to the Rochester Hills BS&A portal, open the issued permit and select the required inspection. Keep the approved plans onsite and leave required work uncovered.
Do residential contractors need to register in Rochester Hills?
Yes. Residential contractors must register their Michigan license with the City before applying. The current registration and administration fee is $30 and registration remains valid until the license expires.
When can a Rochester Hills permit expire?
City project guides state that an application may be canceled if the permit is not secured within six months. An issued permit with no activity for more than six months may also be canceled. Contact Building before the inactivity period ends.
How do I search old Rochester Hills permits?
Use Rochester Hills BS&A to search by address, parcel number, owner or Building Department record number. Submit a FOIA request through the City Clerk for plans or records not available online.
Source and Accuracy Note
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of Rochester Hills.
This page was rebuilt using the official Rochester Hills Building Department, BS&A, December 2025 fee schedule, forms, residential and commercial guidebooks, inspection, payment, zoning, map, stormwater, permit-report and FOIA resources, together with the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Fees, code editions, portal steps, forms, staff and inspection procedures can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements with Rochester Hills before submitting, 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.