Apply Through BS&A, Prepare Lakefront Reviews and Close Every St. Clair Shores Inspection
St. Clair Shores uses BS&A Online for permit applications, payments, permit searches, inspection records and rental-property information. The City also maintains detailed PDF applications for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fences, driveways, right-of-way work and soil erosion.
Local review is especially important near Lake St. Clair, canals and the Milk River. Projects can trigger soil-erosion controls, flood-elevation documents, drainage requirements, utility reviews and Engineering sign-offs in addition to the construction permit.
This guide shows what to submit, which fees and bonds may apply, how to prepare for inspections and what must be completed before occupancy.
Choose the Exact St. Clair Shores Task
St. Clair Shores Building Department Phone, Address and Hours
Use the Correct Service on the City’s BS&A Page
Goal |
BS&A service |
Best search or action |
|---|---|---|
Start a permit |
Apply for a Permit |
Enter and select the work-site address, select the permit type and complete the requested fields |
Find an existing permit |
Building Department Record Search |
Search by address, owner, parcel or building-record number |
Pay a permit invoice |
Pay a Building Department Fee |
Confirm the correct permit and outstanding amount before submitting payment |
Submit planning or zoning review |
Planning, Zoning or Engineering Process |
Select the applicable municipal process and upload the requested documents |
Find a registered rental |
Rental Property Search |
Search the municipal rental-registration database |
Schedule an inspection |
Call Building |
Use 586-447-3340 when the permit record does not provide a supported online scheduling option |
Match the Project to Every Required Permit
Project |
Primary permit |
Additional review to check |
|---|---|---|
New house |
Building + all trades |
Survey, Engineering, soil erosion, flood elevation, utilities, energy, drainage and occupancy |
Addition or structural remodel |
Building permit |
Plot plan, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, drainage and bond requirement |
Deck, porch, garage or shed |
Building permit |
Setbacks, easements, overhead wires, sectional drawing and property survey |
Swimming pool, spa or hot tub |
Building permit |
Electrical, barrier, rear-yard placement, setbacks, lot coverage and soil erosion |
Fence |
Fence permit |
Site plan, existing fences, easements, post-hole inspection, final inspection and waterfront review |
Driveway or concrete |
Concrete/driveway approval |
Engineering, sidewalk, approach, drainage, right-of-way and restoration |
Electrical service, generator or circuits |
Electrical permit |
Generator placement, mechanical/gas permit and final inspection within ten days of completion |
Furnace, boiler or air conditioner |
Mechanical permit |
Separate electrical permit; cooling may require a separate refrigeration permit |
Plumbing fixtures, water service or sewer |
Plumbing permit |
Right-of-way restoration, service size, taps and required tests |
Utility work in public right-of-way |
ROW permit |
Three plan sets, $300 inspection bond and soil-erosion permit when within 500 feet of water |
New business or change of commercial occupancy |
CO + business license |
Zoning, parking, Fire, Police, Engineering, trades, tax/water and Macomb County Health when applicable |
Apply for a St. Clair Shores Permit in Seven Steps
Confirm the property and zoning constraints
Verify the correct work-site address, lot dimensions, zoning district, property lines, easements and overhead utilities before starting the application.
Create or sign into a BS&A account
Open the St. Clair Shores municipality page and choose “Apply for a Permit.” Contractor and applicant details can be saved through the account.
Select the correct permit type
Choose the exact application for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fence, driveway or another regulated activity.
Enter a complete description and job cost
State what is being removed, installed, repaired or constructed. Enter accurate dimensions and the complete labor-and-material project value.
Upload the plans and supporting forms
For listed exterior and structural projects, provide two plan sets—or three for commercial projects—showing the plot plan/survey and a cross-sectional construction view.
Resolve plan-review and department comments
Respond to each request completely. Projects near water, involving new construction or changing commercial occupancy may require multiple departmental reviews.
Pay and confirm formal permit issuance
Pay the final assessed invoice through BS&A or as directed by staff. Confirm the permit is issued before beginning work.
What to Prepare Before You Apply
Property and applicant
- Exact site address
- Property-owner name
- Applicant email and phone
- Contractor company information
- Michigan license number
- License expiration date
Plot plan or survey
- Lot dimensions
- All existing structures
- Proposed construction size
- Front, side and rear setbacks
- Easement locations
- Overhead-wire locations
Construction details
- Cross-sectional view
- Footing dimensions
- Proposed materials
- Grade-to-peak height
- Structural measurements
- Accurate project cost
New Homes Require a Full Survey, Drainage and Energy Package
Required application package
- Building permit application.
- $500 deposit.
- Two sets of building plans.
- Stamped and sealed new-house survey.
- ResCheck or equivalent.
- Whole-house ventilation worksheet.
- Heat plan and Manuals J and S.
- Signed new-construction guidelines letter.
Survey and utility details
- Elevations at all four property corners.
- Building and property-line elevations at 25-foot intervals.
- Elevations ten feet into adjacent properties.
- Rear-yard drain and pipe.
- Sump lead.
- Sanitary and storm lines.
- Water service.
Before occupancy
- New sanitary lead to the main.
- Rear-yard drain.
- As-built certificate.
- Approved street tree.
- Seed or sod installed.
- Building, trade and Engineering finals.
- All bonds properly closed.
Check Soil Erosion and Flood Elevation Before Excavation
Soil-erosion permit trigger
The 2025 new-construction guidelines require a soil-erosion permit when the property is:
- Within 500 feet of Lake St. Clair
- Within 500 feet of a canal
- Within 500 feet of the Milk River
- One acre or larger
- Disturbing protected land area
- Performing qualifying right-of-way work
Before excavation
- Submit two SESC plan sets
- Install silt screen
- Create wash-down controls
- Protect catch basins
- Obtain the required inspection
- Prevent mud tracking and off-site sediment
Flood-elevation review
New dwellings and work in the flood-hazard zone require elevation information prepared in NAVD 88 by a Michigan registered land surveyor.
The City’s new-house packet uses a base flood elevation of 578.6 for its Engineering review.
Certificate sequence
- Initial elevation certificate or survey data.
- Backfill certificate before backfilling basement walls.
- As-built certificate before occupancy.
- Engineering approval of required elevations.
Use the Current Project-Specific Application
Fence permit
- Residential application fee: $100.
- Commercial application fee: $150.
- Plan review, when applicable: $30.
- Show the proposed fence location.
- Show existing fences and easements.
- Post-hole inspection required.
- Final inspection required.
- Call MISS DIG before excavation.
Swimming pool, hot tub or spa
- Permit required for a pool holding 24 inches or more of water.
- Pool must be in the rear yard.
- Keep at least six feet from side and rear property lines.
- Keep four feet between the outside pool wall and another building.
- Electrical permit and inspections required.
- Pool area counts toward lot coverage.
- Submit two plan sets and a cross-sectional drawing.
St. Clair Shores Permit Fees, Registration Charges and Bonds
Building fee item |
Posted amount |
Important detail |
|---|---|---|
Nonrefundable building application fee |
$50 |
Added to the applicable building permit fee |
Job cost of $300 or less |
$30 + application fee |
Reference total before plan review: $80 |
Job cost of $301–$5,000 |
$50 + application fee |
Reference total before plan review: $100 |
Cost above $5,000 through $50,000 |
Add $10 per $1,000 |
Use the City calculation for partial thousands and base amount |
Cost above $50,000 |
Add $5 per $1,000 |
Applied to the portion above $50,000 |
Seawall or dredging |
$100 |
Other environmental or Engineering requirements may apply |
Plan search |
$30 |
Used when requesting a plan-file search |
Failed building inspection |
$30 |
Must be paid before reinspection |
Starting work without permit |
$30 administrative fee |
Does not replace the required permit or other enforcement |
Building-Fee Reference Calculator
This follows the wording on the currently posted building-fee form. The City’s calculation and invoice control.
Posted building bonds
- $500: Additions or alterations over $7,000.
- $1,000: Residential new construction.
- $1,500: Demolition of a principal building.
- $2,000: New commercial or industrial construction.
The posted form warns that a bond can be forfeited for noncompliance or permit suspension and if it remains unclaimed one year after final inspections.
Trade permit |
Application/registration |
Selected local item |
|---|---|---|
Electrical |
$50 application + $50 contractor registration |
Generator $40; pool/hot tub $35; general repair $40 |
Mechanical |
$50 application + $15 contractor registration |
Furnace $30; boiler $40; gas piping $25; generator $40 |
Refrigeration |
$50 application |
Air conditioner or cooler $30 each |
Plumbing |
$50 application + $25 contractor registration |
Water heater $25; sewer repair $50; general repair $30 |
Trade reinspection |
$30 |
Listed on electrical, plumbing and mechanical forms |
Air Conditioners and Commercial Hoods Have Extra Rules
Air-conditioner location
The posted mechanical application states that air-conditioning equipment must be placed in the rear yard.
Side-yard placement requires Mechanical Equipment Arbitration.
Separate trade permits
Furnaces, boilers and air conditioners require electrical permits.
The mechanical form also states that heating and cooling require separate permits.
Commercial kitchen work
Commercial kitchen duct and hood plans must be preapproved by the Fire Department before permit approval.
Schedule the Correct Inspection and Keep the Work Visible
Request the inspection
Phone: 586-447-3340
- Provide the permit number.
- Provide the full site address.
- Name the exact inspection type.
- Give the site contact and phone.
- Provide gate, lock or access information.
- Ask which prior inspections must pass first.
Inspection-ready checklist
- Permit issued and posted
- Approved plans on site
- Correct stage completed
- Work remains uncovered
- Safe access provided
- Required tests maintained
- Corrections completed
- Site address visible
Project or trade |
Local inspection detail |
Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
New residential construction |
Twenty-four-hour notice; approved plans must remain on site |
Calling after work has already been covered |
Fence |
Post-hole and final inspections required |
Installing posts before the hole inspection |
Electrical |
Final inspection required within ten days of completing work |
Leaving an issued permit open after equipment is operating |
Mechanical/refrigeration |
Final inspection required within ten days of completion |
Failing to obtain the separate electrical final |
Plumbing |
Final inspection required within ten days of completion |
Removing required pressure or water tests too early |
Soil erosion |
Controls inspected before excavation; new-home packet states inspections occur monthly |
Allowing mud or sediment to leave the site |
What Common BS&A Statuses Mean
A Business Needs Both Occupancy Approval and a Business License
Before applying
- Verify the zoning classification
- Confirm proposed use is permitted
- Confirm required parking
- Identify building alterations
- Identify fire or food-service review
- Check outstanding permits
Submit the City package
- Certificate of Occupancy application
- $400 application fee
- Business-license application
- Emergency contact/alarm form
- Requested plans and permits
- Department-specific documents
Review area |
What staff checks |
|---|---|
Fire |
Fire and life-safety compliance |
Police |
Emergency contact and alarm-registration information |
Community Development |
Grounds, building exterior, parking, accessible parking, trash enclosures and signage |
Engineering |
Sidewalk maintenance and parking-lot drainage |
Building and trades |
Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical compliance and final permits |
Tax and Water |
Overdue tax, water and personal-property balances when ownership changes |
Register and Inspect the Rental Before Occupancy
Application requirements
- Property address and unit count
- Owner information
- Owner driver-license copy
- Occupant name and contact
- Agent or management information
- Management agreement
Local-agent requirement
An owner who lives or has a business address outside Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw or St. Clair counties must designate a qualifying local agent.
A post-office box does not qualify as the required local business address.
Rental fee item |
Posted amount |
|---|---|
Single-family property, first 3,000 sq. ft. |
$150 |
Each additional 1,000 sq. ft. |
$10 |
Multifamily, first unit |
$150 |
Each additional unit in same building |
$50 |
Rescheduled inspection when no one is present |
$30 |
Reinspection for noncompliance |
50% of original fee |
Find St. Clair Shores Permits, Inspections and Rental Records
Open the St. Clair Shores BS&A page
The municipal dashboard includes Building Department Record Search, Assessing Search, payment services and Rental Property Search.
Use the simplest reliable search
Start with the property address. Use the parcel number or Building Department record number when the address produces too many or no results.
Open every related permit
A single project can have separate building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fence, driveway or soil-erosion records.
Check inspection and final status
Confirm whether each required inspection passed and whether the record is final or closed.
Request a plan search when needed
The posted building-fee form lists a $30 plan-search fee. Ask what years and document types are available before paying.
Old Permit Not Closed? Ask for the Missing Step
Give the department
- Permit or record number
- Full property address
- Parcel number if known
- Original work description
- Original contractor
- Available plans and photographs
Ask the department
- Which inspection is missing?
- Has the permit expired?
- Are revised plans required?
- Are trade permits open?
- Is a bond still active?
- What proves final closure?
Fix Common St. Clair Shores Permit Problems
Problem |
Likely cause |
Best next action |
|---|---|---|
Address not found in BS&A |
Address format, parcel selection or property-record mismatch |
Search the BS&A home page by parcel or call 586-447-3340 |
Application returned |
Plot plan, section drawing, dimensions or license information missing |
Use the City checklist and upload a complete coordinated package |
Unexpected $500 bond |
Addition or alteration value exceeds $7,000 |
Ask how the bond is paid, released and claimed after final inspection |
Air conditioner location rejected |
Equipment proposed in side yard |
Move it to the rear yard or ask about Mechanical Equipment Arbitration |
Excavation stopped |
Missing soil-erosion controls or sediment leaving the site |
Install controls and request the required Engineering inspection |
Fence cannot pass |
No post-hole inspection, easement conflict or uncertain ownership |
Stop installation and confirm the approved plan and property line |
Inspection failed |
Work incomplete, concealed, inaccessible or inconsistent with plans |
Correct every listed item and pay the $30 posted reinspection charge |
Permit expired |
No progress or work suspended for six months |
Stop work and request written extension or new-permit instructions |
Business CO delayed |
Open permits, parking, exterior, Fire, tax/water or Health issue |
Request a department-by-department deficiency list |
Rental inspection cannot be scheduled |
Registration, payment, occupant or agent information missing |
Submit the complete registration package before calling for inspection |
What to Say When You Contact the Department
“I am planning [exact work] at [full address]. The project includes [structure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, concrete or drainage work]. Which separate permits, plans, bonds and inspections are required?”
“The property is near [Lake St. Clair, a canal or the Milk River]. The work includes [excavation or grading]. Does it require a soil-erosion permit, flood-elevation review or Engineering inspection?”
“I need the [inspection type] inspection for permit [number] at [address]. The approved plans are on site, the work is visible and access instructions are [details].”
“The BS&A record for [address/permit number] remains open. Which building, trade, Engineering, bond or certificate requirement is still outstanding?”
Do Not Finish Until These Items Are Confirmed
- Correct property selected in BS&A
- Zoning and setbacks confirmed
- Every permit type identified
- Plot plan and sectional drawing submitted
- Soil-erosion controls completed
- Flood or Engineering documents approved
- Contractor registration verified
- Permit formally issued before work
- Approved plans kept on site
- Building and trade finals passed
- Bond release or refund completed
- Occupancy or rental certificate issued
St. Clair Shores City Hall Building Department Location
Open the Correct St. Clair Shores Resource
St. Clair Shores Building Department Questions
Where do I apply for a St. Clair Shores building permit?
Open the City of St. Clair Shores BS&A municipality page and choose “Apply for a Permit.” Select the work-site address, choose the permit type and submit the requested project, applicant and plan information.
What is the St. Clair Shores Building Department phone number?
Call Community Development and Inspections at 586-447-3340. The office is at City Hall, 27600 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081.
What are the Building Department office hours?
The City lists Building Department hours as Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
How do I search St. Clair Shores permits and inspections?
Use the City’s BS&A page and select “Building Department Record Search.” Search by address, owner name, parcel number or Building Department record number, then open each related permit and inspection record.
What documents are needed for a building permit?
The City’s guidance calls for a building application, section drawing, elevation information and a plot plan showing all buildings, project dimensions, distances to property lines, easements and overhead wires. Listed projects require two plan sets, or three for commercial work.
How much is a St. Clair Shores building permit?
The currently posted form lists a $50 nonrefundable application fee plus a job-cost-based permit charge. Jobs of $300 or less use a $30 permit fee; jobs of $301–$5,000 use $50; larger jobs add amounts per $1,000. Plan review and bonds may also apply. Confirm the final City invoice.
How do I schedule a St. Clair Shores inspection?
Call 586-447-3340 with the permit number, property address, exact inspection type and access information. New residential construction requires 24-hour inspection notice, and approved plans must remain at the site.
Does a fence require a permit in St. Clair Shores?
Yes. The 2026 fence application requires a site plan and lists post-hole and final inspections. The application fee is $100 for residential work or $150 for commercial work, plus a $30 plan-review fee when applicable.
When is a soil-erosion permit required?
The new-residential guidelines require a soil-erosion permit when property is within 500 feet of Lake St. Clair, a canal or the Milk River, or when the site is one acre or larger. Projects below that threshold must still prevent sediment and mud from leaving the property.
What should I do about an old open or expired permit?
Search the permit in BS&A, open every related building and trade record and contact the department. Ask which inspections, corrections, plans, bonds or certificates remain and whether a written extension or new permit is required before work continues.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the City of St. Clair Shores.
This page was checked against the City Building Department, Community Development and Inspections, BS&A Online, Applications and Permits library, building and trade permit forms, new-residential construction guidelines revised April 15, 2025, fence application updated February 23, 2026, occupancy guidelines revised January 7, 2026, rental-registration form, Planning Department and Code Enforcement resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Forms, fees, bonds, staff, codes, portal features, inspection procedures and department requirements can change. Confirm time-sensitive details 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.