Apply, Track, Inspect and Close a Washington Township Permit Online
The process changed on July 2, 2026. Building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, mechanical permits and inspection requests must now be started through the township’s BS&A Online system.
This guide shows which service to select, what documents to prepare, when zoning or Public Works becomes involved, how to pay, and how to verify that every inspection is complete.
Choose the Exact Washington Township Task
Washington Township Building Department Contact Information
Do Not Use the Old Email-Only Permit Instructions
Current action
- Open Washington Township BS&A
- Register or sign in
- Select Apply for a Permit
- Upload required documents
- Pay after an invoice is available
- Schedule inspections online
Use email only for support
- Portal access problem
- Missing permit type
- Incorrect permit record
- Unclear reviewer request
- Special access information
- Staff-directed follow-up
Which Washington Township Permit Fits the Project?
Project |
Start with |
Also check |
|---|---|---|
New home or commercial building |
Building permit |
Planning/zoning, DPW application, plot plan, soil erosion, utilities and trade permits |
Addition or structural remodel |
Building permit |
Addition requirements, setbacks, energy documents and electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits |
Roof replacement |
Building permit |
Decking or structural repairs and contractor licensing |
Interior remodel |
Building permit |
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, structural and occupancy changes |
Deck or patio |
Building permit |
Deck guide, setback, easement and subdivision restrictions |
Accessory building |
Building permit |
Accessory-building requirements, plot plan and zoning setbacks |
Shed |
Zoning permit |
Size, location, setbacks, easements and HOA restrictions |
Fence |
Fence zoning permit |
Property lines, corner visibility, easements and subdivision rules |
In-ground or above-ground pool |
Pool/building permit |
Pool plot plan, barriers, electrical, plumbing, DPW and soil erosion |
Furnace, air conditioner or generator |
Mechanical/electrical permit |
Gas piping, equipment location and required clearances |
Hot water tank or plumbing work |
Plumbing permit |
Gas, mechanical and final plumbing inspection |
Demolition |
Demolition permit |
Utilities, soil erosion, site restoration and separate township requirements |
Apply Through BS&A in Seven Clear Steps
Confirm the permit and zoning path
Check whether the project needs a building permit, trade permit, zoning permit, Planning Commission review or Zoning Board approval.
Open the Washington Township BS&A page
Select “Apply for a Permit.” Register or sign in when the system asks.
Find the correct property
Search by address or parcel information and verify that the selected property is inside the Charter Township of Washington in Macomb County.
Select the correct permit type
Choose building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing or the available permit that matches the work.
Upload the correct forms and plans
Use the township Building Department Forms page to prepare the application, project requirements, homeowner policy, plot plan and supporting documents.
Watch for review notes and the permit invoice
Check your BS&A account and email. Answer requests for missing information without creating a duplicate permit.
Confirm issuance, schedule inspections and close the record
Do not begin regulated work until the permit is issued. Schedule each inspection online and verify that all permits show final approval.
Documents to Prepare Before Opening BS&A
Property and applicant
- Exact project address
- Parcel number
- Owner’s legal name
- Applicant contact details
- Project description
- Estimated construction value
Contractor and homeowner
- Builder license
- Trade license
- Company information
- Insurance when required
- Homeowner Permit Policy
- Owner authorization
Plans and outside approvals
- Plot or site plan
- Existing and proposed plans
- Structural details
- Energy worksheet when required
- Soil erosion documents
- DPW or zoning approvals
Use the Township Form Written for Your Project
Project |
Township form or guide to open |
Key preparation |
|---|---|---|
Accessory building |
Accessory Building Requirements + Building Permit Application |
Location, size, setbacks, height and plot plan |
Addition |
Addition Requirements + Building Permit Application |
Plans, foundations, setbacks, structure and trades |
Deck |
Deck Permit Requirements + Deck Requirements Guide |
Footings, framing, stairs, guards, setbacks and attachment |
New single-family home |
Minimum Requirements for New Construction |
Plot plan, special inspections, setbacks, energy worksheet and DPW application |
Pool |
Swimming Pool Requirements + Pool Plot Plan Requirements |
Pool location, barrier, equipment, electrical and grading |
Demolition |
Demolition Requirements + Building Permit Application |
Structure, utility disconnections, site protection and disposal |
Electrical, plumbing or mechanical |
Individual trade permit application |
Trade contractor, license, equipment and item quantities |
Fence or shed |
Fence Permit or Shed Permit Application |
Property lines, setbacks, easements and subdivision restrictions |
Check More Than the Building Code
Township zoning
Check land use, setbacks, height, lot coverage, signs, parking and whether Planning Commission or ZBA review applies.
Easements and deed restrictions
The Building Department warns that township approval does not override private subdivision restrictions or easement agreements.
Check the deed, recorded easements and subdivision documents before choosing the project location.
HOA approval
Township approval and HOA approval are separate. Obtain subdivision-association approval where applicable before construction.
HOA bylaws may be obtained through the Macomb County Register of Deeds.
When to Contact Planning Before the Building Department
Project situation |
Planning question |
Likely next route |
|---|---|---|
New commercial or multi-family development |
Is site-plan or Planning Commission review required? |
Planning & Zoning applications and meeting process |
Use not clearly allowed |
Is the use permitted, conditional or prohibited? |
Zoning determination, special approval or rezoning |
Setback or dimensional problem |
Does the project require ZBA relief? |
Zoning Board of Appeals application |
Home-based business |
Does it qualify as a home occupation? |
Home Occupation packet and zoning review |
Sign, parking or site-layout change |
Does the zoning ordinance or approved site plan allow it? |
Planning review before permit submission |
Building Department Permit or DPW Permit?
Building Department handles
- Building permits
- Electrical permits
- Mechanical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Building/trade inspections
- Code enforcement
Department of Public Works handles
- Public water connections
- Sanitary and storm sewer work
- Final grade
- Hydrant water use
- Irrigation/second meters
- Private paving rehabilitation
Do Not Forget the Macomb County Soil Erosion Review
Projects commonly screened
- New homes and buildings
- Additions and major site work
- Swimming pools
- Projects disturbing soil
- Commercial or engineered development
- Work near drains, wetlands or flood areas
County plan information may include
- Existing and proposed grades
- North arrow and plan scale
- Erosion-control devices
- Parcel ID and legal description
- Limits of earth disturbance
- Drain and easement locations
Schedule and Prepare for Washington Township Inspections
Enter with the request
- Permit number
- Full address
- Inspection type
- Contact phone
- Access instructions
- Lockbox code when used
Prepare the job site
- Permit is active
- Approved plans available
- Correct stage complete
- Work remains visible
- Safe access provided
- Previous corrections completed
When Washington Township Inspectors Are Usually in the Field
Inspection discipline |
Township-published service window |
Important note |
|---|---|---|
Building |
Monday through Friday |
Specific timing depends on the online request and daily route. |
Electrical |
Monday and Wednesday after 8:00 AM; Thursday and Friday after 4:00 PM |
The township states that inspection hours are subject to change. |
Mechanical |
Monday after noon; Tuesday–Thursday after 8:00 AM; Friday after 4:00 PM |
Do not treat the published window as a guaranteed appointment time. |
Plumbing |
Monday after 4:00 PM; Tuesday–Thursday after 8:00 AM; Friday after 4:00 PM |
Provide interior access when the inspection requires entry. |
What to Do After an Inspection
Search an Existing or Old Washington Township Permit
Open Washington Township BS&A
Select “Building Department Record Search.”
Search by permit number first
The permit number is usually more accurate than a broad address search.
Search by address or parcel when needed
Try the base address and verify that the property is listed under Charter Township of Washington.
Open the full building record
Review permit status, application type, fees and inspections—not only the property summary.
Contact staff when the record is incomplete
Email the permit number, property address, approximate work date and the exact record you need.
Old Permit Still Open? Ask These Questions
Give the department
- Permit number
- Property address
- Project description
- Original contractor
- Available plans
- Current photos
Ask the department
- Which inspection is missing?
- Is the permit still active?
- Are revised plans required?
- Can the contractor be changed?
- Are trade permits open?
- What proves final closure?
Pay the Correct Permit or Reinspection Fee
Online payment
- Debit or credit card only
- Permit number required
- One permit per transaction
- $50,000 transaction limit
- Third-party processing fee is non-refundable
- Verify the permit number before submitting
Other payment methods
- Counter: card, check or cash
- Dropbox: no cash
- Mail: check or money order
- Include a copy of the invoice
- Returned items carry a $25 fee
- Mail to 57900 Van Dyke
Verify Who Is Pulling the Permit
Licensed contractor
- Verify the license is active
- Match the legal business name
- Confirm the license covers the work
- Use written payment stages
- Keep receipts and contracts
- Do not pay in full before finals
Homeowner permit
The township provides a Homeowner Permit Policy form. Read the eligibility and responsibility statements before applying.
- Confirm owner eligibility
- Understand code responsibility
- Confirm required trade licenses
- Schedule all inspections
- Provide safe job conditions
- Keep final approval records
Fix Washington Township Permit Problems Quickly
Problem |
Best next action |
|---|---|
Permit option is missing in BS&A |
Call 586-786-0018 before selecting a similar but incorrect permit type. |
Property does not appear |
Try the parcel number or base street address and confirm township jurisdiction. |
Application remains incomplete |
Open each section and check for missing documents, contractor information or required fields. |
Invoice amount is unclear |
Contact the department before paying; do not submit a duplicate application. |
Inspection option is unavailable |
Confirm the permit is issued and the correct inspection stage is available. |
Inspector cannot enter |
Provide correct access instructions or lockbox code with the new online request. |
Plot plan does not match site stakes |
Stop and correct the site or approved plot plan before another inspection. |
HOA rejects a township-approved project |
Review deed restrictions and subdivision rules; township approval does not override them. |
What to Ask the Township
“I am planning to [describe exact work] at [address]. Which building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, DPW and soil-erosion permits should I apply for?”
“I am using Washington Township BS&A for property [address]. I cannot find [permit or inspection type]. Which service should I select?”
“Permit [number] is issued, and I need the [inspection type]. The work is exposed and ready. Is any prerequisite inspection missing?”
“Permit [number] at [address] does not show final. Which inspection, document or trade permit is still outstanding?”
Washington Township Permit Completion Checklist
- Correct township jurisdiction confirmed
- Correct building and trade permits selected
- Zoning approval completed
- HOA and easement restrictions checked
- DPW permits completed where required
- Soil erosion approval completed
- Application documents accepted
- Permit formally issued
- Approved plans kept onsite
- Inspections requested online
- Corrections completed
- Building final passed
- Trade finals passed
- Final grade completed where required
- Occupancy approval obtained
- Final records saved
Washington Township Building Department Map
Open the Correct Washington Township Resource
Washington Township Building Department FAQs
Where do I apply for a Washington Township building permit?
Open the Charter Township of Washington BS&A Online page and select “Apply for a Permit.” The township states that building and trade permits must be requested online as of July 2, 2026.
How do I schedule a Washington Township inspection?
Use the Washington Township BS&A page and select “Schedule an Inspection.” Enter the permit number, property address, inspection type and any access or lockbox information.
Can I still email an inspection request?
The township’s newer July 2, 2026 notice says all building and trade inspections must be requested online. Use BS&A first. The building email is best used for support or when staff specifically directs you to email.
How can I search an existing permit?
Open Washington Township BS&A and select “Building Department Record Search.” Search by permit number when possible, or use the property address or parcel information.
Which projects require a permit in Washington Township?
The township lists new residential and commercial construction, roofs, interior remodels, additions, accessory buildings, decks, patios, pools, furnaces, air conditioners, generators and hot-water tanks. Fences and sheds require zoning permits.
What are the Building Department office hours?
The Building Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at 57900 Van Dyke, Washington, Michigan 48094.
Do I need HOA approval after receiving a township permit?
Possibly. The township warns that subdivision restrictions and easement agreements can regulate or prohibit work even when the Building Department issues a permit. Check HOA and recorded-property restrictions separately.
Do I need a Macomb County soil erosion permit?
Projects involving earth changes may require Macomb County soil-erosion review. The township directs building applicants to coordinate soil-erosion requirements, so check the county portal before construction or grading begins.
How do I pay a permit or reinspection fee?
Washington Township accepts online debit or credit card payments when you have the permit number. The township also accepts eligible payments in person, by dropbox or by mail. Online payments carry a third-party processing fee.
Can a homeowner pull a permit?
The township provides a Homeowner Permit Policy form. Review the eligibility and responsibility requirements before applying. Some electrical, plumbing, mechanical or other work may still require properly licensed trades.
Official Information Used for This Guide
Building-Department.org is an independent informational guide and is not the Charter Township of Washington.
This page was checked against the official Building Department, BS&A municipality page, Building Department Forms, payment instructions, Planning & Zoning pages, Department of Public Works information and Macomb County soil-erosion resources.
Last reviewed: July 23, 2026.
Permit types, fees, inspection windows, forms and online-system behavior can change. Confirm time-sensitive requirements before submitting plans, paying fees 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.