If you are planning any kind of construction, renovation, addition, deck, fence, roof replacement, pool, solar installation, or other building work in unincorporated areas of Washtenaw County, Michigan (areas outside city or village limits such as parts near Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter, Chelsea, and Manchester), you will need a building permit from the Washtenaw County Building Inspection Department.
Many homeowners and contractors search for clear answers about how to apply for a building permit in Washtenaw County, what the fees are in 2026, and how to check the status of their application quickly using the Citizen Self-Service online portal.
This guide explains the entire process in simple language so you can understand what to do, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems that slow things down.
Whether you are a homeowner doing your own work or a contractor handling a larger job, the steps are the same and the goal is to get your permit approved smoothly and on time.
Washtenaw County Building Department Contact Information 2026
- Address: 705 N. Zeeb Road, Second Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
- Phone: (734) 222-3900
- Email: building@washtenaw.org
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (inspection scheduling until 3:00 PM)
Official Page: Washtenaw County Building Inspection Department
Washtenaw County Building Permit Search 2026
Official Portal: Washtenaw County Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal
- Go to the Citizen Self-Service portal (public search available).
- Search by property address or permit number.
- View the current status, approved plans, fees paid, and inspection history.
How to Apply for Washtenaw County Building Permits 2026
Here is the clear step-by-step process that most people follow to get their permit approved as smoothly as possible.
- Go to the Citizen Self-Service portal or download forms from the Building Inspection website.
- Prepare the complete application with detailed drawings, site plan, contractor information, and proof of insurance/license.
- Submit the application online through the portal, by mail, fax, secure drop box, or in person.
- Pay the required plan review and permit fees once the application is processed.
- Respond promptly to any plan review comments or requests for additional information.
- Once approved, display the permit visibly at the job site before starting work.
- Schedule inspections through the online portal or by calling the department.
Washtenaw County Building Permit Fees 2026
- Official Fee Schedule: Download the latest Residential and Commercial Permit Fee Schedules from the county website (updated annually; current schedule effective October 2025).
- Fees are based on the type, size, complexity, and valuation of the project.
- Plan review fees and building permit fees are charged separately in most cases.
- Separate permits and fees apply for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other trade work.
- Additional charges include re-inspection fees ($50 or more) and enforcement fees for violations.
- Work started without a permit can result in doubled fees plus possible fines or a Stop Work Order.
Required Documents Checklist
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Detailed construction drawings and specifications
- Site plan showing existing structures and proposed work
- Proof of contractor license and insurance
- Owner-Builder Affidavit if you are doing the work yourself
- Any required trade permit applications
How to Schedule Inspections in Washtenaw County
Schedule inspections through the online portal (only the permit owner can schedule) or by calling (734) 222-3900 Monday–Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Have your approved plans and the permit card ready when the inspector arrives. Re-inspection fees may apply for failed or missed inspections.
Contractor Registration & Owner-Builder
Contractors must hold valid Michigan licenses. Homeowners can apply as owner-builders but must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety. The department enforces the Michigan State Construction Code.
Local Insider Tips That Really Help
- Use the Citizen Self-Service portal for online applications, status checks, and inspection scheduling whenever possible.
- Submit a complete package with clearly labeled drawings the first time to avoid delays in plan review.
- Make sure the street address is clearly visible from the road before the first inspection.
- Call (734) 222-3900 early in the morning for faster assistance with questions or scheduling.
- Review the latest fee schedule before submitting to budget accurately for base fees, plan review, and trade permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search for existing building permits in Washtenaw County?
Use the Citizen Self-Service portal by property address or permit number.
How to apply for a Washtenaw County building permit?
Submit your application online through the Citizen Self-Service portal, by mail, fax, secure drop box, or in person with all required documents.
What are the Washtenaw County building permit fees in 2026?
Fees are based on the type, size, and value of the project. Download the latest Residential and Commercial Fee Schedules from the county website for exact rates (current schedule effective October 2025).
Can I pull my own permit as an owner-builder in Washtenaw County?
Yes. You can apply as an owner-builder, but you must take full responsibility for code compliance and job safety.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Washtenaw County?
Simple projects can be processed relatively quickly. More complicated jobs usually take between one and three weeks depending on how complete your submission is.
Official Resources
- Citizen Self-Service Online Portal
- Building Inspection Department Homepage
- Applications & Forms
- Permit Information & Reminders
Updated April 2026 using only official Washtenaw County sources. Use the Citizen Self-Service portal for faster submission and tracking.
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.