Building permits in Detroit, MI

Short answer: In Detroit, permits are issued by City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED); of the 6 common projects we checked, 2 always need a permit, 1 do not, and 3 depend on the details.

Permitting authority: City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Local historic districts need a permit for all exterior work. Based on BSEED's "Do I Need a Building or Trade Permit?" guide.

Permit rules in Detroit
Project	Answer	Verified
Deck	Depends on your project BSEED lists decks up to 200 sq ft as exempt from a building permit. Larger decks need one.	2026-10-19
Fence	No permit required No permit for a fence 7 ft or less that is not in a Special Review District. Historic districts need a permit for all exterior work.	2026-10-19
Interior / bathroom remodel	Depends on your project Plumbing changes beyond faucet parts and electrical work beyond replacing switches or outlets need trade permits; cutting into walls needs a…	2026-10-19
Roof replacement	Permit required Yes. A roof replacement or removing a substantial amount of shingles needs a permit. Replacing a few shingles does not.	2026-10-19
Shed	Depends on your project No permit for a detached accessory structure (such as a shed or garage) of one story and up to 200 sq ft. Larger ones need a permit.	2026-10-19
Water heater replacement	Permit required Yes. Plumbing alterations beyond the working parts of a faucet or valve need a permit, and gas piping work needs a mechanical permit.	2026-10-19

Fee schedule: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-bseed/building-permits

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Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.