Bloomfield Hills, MI

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Building

1. What should I do with my copy of my permit and building plans when the City gives me an approved copy back?: Your permit must be posted on site and the plans available to the inspectors for all inspections.

2. Does my building permit also include the electrical and plumbing and heating permit?: No. Each trade permit must be pulled separately.

3. Why do I have to post a bond and when will I get it back?: The bond is required as an incentive for the permit holder to complete the project. A building bond may be required depending on the building project. The bond will be returned after a final inspection is approved.

4. As a homeowner can I pull my own building or trade permits?: Yes. You will be required to fill out a Homeowner’s Affidavit claiming that you will personally be doing the work, and bear full responsibility for the work that is done. all work must conform to code and you will be held personally liable. This practice is not encouraged. If a State of Michigan licensed Builder or Maintenance/Alteration Contractor is hired by the homeowner to supervise the work, then we strongly recommend the permit be issued to the licensed builder.

5. Will the City recommend a good building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical company?: No. The City will not recommend any company, however you may look at our records of licensed contractors.

6. What do I have to pull a building permit for?: A complete list of required inspections may be found in the "forms" section of this website and is updated periodically. If there is any question as to whether a permit is needed for any work, call the Building Official.

7. What codes has the City of Bloomfield Hills adopted?: The City of Bloomfield Hills has adopted the 2015 Michigan Building Code, 2015 Michigan Residential Code, the 2015 Michigan Plumbing and Mechanical Code and the 2014 Michigan Electrical Code. The City also has adopted the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code.
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8. Do I need a permit for a swimming pool?: The Michigan Residential Code mandates that an application for a building permit be submitted for all above ground and in ground swimming pools containing 2 or more feet of water. An electrical permit is required for the grounding and additional circuits that will need to be installed. Mechanical permits will be required for any heating equipment for the pool. all outside pools must be provided with a safety enclosure in compliance with the Michigan Residential Code.

9. When must "Builders" or contractors be licensed?: Residential work valued $600 or more requires that the Builder or Maintenance /Alteration Contractor be properly licensed by the State of Michigan.

10. How can I verify if my contractor is licensed?: Call the State of Michigan at 517-241-9427 to see if your contractor is licensed. You may also verify City registration with our clerical staff.

11. What time frame should I allow for a building permit to be issued?: Please allow up to 10 business days for a review of the submitted building plans. If revisions are requested for further review, the revisions will be reviewed in the order they are received. Commercial plans for alterations need to be reviewed by all trade disciplines and the Fire Marshal. Therefore please allow for an additional 2 weeks. New Commercial construction reviews will take considerably longer.

12. May I start the work before a permit is issued?: Starting work without a permit is a violation of the State Construction Code and City Ordinance. If you are detected working without a permit by a Code Official, you will be assessed an Investigation Fee in addition to all required permit fees.

13. What type of fees should I anticipate when applying for a building permit?: An application fee, a department plan review fee, and a registration fee for licensed contractors will be required at time of application. In addition, if consultant plan reviews (City Planner and City Engineer) are required, then an escrow deposit to be applied against their fees will also be required. A fee schedule is available upon request at the Building Department and on the published list on this website.

14. Do I need to apply for a permit in person?: Applications are accepted by mail; however, all licensed contractors and builders need to provide photo identification (driver's license and current Residential Builder's Board State license) with each application. In any instance, the applications must be signed and accompanied by a check for the required application fees. All Building permits require a homeowner’s signature or a copy of the contract.

15. Why do contractors have to register their licenses with the City?: Registration is required so that the City may verify that proper licenses are in place at the time of the application. Contractors are required to register annually so that we may verify that the license was not rescinded or revoked. All information is only verified at time of registration. The registration fee is charged to offset clerical time to verify licensing with the State.