Building Permits
Submitting a Permit
Permit applications, plans, and all supporting documents may be submitted in one of the following ways:
- Email the application package to building@berkleymich.net
- Traditional mail to City Hall
- Use the secure dropbox at City Hall's main entrance
- In-person
The Building Department will contact you with questions about your submission, items that need to be revised, and required permit fees. Telephone or online payments are not acceptable.
Inspection Process
All inspectors will continue site inspections on their scheduled dates.
Inspector’s schedules are as follows:Building – Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Electrical – Monday and Wednesday 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Mechanical – Monday and Wednesday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Plumbing – Monday through Thursday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
All inspection requests must be sent to building@berkleymich.net. This is the best method to ensure your inspection has been scheduled.All inspections must be emailed by 3:00 pm to be included on the following day's inspection schedule.When you submit your inspection request, please be sure to include the following:
- Permit number
- Address of job
- The day and or timeframe (if requesting Wednesday electrical or plumbing inspections) you are requesting
- The type of inspection to be performed (rough/final, etc.)
- Name and phone number for contact person on-site
- Lockbox code, if applicable
You will receive a confirmation email that your inspection is scheduled. Please keep in mind that all inspections are timeframes. We will not be able to provide a closer estimated time for any scheduled inspections.
Importance of Permits
A building permit is an official approval to proceed with a construction project and the intent is to ensure that the project plans to comply with local standards for land use, zoning, and construction. These standards ensure the safety of current and future building owners and occupants and enforcement of zoning and land-use policies. Specific issues that the building permit process may address include structural integrity, zoning, sanitation, water and sewer lines, fire resistance, and electrical service.
City of Berkley inspectors and clerks review permit applications and plans to ensure compliance with the City building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes. Inspections are done to ensure that the plans and codes are followed. This protects residents and property values.
Permits or zoning certificates are required for most types of work. Please call the Building Department if you aren’t sure if a permit is required. If a contractor will be doing the work, it is his responsibility to apply for the permit. State law actually requires a contractor to pull a permit for work he is doing.
While permits are required for many types of projects, we offer the most frequently issued ones listed below for your convenience. Click on the permit category for more information. The required application is also provided.
Types of Permits
Permit Applications & Fees
When applying for a permit in person or through the mail, please fill out the appropriate permit application and submit the paperwork with a copy of your state licenses, driver’s license, and certificate of liability insurance. If someone is obtaining a permit on behalf of the contractor, a letter of authorization is required in order to obtain a permit. If you are a homeowner, a homeowner’s affidavit must also be completed to obtain a trade permit.
Permit Application Fees
*A copy of the fees associated with the permit is included in the corresponding application
How are permit fees calculated?
Permit fees are based on Class C Construction Costs from the Tax Assessment Manual as used by the Oakland County Equalization Department and applying the current Oakland County multiplier as established by the Michigan State Tax Commission.
Fences
A zoning certificate is required to install a fence. An application and a fence affidavit must be completed. The certificate fee is $60. Depending upon the characteristics of the property, a zoning certificate may or may not be issued at the time of application.
Quick Fact:
Fences are not permitted in the front yard. If you wish to install a privacy fence, the finished side must face your neighbors. The person installing the second fence on the property line is responsible for maintaining the area that will be between the fences.
Decks & Porches
A permit is required to construct a deck or porch. An application and two sets of plans must be submitted for review. The plans must clearly indicate how the deck will be constructed. The plans must also indicate where the deck will be installed on the property. If you have a mortgage survey, you can copy the survey and sketch the dimensions of the deck onto it. An application and plans must be reviewed and approved by the Building Official prior to the issuance of a permit.
Plan reviews may take up to two weeks. The permit fee is based upon the value of the work.
Roofs
A permit is required to strip or reroof your house. An application must be completed. Permits are issued at the time of application. The permit fee is based upon the cost of the construction. For a strip and reroof, two inspections are required: an open roof and a final. Pictures in lieu of an open roof inspection are generally not acceptable.
For reroofs (where a second layer of shingles is installed over the first layer), only a final inspection is required.
Garages & Sheds
A permit is required to construct a garage or accessory building over 200 sq. feet. A certificate is required for buildings between 36 sq. feet and 200 sq. feet. Buildings that are 36 sq. feet in area and 6' or smaller in height are exempt and do not require a permit or certificate.
An application and two sets of plans must be submitted for review. The plans must clearly indicate how the building will be constructed. The plans must also indicate where the accessory building will be installed on the property. If you have a mortgage survey, you can copy the survey and sketch the dimensions of the garage or shed onto it.
An application and plans must be reviewed and approved by the building official prior to the issuance of a permit.
Plan reviews may take up to two weeks. The permit fee is based upon the value of the work.
Reminder: Buildings that are 36 sq. feet in area and 6' or smaller in height are exempt and do not require a permit or certificate.
Pools
The installation of a swimming pool (storable or inflatable) requires a building permit and an electrical permit. A building permit application and two sets of plans must be submitted for review. The plans must indicate where the swimming pool will be installed on the property.
The application and plans must be reviewed and approved by the Building Official prior to the issuance of a permit. Plan reviews may take up to two weeks. The electrical permit is a separate fee and can be issued at the time of application.
Driveways
A zoning certificate is required for any driveway replacement or change. An application and site plan must be submitted. Depending upon the characteristics of the property, a zoning certificate may or may not be issued at the time of application.
Woodward Dream Cruise Permit Application
The Woodward Dream Cruise Permit is limited to Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20. This permit is available only to Woodward properties and businesses on their private property.
Applications are due July 15, 2022. Submittals received after July 15, 2022, will be charged a $200 late fee in addition to the application fee.
Backwater Valve Permit Fee Reimbursement Request
Residential and commercial property owners may be eligible for reimbursement of permit fees related to the installation of backwater valves.
This does not include the purchase and installation costs for backwater valves.
Backwater Valve Permit Fee Reimbursement Request Form
