Permit applications, plans and all supporting documents may be submitted in one of the following ways:

·       Apply online at bsaonline.com.

·       Email the application package to building@berkleymich.net

·       Send the application package via regular mail to ATTN: Community Development Department 3338 Coolidge Hwy. Berkley, MI 48072

·       Drop the application package in the secure dropbox at City Hall’s main entrance

·       Submit the application package in person at the Community Development Department at City Hall

Community Development Department staff will contact you regarding required permit fees and with any questions or outstanding items needed for your submission. Fee payments can be made in person at City Hall, via regular mail, or online. 

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.

• State of Michigan Smoke Alarm Laws
• Road Closure Guidelines
• Shoring Options For Residential Properties

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.

Building permits are required for any work performed by a homeowner, business owner or contractor. Building permits ensure that work is in compliance with building codes regulating demolition, renovation, installation, construction and inspection.

The following should be included with building permit applications:

·       Copy of state licenses

·       Copy of driver’s license

·       Certificate of liability insurance

·       Letter of authorization (only if obtaining a permit on behalf of a contractor)

·       Homeowner’s affidavit (only if homeowner applying for a permit)

Electrical permits are required for any work electrical performed by a homeowner, business owner or contractor. Electrical permits ensure that work is in compliance with building codes regulating demolition, renovation, installation, construction and inspection.

The following should be included with electrical permit applications:

·       Copy of state licenses

·       Copy of driver’s license

·       Certificate of liability insurance

·       Letter of authorization (only if obtaining a permit on behalf of a contractor)

·       Homeowner’s affidavit (only if homeowner applying for a permit)

Mechanical permits are required for any mechanical work performed by a homeowner, business owner or contractor. Mechanical permits ensure that work is in compliance with building codes regulating demolition, renovation, installation, construction and inspection.

More information: The following should be included with mechanical permit applications:

·       Copy of state licenses

·       Copy of driver’s license

·       Certificate of liability insurance

·       Letter of authorization (only if obtaining a permit on behalf of a contractor)

·       Homeowner’s affidavit (only if homeowner applying for a permit)

Plumbing permits are required for any plumbing work performed by a homeowner, business owner or contractor. Plumbing permits ensure that work is in compliance with building codes regulating demolition, renovation, installation, construction and inspection.

The following should be included with plumbing permit applications:

·       Copy of state licenses

·       Copy of driver’s license

·       Certificate of liability insurance

·       Letter of authorization (only if obtaining a permit on behalf of a contractor)

·       Homeowner’s affidavit (only if homeowner applying for a permit)

Utility permits are required for any water or sewer connection or repair work performed by a homeowner, business owner or contractor. Utility permits ensure that work is in compliance with building codes regulating demolition, renovation, installation, construction and inspection.

The following should be included with utility permit applications:

·       Copy of state licenses

·       Copy of driver’s license

·       Certificate of liability insurance

·       Letter of authorization (only if obtaining a permit on behalf of a contractor)

·       Homeowner’s affidavit (only if homeowner applying for a permit)

Requests to split or combine parcels require review by the City and final approval from Oakland County. Parcel split and combination requests must meet Zoning Ordinance requirements. 
Click here for the requirements.

·       Fences are not permitted in the front yard.

·       The finished side of privacy fences must face the neighboring property.

Building permits are required to construct a deck or porch.

Building permits are required to strip and reroof a structure.

More information:

·       For a strip and reroof, two inspections are required: an open roof and a final inspection.

·       Pictures in lieu of an open roof inspection are generally not acceptable.

·       For reroofs, only a final inspection is required.

A building permit is required to construct an accessory building like a garage or shed over 200 square feet. A certificate is required for accessory buildings between 36 square feet and 200 square feet.

*** One button here should link to the Accessory Building Certificate Application and one should link to the Garage Permit Application*** -

More information:

·       Buildings that are 36 square feet in area or less and 6 feet high or less do not require a permit or certificate.

The installation of a swimming pool (storable or inflatable) requires a building permit and an electrical permit.

A zoning certificate is required for any driveway replacement or change.

Woodward Dream Cruise Permits are available to private properties fronting on Woodward Avenue the Friday and Saturday of the annual Woodward Dream Cruise.

More information:

·       Applications are due approximately one month before the Woodward Dream Cruise. Contact the Community Development Department at 248.658.3320 for this year’s due date.

·       Late applications will be charged a $200 late fee in addition to the application fee.

Backwater valves help to prevent the backflow of sewage into homes and businesses. Residential and commercial property owners may be eligible for reimbursement of permit fees related to the installation of backwater valves.