Building Permit Records in Detroit, MI

Detroit's housing market is experiencing significant revitalization, with many historic homes undergoing complete overhauls and substantial improvements. Reviewing permit records helps buyers and remodelers confirm the proper execution of major renovations, especially those involving structural repairs or system upgrades in older properties.

A permit check frequently exposes unpermitted major system updates like electrical, plumbing, or significant structural repairs.

46K+
permit records in the official Detroit-area datasets we search
Alteration · Alter Revision
most common permit types on file
Looking up a specific Detroit address? Get the full permit & property report free.
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Common Detroit permit types & fees

Typical Michigan fee ranges by work type. Actual fees depend on project valuation.

Permit typeTypical fee
Kitchen / bath remodel
Required once plumbing, gas, or electrical is moved.
$250–$600
Electrical
New circuits, panel upgrades, rewiring.
$60–$350
Plumbing
Repipes, water heaters, fixture relocations.
$60–$300
Room addition / structural
Framing, foundation, and square-footage changes.
$500–$2,200
Roofing
Tear-off and re-roof; some cities exempt minor repairs.
$150–$500
HVAC
New systems, ductwork, and condenser swaps.
$80–$320

What's on the record

Pulled permits
Every permit on file for the address — additions, electrical, plumbing, roofing — with dates and status.
Unpermitted-work signals
Gaps between the home's history and its permits flag work that may never have been inspected.
Ownership & sales
Owner of record and transfer history, so you know who pulled what and when.
Inspections
Whether permitted work in Detroit actually passed final inspection.

FAQ

How do I look up building permits in Detroit?

Enter the property address on Reno HomeIQ — we pull Detroit, Michigan public permit records, inspections, ownership, and sale history into one report, so you don't have to search the Michigan portal by hand.

Can I tell if work on a Detroit home was permitted?

Yes. The report lists the permits on file for the address, which is how you spot potential unpermitted additions, electrical, or plumbing work before you buy or remodel.

How much are permits in Detroit?

Detroit permit fees vary by scope — a remodel permit typically runs $250–$600, with electrical, plumbing, and structural permits priced separately. Local fees track Detroit's 100% cost level.

Is the permit lookup free?

The address lookup is free. A lifetime Home Passport PDF with the full permit and property record is $99.

Permit records in other Michigan cities

Grand Rapids, MIAnn Arbor, MILansing, MIFlint, MISterling Heights, MIWarren, MIDearborn, MINew York, NYBrooklyn, NYBuffalo, NYRochester, NYLos Angeles, CASan Francisco, CASan Jose, CA

Fee ranges are Michigan market estimates adjusted by Detroit's local cost level; confirm exact fees with the local building department. Reno HomeIQ aggregates public permit and property records — enter an address for the specific report.