Ann Arbor, Michigan Permit Guide
Find Ann Arbor, Michigan permit offices, local planning notes, application documents, and inspection questions in one guide.
Individual permit guides for Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Building and STREAM Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor Zoning Compliance for Sheds, Fences, and Decks Guide
- Ann Arbor Solar and Electrical Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan ADU and Garage Conversion Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Pool Spa and Barrier Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Roof Window and Exterior Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Kitchen Bath and Basement Remodel Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Solar EV Charger and Generator Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Driveway Fence Shed and Site Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Addition Deck Porch and Patio Cover Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Electrical Panel Circuit and Rewiring Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Plumbing Water Heater Repipe and Sewer Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan HVAC Heat Pump Gas and Ventilation Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Foundation Retaining Wall Grading and Drainage Permit Guide
- Ann Arbor, Michigan Demolition Structural Wall Fireplace and Chimney Permit Guide
Start with jurisdiction and project scope
Before applying in Ann Arbor, confirm whether the property is within city limits or in unincorporated county territory. Describe the complete work to the office serving that parcel, including electrical, plumbing, structural, and site changes. Building, zoning, utility, and private HOA approvals can be separate.
Open the local official sources or prepare a project checklist.
Source availability audit: . This checks links, not every local rule. These compiled notes are starting points; confirm current dimensions, exemptions, fees, and adopted codes with the cited offices.
Building and STREAM Permits
Ann Arbor uses the STREAM portal for building and trade permits, with zoning review handled as part of building permit applications and dashboards used for permit management, invoices, and inspection requests.
Permit and scope questions
Ann Arbor building permits oversee changes to structures, including demolition, renovation, installation, construction, augmentation, or changes in use.
Zoning and placement
City code requires zoning review of building permit applications to confirm that construction and re-occupancy changes are consistent with the zoning ordinance.
Building and trade review
Applicants register in STREAM, choose the correct permit category, receive email updates, manage permits through the dashboard, request inspections, and pay invoices online.
Discuss your project early when: Call before applying if the right permit category is unclear, state licensing may be required, the work changes use, the property is in a historic district, or the work includes multiple trades.
Sources for this topic:
Zoning Compliance for Sheds, Fences, and Decks
Ann Arbor requires zoning compliance permits for several small residential projects that may not need a building permit, including small fences, detached decks, sheds, garages, carports, gazebos, greenhouses, and pergolas.
Permit and scope questions
For Ann Arbor, ask the permit office to confirm the current area limit and the method used to measure it; whether age, historic status or an overlay triggers additional review; the fence material, yard location and visibility restrictions; how structure use, attachment and utilities affect any accessory-building exemption; whether attachment, a roof, stairs or required exit access changes the deck review; and the pool or spa classification and the required access barrier before treating this project as exempt or permit-required.
Zoning and placement
Zoning compliance review checks the proposed project against placement, use, and zoning ordinance rules before the work is built.
Building and trade review
A small-project zoning compliance permit is separate from a building permit decision, so a larger or more structural project can still need building review.
Discuss your project early when: Contact Ann Arbor before ordering materials or starting work to resolve the current area limit and the method used to measure it; whether age, historic status or an overlay triggers additional review; and the fence material, yard location and visibility restrictions. Bring the proposed dimensions, location and scope so the answer is tied to the project.
Sources for this topic:
Solar and Electrical Permits
Ann Arbor residential rooftop solar usually requires an electrical permit, with expedited solar permitting available for eligible systems that do not include battery storage.
Permit and scope questions
Ann Arbor's solar guidance says only an electrical permit is required for residential rooftop solar, and the city does not charge line-item solar fees, application fees, or plan review fees for that solar path.
Zoning and placement
Solar projects should still check roof access, ventilation, historic district status, and any property-specific placement issues before installation.
Building and trade review
Residential rooftop solar installations with battery storage are not eligible for expedited permitting, so battery projects need closer permit review before installation.
Discuss your project early when: Call before applying if the solar installation includes battery storage, roof structural questions, service upgrades, historic district work, or unusual roof access and ventilation conditions.
Sources for this topic:
Prepare a complete application conversation
- STREAM account
- Project scope
- Plans or drawings
- Contractor licensing information when required
- Zoning or historic district information if applicable
- Zoning compliance permit application
- Site plan
- Project dimensions
- Fence or structure height
- Property and setback information
- Electrical permit application
- Solar layout
- Equipment specifications
- Roof access and ventilation information
- Battery details if applicable
Bring enough detail for staff to identify the correct application. Ask which plans need dimensions or a professional seal, how files should be named, and whether other departments must approve the proposal first.
Inspection planning
- Register in STREAM
- Apply for the correct permit type
- Pay required plan review or permit fees
- Respond to review comments
- Request inspections through the dashboard
- Confirm whether building permit is needed
- Apply through STREAM for zoning compliance
- Respond to zoning review comments
- Keep approval records
- Apply for building permit if scope expands
- Apply through STREAM
- Use the solar permit path when eligible
- Coordinate electrical inspection
- Complete final approval
- Keep permit and inspection records with system documents
Questions to resolve before work starts
- Which building, zoning, trade, utility, or public-works approvals apply to this exact scope?
- Is an apparent exemption limited to the building permit, while zoning or trade approval still applies?
- Which current fee schedule, code edition, and local amendments will be used?
- Who may apply, and which licensed trades must perform or supervise the work?
- Which inspection stages cannot be covered, and how is the final approval recorded?
Official source directory
- Ann Arbor Permits
- Ann Arbor Permitting Process
- Ann Arbor Construction and Building
- Ann Arbor Zoning Compliance Permits
- Ann Arbor Building Rental and Inspection Services
- Ann Arbor Solar
- Ann Arbor Fees
If an official link is unavailable or redirects to a general page, use that government's site search or contact its permit office. Some government sites restrict automated access; that does not establish that a page is missing.