Trade Permits
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Read this first.
Getting a trade permit from the City of Detroit means we will work together to make sure your project meets the laws enacted to ensure a healthy and safe environment for everyone. You can expect that you will need to:
- Gather a number of documents before applying online, which may take some time.
- Apply for and manage your permit application using the online permit application portal.
What’s the Process Like?
This page is a short tutorial of what you’ll do to get a trade permit.
Looking for the online application portal? See Step 3, Apply online.
Determine if you need a permit
Trade permits are needed for:
- New construction or alterations
- Replacement of system components
- Any changes to mechanical, plumbing, electrical, elevator, or boiler systems.
If you already know you need one, skip to Step 2.
For a quick overview of when you don’t need a permit, download our guide.
The City of Detroit has an online tool designed to help you know if there are any special requirements that you might need for your project.
Taking a few minutes to review this now may prevent any unexpected surprises and make sure you know what to expect as you move through the steps to get your permit.
For a demo of this tool, reference our help page.
Need a water or sewer permit? Visit the Water & Sewerage Department.
Need a right-of-way permit? Visit the Department of Public Works.
Identify the type of permit you need
Different types of permits have different requirements. In this step, you will:
- Review the requirements for the type of permit you need.
- Gather documents or other information you’ll submit later in the process.
If you already know the permit you need and are ready to apply for it, skip to Step 3.
Download the latest list of fees for permits.
Mechanical Permit
Current State of Michigan Mechanical Code
City of Detroit licensed Mechanical Contractor
Create account in Accela Portal
Contractors connect license account to permit account
Apply for a permit on-line through Accela Portal
or
Complete and submit permit application in License and Permits Office
Owner will need copy of deed and identificatiion (state, driver's license or passport)
After submitting your application, you can expect to get your permit in about 1 day.
Schedule Permit Inspection in Accela Portal or in Construction Division Office
Mechanical Permit Upon issuance of permit, please contact the Construction divison for inspection and issuance of certificates (CoO and CoA).
1 Day
Electrical Permit
Current State of Michigan Electrical Code
City of Detroit licensed Electrician
Create account in Accela Portal
Contractors connect license account to permit account
Apply for a permit on-line through Accela Portal
or
Complete and submit permit application in License and Permits Office
Owner will need copy of deed and identificatiion (state, driver's license or passport)
After submitting your application, you can expect to get your permit in about 2 days.
Schedule Permit Inspection in Accela Portal or in Construction Division Office
Electrical Permit
Certificate of Acceptance
2 Days
Plumbing Permit
Current State of Michigan Plumbing Code
City of Detroit licensed Plumbing Contractor
Create account in Accela Portal
Contractors connect license account to permit account
Apply for a permit on-line through Accela Portal
or
Complete and submit permit application in License and Permits office
Owner will need copy of deed and identificatiion (state, driver's license or passport)
After submitting your application, you can expect to get your permit in about 1 day.
Schedule Permit Inspection in Accela Portal or in Construction Division Office
Plumbing Permit
Upon issuance of permit, please contact the Construction divison for inspection and issuance of certificates (CoO and CoA).
1 day
Elevator Permit
Current Elevator Code
City of Detroit licensed Elevator Contractor
The Elevator Inspection Team of the Construction Division of Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental is responsible for, but not limited to the examination and licensing of elevator journeypersons and contractors, inspections of elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters, wheelchair devices, complaint investigations, and reporting of elevator accidents. The team also approves the registration of elevator licenses and handles elevator code questions.
As of October 1st, 2019, the Elevator Division has introduced the new 2019 City of Detroit Elevator Code - Article IX, which in accordance with Section 3(k) of the Michigan Home Rule City Act, being MCL 117.3(k) has officially adopted, with Exceptions/Additions, the following Code Requirements (see Page 2).
Information related to elevator licensing and inspection.
- Elevator Operator Checklist. Currently this required Board of Appeals hearing-application.
- Elevator Journeyman Checklist
- Elevator Contractor Checklist
Create account in Accela Portal
Contractors connect license account to permit account
Apply for a permit on-line through Accela Portal
or
Complete and submit permit application in License and Permits office
Owner will need copy of deed and identification (state, driver's license or passport)
After submitting your application, you can expect to get your permit in about 10 days.
Schedule Permit Inspection in Accela Portal or in Construction Division Office
Elevator Permit
Upon issuance of permit, please contact the Construction divison for inspection and issuance of certificates (CoO and CoA).
10 Days
Fire Alarm
Current Fire Alarm Code
Create account in Accela Portal
Contractors connect license account to permit account
Apply for a permit on-line through Accela Portal
or
Complete and submit permit application in License and Permits Office
Owner will need copy of deed and identificatiion (state, driver's license or passport)
After submitting your application, you can expect to get your permit in about 2 days.
Schedule Permit Inspection in Accela Portal or in Construction Division Office
Fire alarm permit
Upon issuance of permit, please contact the Construction divison for inspection and issuance of certificates (CoO and CoA).
2 Days
Generators
Current Generator Code
City of Detroit licensed Electrician
Create account in Accela Portal
Contractors connect license account to permit account
Apply for a permit on-line through Accela Portal
or
Complete and submit permit application in License and Permits Office
Owner will need copy of deed and identificatiion (state, driver's license or passport)
After submitting your application, you can expect to get your permit in about 2 days.
Schedule Permit Inspection in Accela Portal or in Construction Division Office
Generator permit
Upon issuance of permit, please contact the Construction divison for inspection and issuance of certificates (CoO and CoA).
2 Days
Apply for the permit online
You'll use an external site (Accela/eLAPS) to apply and upload documents.
- You will have to create an account if you don’t already have one.
- A fee will be required in order to submit your application.
- After you apply, a customer service representative will review your application and contact you if they need more information. The tool in Step 1 can help you prepare for any requirements you may be asked for here.
- Once you complete the application, move to "upload documents" section to upload plans, specifications and other documents as required for review.
To troubleshoot Accela, reference our help page.
For assistance or additional help in applying, contact us at (313) 224-3179.
Document review and revision
Once the documents are received, assigned reviewers will determine if the permit can be approved.
If additional information is needed you will receive an email notification to access your account and make the corrections.
Paying close attention to your email, as well as logging into Accela to check for revision requests, will make sure your project keeps moving.
Get permit and begin work
Once the permit is approved, this means work can begin.
You will be able to download your permit from the electronic permit application portal (the same you used in Step 3).
Upon issuance of permit, please contact the Construction division for inspection and issuance of certificates (CoO and CoA).