On December 22, 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 1246 into law, and is now Public Act 254 of 2020.
BSEED Divisions
7 BSEED Divisions & their frequently requested services. Check out each division's page for full steps or additional information on each process.
Development Resource Center
Get started with your project here! The DRC can answer your development questions and provide you with resources & direction to accomplish your projects.
Learn where your project is allowed and scope permits & fees
Request a Preliminary Plan Review meeting
How to apply for permits online
Building & sign permit information
Zoning/Special Land Use
The Zoning Division conducts Site Plan Reviews, public hearings for Conditional Land Uses, per the City of Detroit Zoning Ordinance, and conducts historical research for the purpose of zoning verification.
Apply for Special Land Use hearings
Zoning Ordinance - Chapter 50 of the Detroit City Code
*For full steps & additional information on each of these steps, see the Construction Inspection page*
Plan Review
The Plan Review Division is responsible for ensuring that developments or building projects comply with the City of Detroit adopted Ordinances and Codes. The staff performs review of the permit application and plans for the proposed projects
Step-by-step guide to the online application process
Information about sign permits & the sign ordinance
Request a Pre-Plan Consultation
Construction Inspection
The Construction Inspection Division is responsible for performing inspections of construction activities in order to ensure construction projects meet approved plans and are in compliance with building codes and standards. Construction Inspection includes six trade teams: boilers, buildings, electrical, elevators, mechanical, and plumbing.
Get a Certificate of Occupancy
Get a Certificate of Acceptance
Register & Renew a Contractor License
Schedule your inspection with the necessary trade
*For full steps & additional information on each of these steps, see the Construction Inspection page*
Licensing & Permits
The Licensing & Permits Division reviews business license applications, business license renewals, and provide a service to help contractors and homeowners pull necessary permits.
New applicants for medical marijuana
Renewal applicants for medical marijuana
Environmental Affairs
The Environmental Affairs Division is the environmental authority for the City of Detroit whose purpose is to conserve & protect the natural resources of the city in the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the people. Environmental Enforcement enforces Property Maintenance and Solid Waste codes and issue violations.
Obtain general compliance/alternate compliance Certificate of Operation
Obtain a Host Community Agreement
Property Maintenance
Property Maintenance Division is comprised of several sub-subdivisions and ensures continued compliance for commercial & residential properties, manages vacant and blighted structures for both commercial & residential buildings, enforces the Property Maintenance Code & Rental Ordinance.
- Receive rental Certificate of Compliance
- Register your rental property
- Rental Compliance Map
- Lead Requirements
- Obtain demolition deferrals & Certificate of Compliance
- Release Lis Pendens
- Request preliminary inspection
Commercial Corridor
- Guidelines for vacant buildings
- Guidelines for open businesses
- Map of commercial corridors
- Resources for restoring your commercial property
Residential Office
- Register vacant property
- How to request a presale inspection
- Lead inspections & requirements