Building Department

Permits

The Community Development Department administers the permitting process for all applicable work within the City of Plymouth.  Plymouth Township is a separate municipality and is often confused with City addresses.  Please check the project address prior to applying for permits.

Permit categories include building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, municipal services, water and sewer taps, trees, closure, and outdoor dining.

  • Building permits include interior building projects like additions, remodels, and basement finishes, and exterior building projects like fences, driveways, and signage.  Permits expire within one year of issuance date.
  • Mechanical includes heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and ductwork projects. Permits expire within six months of issuance date.
  • Electrical includes service and wiring projects.  Permits expire within six months of issuance date.
  • Plumbing includes interior water and gas piping projects.  Permits expire within six months of issuance date.
  • Municipal Services includes exterior water and sewer line projects and new construction water projects.  Permits expire within one year of issuance date.
  • Water and Sewer Taps includes a project where a new connection to a water or sewer line is made.  Permits expire within one year of issuance date.
  • Trees includes tree removal and tree planting projects.  Permits expire within six months of issuance date.
  • Closure includes temporary sidewalk impassibility and temporary placement of dumpsters in the right-of-way.  Permits expire within 90 days of issuance date.
  • Outdoor Dining includes use of the public sidewalk by food service establishments for seasonal outdoor seating.  Permits expire on November 1, annually.

Once a permit has been issued, please follow these guidelines:

  • Permits shall be posted and visible from the street.
  • Address numbers shall be visible from the street during the project.
  • Do no work until inspections are complete.
  • Property owners, contractors, or agent must be present to let inspectors into the premises for indoor inspections.
  • A reinspection fee will be assessed when an inspection is called for work that is not ready.

Permit Fees and Payment Options

All permit fees are calculated upon approval and entry into our software system.  Estimate your costs using the fee schedule page of each application or by reviewing the full fee scheduled below. For your convenience, we accept cash, check, and credit card.  You may mail payment with your permit application, pay in person at City Hall, or pay online at BSA Online.

The Community Development fee schedule is reviewed annually and adopted by the City Commission.  Permit fees can be estimated by reviewing the schedule.

View the fee schedule.

Permit Applications

You may apply for a permit in-person, by mail, or by fax.  Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, municipal services, and closure permits can be applied for online.

Online Permitting Assistance

To connect your existing BSA Online contractor account with the City of Plymouth BSA system you must be linked in our system.

Create a contractor account

Inspections

Schedule Online Now 

Call Inspection Line Now: 734-738-0289

Each permit category requires a different set of inspection(s).  Please review the applicable codes for required inspections or call our office at 734-453-1234 ext. 232 for inspection requirements.

When scheduling an inspection, please follow these guidelines:

  • Inspections must be requested by 3:00 p.m. the regular business day before the inspection date.
  • Inspections can be requested by scheduling it online or by leaving a message on the inspection hotline.  The message should include the address of the work, permit number, type of inspection, and a relevant name and contact number.
  • Building inspections are conducted Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Plumbing and mechanical inspections are conducted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at noon
  • Electrical inspections are conducted Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting around 9:00 a.m.

Builders Code of Conduct

This policy was adopted by the City Commission on April 4, 2022. It is available for review here.