Deck Permit in Detroit, MI (2026)

Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in Detroit: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED).

Verified from official Detroit sources — Last checked April 2026

Quick Facts for Detroit

Permit Fees

Valuation-based with per-square-foot component. Base fee for projects ≤100 sq ft, then $31.25 per 100 sq ft (or fraction thereof) over 100 sq ft. Plan review fee additional.

A 300 sq ft deck: base fee + (2 × $31.25) = base + $62.50 for the building portion.

Processing Time

1-3 business days for average residential projects. Larger/complex projects may take longer.

Apply Online

Yes — via eLaps / ePlans

Building Code

2015 Michigan Building Code / Michigan Residential Code (based on 2015 IRC with Michigan amendments)

Contact: (313) 224-2372 | 2 Woodward Ave., 4th Floor, Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Detroit, MI 48226

Do You Need a Deck Permit in Detroit?

Permit Exemption

Decks not more than 200 sq ft, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, not within 36 inches of a dwelling, and not serving an egress door are exempt per Michigan Residential Code.

If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.

Detroit-Specific Deck Rules

Construction documents must be prepared by a Michigan-licensed architect or professional engineer
3 complete sets of drawings + 1 set of calculations required for submission
Soil erosion and sedimentation control permit may be required (Wayne County)
Historic district properties require additional BSEED Historic District permits
Frost line depth: 42 inches — footings must extend below this depth
Geotechnical investigation report may be required with recommended foundation design

How to Get a Deck Permit in Detroit

1

Check if your deck needs a permit

Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.

2

Prepare your plans

You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check Detroit's specific documentation requirements.

3

Submit your application

Apply through eLaps / ePlans . Pay the permit fee at submission.

4

Build and schedule inspections

Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).

Official Detroit Resources

eLaps / ePlans — Apply for Permits Online Fee Schedule Deck-Specific Requirements
Transparency note: The following items could not be verified from official city sources and should be confirmed directly: Exact base fee dollar amount — PDF fee schedule not machine-readable; Whether 2015 MBC has been updated since last check.

Estimate Your Deck Cost

Get an instant cost estimate for your deck project in Detroit.

Deck Cost Calculator

Sources

https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-bseed/bseed-divisions/plan-review/building-permit-requirementshttps://detroitmi.gov/document/building-permit-feeshttps://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department-bseed/building-permits

Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with Detroit's Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED).