Building Safety in Detroit, MI

If you live in Detroit or are thinking about moving there, building safety are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Detroit has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building safety, and some of them might surprise you.

Scaffold & Sidewalk Shed

Scaffolds erected over Detroit streets, alleys, or sidewalks during construction, renovation, or repair must be well-supported, wide enough, and properly secured so they and any materials on them cannot fall on pedestrians below.

Key details: Governing section: Detroit City Code § 43-8-38. Where it applies: Streets, alleys, public places. Standard: Well-supported, adequately wide, securely fastened. Penalty: Up to $500 fine, 90 days jail. Enforced by: Police Dept. and Dept. of Public Works.

Violating Sec. 43-8-38 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines and up to 90 days in jail per violation, with each day counted separately under Sec. 43-8-1.

Plumbing Permits

Detroit enforces the 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code for all plumbing work citywide, adding its own permit-application and enforcement rules through the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department.

Key details: Governing code: 2015 Michigan Plumbing Code. Enforcing agency: BSEED Plumbing Division. Permit required: yes, before any plumbing work. Blocked if delinquent: unpaid fees or open violations.

Installing plumbing without a permit, using another person's name to obtain one, or filing a fraudulent permit application is unlawful under Sec. 8-5-6 (106.3.4), enforced by BSEED and prosecuted by the Corporation Counsel.

Building Permits

Detroit zoning caps how far a deck or patio cover can extend into a required setback, decks up to eight feet into a front or rear setback, patio covers with strict rear- and side-yard clearances, before Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department will sign off on the permit.

Key details: Deck/porch max encroachment: 8 feet into front or rear setback. Patio cover rear clearance: 10 feet from rear line. Patio cover side clearance: 18 inches from side line. Reduced clearance option: 5 feet with masonry fence. Enforcing agency: Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Dept..

Decks, porches, or patio covers built past the allowed setback encroachment are not permit-compliant; BSEED can deny or red-tag the work, and the owner must relocate the structure or seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Lead Paint

Rental property built before 1978 that fails a lead risk assessment must be fixed by certified abatement or EPA-trained interim controls before Detroit will issue lead clearance or a rental Certificate of Compliance.

Key details: Covers: Rental property built before 1978. Enforcing agency: Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Dept. Allowed fixes: Certified abatement or interim controls only. First-offense fine: $500 (1-2 family rental). Elevated blood-lead fine: $2,500 minimum per offense.

Failing to obtain lead clearance for a one- or two-family rental draws $500/$1,000/$2,000 civil fines per offense tier; larger buildings pay more. Fines jump to $2,500-$10,000 if a tenant under six is found with an elevated blood-lead level.

Compared to other cities, Detroit takes a harder line on lead paint. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Elevator Maintenance

Detroit requires all power elevators, escalators, and moving walks to be inspected and serviced at least every 30 days by a City-licensed unlimited-elevator journeyperson to keep equipment in safe operating condition.

Key details: Inspection interval: Every 30 days minimum. Who performs it: City-licensed unlimited-elevator journeyperson. Extension allowed: Up to 90 days with Dept approval. Enforcing agency: Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Dept. Other covered equipment: Quarterly service minimum.

Operating a defective or noncompliant elevator is unlawful; failing to notify BSEED of known safety defects or keeping a unit down over 30 days without notice risks Department enforcement action and license consequences for the servicing contractor.

Electrical Permits

Detroit requires a written permit from the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department before wiring, altering, or adding electrical equipment, enforcing the 2014 Michigan Electrical Code that governs all electrical work citywide.

Key details: Adopted code: 2014 Michigan Electrical Code (Detroit-amended). Enforcing agency: BSEED Electrical Division. Permit required: Before any wiring, alteration, or addition. Homeowner exemption: Single-family owner-occupants may self-permit. Penalty basis: Fines under Code § 80.23.2.

Working without a permit, or hindering an inspector, triggers a Notice of Violation and fines under Section 80.23.2; equipment found imminently dangerous can be disconnected or condemned on the spot.

Building Inspections

Detroit requires permit holders to notify the Building Official when work is ready for inspection, provide site access for each required inspection, and complete a final inspection before the city issues a Certificate of Approval.

Key details: Enforcing agency: Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. Inspection request: Permit holder must request each inspection. Final step: Final inspection triggers Certificate of Approval. Overtime inspections: Require pre-approval before non-business hours.

Skipping a required inspection or starting work without a permit triggers a supplemental inspection fee from BSEED, and a project without a final inspection cannot receive the Certificate of Approval needed to close the permit.

Childcare Center Rules

Detroit requires licensed child care homes and centers to provide a fenced 2,000-square-foot outdoor play area and safe pickup zones under the zoning code.

Key details: Outdoor play area minimum: 2,000 sq ft. Enclosure required: protective wall or fence. State license required: Michigan LARA. Applies when: 5+ continuous hours/day. Enforcing department: Buildings, Safety Engineering, Environmental.

Operating without state licensing or without the required fenced 2,000-square-foot play area is a zoning violation enforceable by the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department, which can deny or revoke the occupancy permit.

The Bottom Line

Detroit's building safety rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Detroit is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Detroit's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.