Ann Arbor, MI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopts
- Michigan Building Code, incl. Appendix G
- Administered by
- Building Official / PDS
- Max fine
- $1,000/day
- Authority
- Stille-DeRossett-Hale Act PA 230 of 1972
Summary
Ann Arbor enforces Michigan's state Building Code as its own Construction Code, so any work covered by that code, new construction, additions, alterations, needs a permit from the Building Official.
The Building Code, as promulgated by the State of Michigan under the authority of the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act PA 230 of 1972, including Appendix G, as amended, shall be enforced by the City of Ann Arbor. The city shall have the power to enforce the provisions of the Building Code and any other applicable construction regulations, and to prevent violations and impose sanctions on violators.
(Ord. No. 30-99, § 1, 8-2-99; Ord. No. 18-01, § 1, 4-16-01; Ord. No. 45-04, § 4, 1-3-05; Ord. No. 12-02, § 1, 3-5-12)
8:102. - Electrical Code.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
Ann Arbor City Code § 8:101 adopts the Michigan Building Code, issued under the Stille-DeRossett-Hale Single State Construction Code Act, including Appendix G, as the city's enforceable Construction Code, Chapter 100. Permits are administered by the Building Official within Planning and Development Services; a companion UDC provision, § 5.29.1.A, separately requires a zoning or building permit for construction, additions, or alterations, based on project size.
Violations & Fines
Building Code violations are civil infractions of up to $1,000/day, with fines starting at $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second within 2 years, and $1,000 for later offenses; stop-work order violations start at $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What code governs when a building permit is required in Ann Arbor?
Who enforces building permits in Ann Arbor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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