Royal Oak Township, MI Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Chapter 6 makes the Township's building official the enforcing agency for the state construction code throughout the corporate limits (§ 6-19), with permit fees set by Township Board resolution (§ 6-20). The inspection sequence is laid out in Chapter 32, Division 8. A building or other appropriate permit is required before erecting, altering, renovating, repairing, demolishing or removing any building or structure, before installing, extending or replacing plumbing, electrical, drainage or similar utility systems, and before establishing a new land use or changing an existing building to a different class or type of use (§ 32-210(a)). The building official issues a permit only after inspecting the application materials and plans and finding that the proposal conforms with Chapter 32, the state construction code act, all Township adopted codes and other applicable laws and ordinances (§ 32-210(c)).

The last stage is the final inspection. The permit holder gives the building official adequate notice for a final inspection and review of a certificate of occupancy when the permitted work is done, and no occupancy is allowed before the final inspection is approved (§ 32-210(e)). Under § 32-211 the enforcement official then inspects within five working days after the applicant gives notice of completion. A denial goes to the applicant in writing with the reasons. The building official can issue a temporary certificate for part of a building when no threat to public safety exists, for no more than six months, and can require a performance guarantee. Accessory buildings finished with the principal building share its certificate, while later additions need their own. A final certificate for a residential dwelling unit stays in effect for the life of the unit.

Fees for requests for inspection are collected in advance, and deficient payment lets the building official suspend permits (§ 32-231). A refused permit can be appealed to the Construction Board of Appeals within 30 days of the decision, and the Board must meet and decide within 30 days of a written request (§ 6-21). Court review is by Circuit Court within 21 days after the Board's decision is filed with the Building Official. Residential resale triggers a separate point-of-sale inspection under Article V of Chapter 6 (§ 6-87), with a certificate issued within 15 days after written application when the dwelling meets all requirements (§ 6-88).