Frequently Asked Questions

The Community Development Services Department is responsible for issuing residential and commercial building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits and performing required inspections to enforce compliance with State and local codes and ordinances. Rental housing is also inspected.

Specific building code questions should be directed to a Building Inspector at 248-546-2366 from 8:00am to 9:00am or 4:00pm to 5:00pm M-F. Questions about electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes should be directed to the specific inspector between 8:00am and 8:30am and 11:30am and 12:00pm M-F; as are rental housing questions. Property Maintenance code officers are available to answer questions from 8:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 5:00pm M-F.

Building inspections are performed between 9:00am and 4:00pm M-F. Electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections are performed between 8:30am and 11:00am M-F. Rental housing inspections are scheduled between 8:30am and 11:00am M-F. Phone 248-546-2366 to schedule any inspection.

Many of Community Development’s required documents and informational handouts are available on this website. Fee schedules, building permit submittal requirements, forms (permit applications, residential rental applications, Zoning Determination Requests). Additionally, frequently asked questions are highlighted below.

Additions

Plans, a site plan and permits required. See "Building Permit Submittals" at left.

Decks

Plans, a site plan and permits required. See "Wood Deck Construction" at left.

Driveway

No permit is required for driveway work on private residential property; however, a permit is required for the apron/approach (space between the sidewalk and the street).

Electrical work

A permit is required for any work other than ordinary maintenance/replacement (replacing a light fixture or switch). See left margin.

Fees

Refer to the left margin for fee schedules for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work.

Garage

Residential garages require a site plan, building plans and permits. See left margin.

Mechanical work

A furnace, air conditioning, humidifier, etc requires a permit. Note: furnaces and air conditioners require an electrical permit, too. See left margin.

Plumbing

A permit is required for any work including water heater replacement. See left margin.

Porch

Plans and permits required including a site plan.

Rental housing

One and two family dwellings require inspections and a license issued every 2 years. Multiple dwellings require inspections and a license issued annually. Applications are available under "Forms".

Roof

An open roof inspection is required, which will be scheduled within 24 hours of your call. Your ice and water shield and drip edge should be in place.

Shed

Plans and permits required including a site plan indicating any other structures on the property (house, garage, pool, garden structure, etc)

Sidewalk

Contact the City Engineer at the DPW yard 248-546-2514 prior to any sidewalk work being done on public property. A bond may be required. See left margin.

Siding

A permit is required for residential siding in Ferndale.

Steps

Plans and a permit required.

Swimming Pool

Plans and building, electrical, and plumbing permits are required. Include a site plan indicating any other structures on the property (house, garage, pool, garden structure, etc). See left margin.

Window replacement

No permit is required if the size of the windows being replaced does not change.

If you have a question or are unsure about a permit or inspection, call 248-546-2366.

You must have a permit before starting work. A double fee is assessed if work is started without a permit.

If you are doing work on a residential property and you are not the property owner, you must bring a letter authorizing you to do the work signed by the property owner, a signed Homeowner’s Affidavit, and a photocopy of the homeowner’s driver’s license.