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.
Fences
Residential fence permits are obtained from the City Clerk’s
office. Commercial fence permits require a site plan, construction
details and a permit.
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.
