Applying for a permit and submitting plans (as needed).
Department of Economic Development
Home Improvement & Construction
Before starting a home improvement or construction project, it is required to receive approval from the City of Dearborn.
Permit approval involves three critical steps:
Completing plan review with the City of Dearborn.
Completing an inspection with the City of Dearborn.
More than one type of permit may be required to complete a project
What is a permit?
A permit is an official document issued by the City of Dearborn that authorizes work on a project.
The City of Dearborn issues the following permits for new and existing buildings and properties:
Building permits allow someone to complete demolitions, additions, renovations, installations, repairs, and new construction.
Mechanical permits allow someone to install or replace anything impacting heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems.
Electrical permits allow someone to complete electrical work.
Plumbing permits allow someone to install, modify, or repair a plumbing system.
Submitted plans will be reviewed by the building department to confirm compliance with building codes and local ordinances
Review times typically range between 5 -10 business days, but may take longer depending on the complexity of the review, detail on provided plans, time of year, or how busy the department is.
The plan reviewer will be in contact with the applicant throughout the review process.
If the plans are found to be approvable, a building permit is issued. If the plans require additional information/corrections, a report detailing the required corrections will be sent to the applicant, and plans will need to be resubmitted.
Formal inspections are required for all permitted work to ensure the repair or builds are completed to code. You must complete an inspection for every permit that you submit to the City.
Detailed Plan Review Process
Submitted plans will be reviewed by the building department to confirm compliance with building codes and local ordinances.
Review times typically range between 5 -10 business days, but may take longer depending on the complexity of the review, detail on provided plans, time of year, or how busy the department is.
Completing a Permit
Once the City approves your building and design plans, they can issue you a permit. You will receive a call from City staff to visit the Dearborn Administrative Center to pick up and pay for your stamped and approved plans and building permit.
Complete the permit inspection process: Projects that require permits must be inspected throughout the construction process. Some projects may only require a final inspection, like a fence,
As the applicant, you are required to schedule all required inspections with the City. Permit inspections. Permit Inspections may be scheduled by calling the City's automated phone system 313-943-2400.
On the day of your inspection, ensure the applicant is available to meet the inspector if needed. The stamped plans and the permit must be visible on the job site at all times during an inspection.
Re-inspections may be required to correct code violations found during the initial inspection. The inspector on-site will inform you of the violation(s) and what is needed to correct the issue before another inspection may be scheduled.
When the project is completed and final inspection has been approved, the permit will be closed out with the City.
Due to necessary system updates, the option to schedule a permit inspection with the City of Dearborn will be temporarily unavailable from Wednesday, Oct. 29, through Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
Scheduling for occupancy inspections will also be temporarily paused from Thursday, Oct. 30, through Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Scheduling for inspections will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
For additional questions, call 311 or email DBNInspections@dearborn.gov.
Obtain a City Map
The city can provide information on lot lines, plat maps, sewer and water main locations and streets.
A small fee will be charged. Call 313-943-2150 to obtain a map.