Fees
Estimated city fees
Baseline for a simple permitted shed: $150–$470 estimated combined fees (permit + plan review) for a permitted Detroit shed; sheds approximately 200 sq ft and under with no utility work may be building-permit-exempt, but Detroit Zoning Ordinance Chapter 61 setbacks apply and must be verified; all applications through BSEED ePLANS
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit BSEED building permit fee (sheds over 200 sq ft) | $100–$350 (estimated) | Detroit BSEED permit fees for residential accessory structures are based on project valuation. A typical residential shed ($5,000–$15,000 value) falls in this range. Verify current amounts through the BSEED ePLANS portal at detroitmi.gov/bseed. |
| Plan review fee | $50–$120 (estimated) | A plan review fee is assessed for structural and zoning compliance review of submitted drawings. Combined permit and plan review for a residential shed typically runs $150–$470. |
| Electrical / plumbing trade permit fees | $50–$150 each (estimated) | Each utility trade (electrical, plumbing) requires a separate Detroit BSEED trade permit and inspection, even when the shed footprint is under the building-permit threshold. |
| Michigan state building surcharge | $5–$15 | Michigan assesses a state construction code fee on all permitted projects, collected by BSEED at permit issuance under the Michigan Construction Code Act (Act 230 of 1972). |
Affiliate slot
Need a contractor?
Licensed contractor matching — contextual placement.
Conditions
The rules that apply
- Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) enforces the Michigan Residential Code (MRC), based on the IRC with Michigan amendments, for all residential construction. Under the MRC and Detroit Zoning Ordinance, accessory structures including sheds up to approximately 200 square feet in footprint area that comply with applicable setbacks, height limits, and have no utility connections may not require a building permit. Sheds exceeding 200 square feet require a permit from BSEED.
- Any shed with utility connections — electrical wiring, plumbing, or mechanical systems — requires a Detroit BSEED building permit regardless of footprint size. Each utility trade also requires a separate trade permit and inspection from BSEED.
- Detroit Zoning Code (Chapter 50) governs the placement of accessory structures in residential zoning districts, including setbacks from property lines, maximum lot coverage, and maximum height limits. These zoning requirements apply to all sheds regardless of whether a building permit is required.
- Detroit land-use overlay districts may impose additional restrictions on accessory structure placement, design, or materials beyond the base zoning ordinance. Check Detroit's zoning map for overlay conditions at detroitmi.gov before designing or ordering a shed.
- Detroit's frost line depth is 42 inches under the Michigan Residential Code. Permitted sheds must have footings that extend below the frost line or otherwise comply with MRC foundation requirements. Small prefab sheds on shallow skids may be acceptable for exempt-sized structures; larger site-built sheds require footings to at least 42 inches below grade.
- Detroit's building-permit page directs applicants to create an account in the Accela/eLAPS portal, apply online there, and upload plans in ProjectDox/ePlans when plan review is required.
- Michigan-licensed contractors performing shed construction must hold an applicable Michigan construction license (Residential Builder or Maintenance and Alteration Contractor) issued by LARA. Homeowners may self-permit under the owner-occupant exemption for their own residence.
- Michigan's Seller Disclosure Act (MCL 565.957) requires disclosure of known code violations and unpermitted construction in residential real estate transactions. Unpermitted sheds can affect sale price or require remediation before closing.
Documents
What you'll need to file
- Permit application filed through the Detroit BSEED ePLANS online system at detroitmi.gov/bseed. All new residential permit applications are submitted through ePLANS.
- Scaled site plan showing property lines, lot dimensions, existing structures, proposed shed location and footprint, and distances to all property lines — required to confirm compliance with Detroit Zoning Ordinance setbacks and lot coverage limits.
- Floor plan and elevations showing shed dimensions, wall heights, roof type, door locations, and intended use.
- Foundation details appropriate to the shed size — concrete piers, concrete slab, or treated wood skid system — demonstrating compliance with Michigan Residential Code requirements for the applicable structure type. Permitted sheds must have footings extending below the 42-inch Detroit frost line.
- Structural framing details for sheds over 200 sq ft, including wall framing, roof framing, and connection hardware complying with the Michigan Residential Code.
- Manufacturer's installation instructions and specifications for pre-fabricated shed kits, including foundation and anchorage methods.
- Michigan-licensed contractor information: Residential Builder License or Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License number issued by LARA, workers' compensation certificate, and general liability insurance. The license number must be included in the BSEED ePLANS application.
- Documentation of any overlay district conditions if the property is in a Detroit land-use overlay district that imposes additional accessory structure requirements.
Process
How the permit process works
Sequential — each step gates the next.
-
Apply the ~200 sq ft threshold as the first filter Under the Michigan Residential Code as enforced by Detroit BSEED, accessory structures including sheds at approximately 200 square feet or less in footprint area that comply with zoning setbacks and have no utility connections may not require a building permit. Sheds over 200 sq ft, multi-story structures, and any shed with utility work require a permit. All sheds must still comply with Detroit Zoning Ordinance placement requirements.
-
Verify zoning placement and check for overlay district conditions Use Detroit's zoning resources to identify the property's zoning district and confirm applicable accessory-structure setbacks, height limits, and lot-coverage rules under the Detroit Zoning Code (Chapter 50). Also check for overlay conditions before ordering or placing the shed.
-
Plan for Detroit's 42-inch frost line Detroit's frost line depth under the Michigan Residential Code is 42 inches. Permitted sheds must have footings extending at least 42 inches below grade to prevent frost heave. Small prefab sheds on shallow skids may be acceptable for exempt-sized structures. Site-built sheds over 200 sq ft require concrete piers or a full slab. The footing inspection verifies depth before concrete is poured.
-
Determine utility scope and plan trade permits Decide whether the shed will have electrical wiring, outlets, lighting, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Each utility trade requires a separate Detroit BSEED trade permit and inspection, even when the shed's footprint qualifies for the building-permit exemption. Plan trade permits alongside any main permit application.
-
Verify Michigan contractor licensing If hiring a contractor, verify they hold a Michigan Residential Builder License or Maintenance and Alteration Contractor License from LARA. The license number must be included in the BSEED ePLANS application. Homeowners may self-permit under the owner-occupant exemption for their own residence. Check license status at michigan.gov/lara.
-
Submit through Detroit Accela/eLAPS and ProjectDox if plan review is needed For permitted sheds, create an account in Detroit's Accela/eLAPS portal and submit the permit application there. Upload drawings in ProjectDox/ePlans when plan review is required. Detroit's building-permit page says homeowners can also submit certain residential applications in the Development Resource Center office.
-
Pay fees and complete required inspections After approval, pay fees through Detroit's portal workflow or at the BSEED office and post the permit before beginning work. Request inspections through Accela/eLAPS or the Construction Division. Typical shed inspections include footing, framing, and final inspection.
Affiliate slot
Tools & materials
Shed tools and supplies — Amazon affiliate block.
Provenance
Code basis & official sources
Last verified 2026-04-20.
Michigan Residential Code (MRC) with Michigan amendments, as enforced by the City of Detroit BSEED under the State of Michigan building code framework; Detroit Zoning Code (Chapter 50) for accessory-structure placement; and Detroit's Accela/eLAPS + ProjectDox/ePlans permit workflow.
If you skip the permit
- Detroit BSEED can issue a stop-work order and require removal or correction of unpermitted shed construction.
- A shed placed in a required setback or exceeding lot coverage limits can be ordered relocated or removed at the owner's expense.
- After-the-fact permits in Detroit may require exposing foundation and framing elements for inspection, adding significant cost.
- Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work creates fire, shock, and water-damage risks that go unverified without BSEED trade inspections.
- Detroit land-use overlay district violations may trigger separate enforcement beyond building-code issues.
- Civil fines accumulate until violations are resolved; unresolved violations appear in BSEED records and complicate property sales.
- Michigan's Seller Disclosure Act (MCL 565.957) requires disclosure of known permit violations in residential real estate transactions, which can affect sale price or require remediation before closing.
- Homeowner's insurance may deny claims for damage or injury related to an unpermitted shed, leaving the homeowner fully liable.
FAQ
Common Detroit shed permit questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in Detroit, MI?
It depends on size and utility connections. Under the Michigan Residential Code as enforced by Detroit BSEED, sheds at approximately 200 square feet or less in footprint that comply with Detroit Zoning Ordinance setbacks and have no utility connections may not require a building permit. Sheds over 200 sq ft and any shed with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work require a permit. All permit applications must be submitted through the BSEED ePLANS system at detroitmi.gov/bseed.
What is the frost line depth for shed footings in Detroit?
Detroit's frost line depth under the Michigan Residential Code is 42 inches. Permitted shed footings must extend at least 42 inches below finished grade to prevent frost heave — the seasonal ground movement caused by freeze-thaw cycles. The footing inspection verifies depth before concrete is poured. Small prefab sheds on shallow skids may be acceptable for exempt-sized structures, but site-built permitted sheds require deeper footings.
Does Detroit require all shed permits through ePLANS?
Yes. Detroit BSEED requires all residential building permit applications — including shed permits — to be submitted electronically through the BSEED ePLANS system at detroitmi.gov/bseed. Paper applications are not accepted for new residential permits.
What are Detroit's shed setback requirements?
Detroit Zoning Ordinance Chapter 61 governs accessory structure setbacks from property lines in residential zoning districts. Setbacks vary by zoning district. Use Detroit's online zoning map at detroitmi.gov to identify your specific zoning district and look up the applicable rear and side setback requirements before placing or ordering a shed. Also check for any land-use overlay district conditions that may impose additional restrictions.
Does adding electricity to my Detroit shed require a permit?
Yes. Adding wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel to a shed requires a separate Detroit BSEED electrical permit and inspection, even when the shed's footprint qualifies for the building-permit exemption.
How much does a Detroit shed permit cost?
Estimated combined fees (building permit + plan review) for a permitted Detroit shed typically run $150–$470, plus a small Michigan state surcharge. Fees are based on project valuation. Verify current amounts through the BSEED ePLANS portal at detroitmi.gov/bseed.
§ A More permits for Detroit
§ B Compare across cities
§ C Companion calculators
Disclaimer: Informational only — not legal advice. Rules change; verify with Detroit permitting staff before you build.