Building Department Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to roof my house?
Yes, inside the City of Hillsdale the code requires it.

What don’t I need a building permit for?
Siding, exchange of same size doors & windows, drywall, landscaping, paving your drive, replacing sidewalk, and an accessory building less than 200 hundred square feet. A zoning permit is required for the placement of an accessory building (<200 sq.ft.). Check with the building department first at 517-437-6455. A right of way permit may be required for paving your driveway, landscaping or replacing sidewalk. Check with the street department at 517-437-6490.

What will I need to get a building permit?
1, First, you will need a detailed drawing of the proposed construction. The drawing must show the size of materials, spacing, depth of footers, headers, floor plan, and smoke detectors. For decks and stairs you will also need to include tread width & rise, rail height and spacing.
2. An application from the building department.
3. A site drawing, showing the existing buildings, if any, the proposed construction and distances between the proposed construction and the property lines in all directions. Also, the distance between the proposed construction and any existing buildings.
4. A soil erosions permit may be required from the County Building department.
5. Other permits as may be required by the City Street Department, the County
Building Department, or the Health Department.
6. For commercial projects, an architect or engineers seal is required.
7. For commercial projects, review of the site plan by the Planning Commission may be required.
8. The proper fee.

How much is a building permit?
Re-roof: $25.00
Fences: $25.00
Residential renovation: $25.00
Pools: $50.00
Stairs/steps: $25.00
Demolition: $25.00

All other building permits are based on size and cost of the project. Please contact the building department for the correct amounts.

How long will it take to get my building permit?
If all of the required elements are submitted with a completed building permit application and the appropriate fee, it normally only takes a day or two.

How long is my building permit good for?
Once issued, the project must commence within 6 months of that date. Work on the project may not be abandoned for more than 6 months at a time.

Which building code is the City of Hillsdale using?
The City of Hillsdale have adopted the Michigan Residential & Building Codes for 2003.

Where can I put my deck, pool, … or addition?
Please contact the Zoning Administrator at 517-437-6456 or, diskorski@ci.hillsdale.mi.us for proper zone district and placement regulations.