Apply for a Deck Permit

Step 1.Create a Citizen Access Account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for our Building Permits applications.  If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.

Step 2.Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about 30 minutes once you have gathered your information. You will be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 3.Review the requirements

If you aren't the owner, you must have a Residential Builders License issued by the State of Michigan, or written authorization from a license holder, to obtain a Building Permit.

An Energy Code Worksheet in English (Energy Code Worksheet in Spanish) is required to build or add on to a single family home.

Residential Deck Guide

You should review the Residential Deck Guide(PDF, 485KB) to help you through this process.

Step 4.Plan your project

Plans are required for most project types.  During the application process you'll need to upload plans showing the location, size, and details of the proposed project.  A helpful rule-of-thumb is that plans should have enough detail for another person to do the work without talking to the person who prepared the plans.

A site plan showing the location on the lot is required.

We have resources available to help you prepare plans:

Step 5.Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

Apply online for a Deck Permit

Step 6.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information. When approved, we'll send you your permit by email.

Step 1.Gather your information

We want to assist you with getting your deck installed. Gather the following documents to help you apply.

• Your Deck Building Plan
• 2 Drawings (Map specifications including design, mechanical, electrical, etc.)

Step 2.Review the requirements

If you aren't the owner, you must have a Residential Builders License issued by the State of Michigan, or written authorization from a license holder, to obtain a Building Permit.

An Energy Code Worksheet in English (Energy Code Worksheet in Spanish) is required to build or add on to a single family home.

RESIDENTIAL DECK GUIDE

You should review the Residential Deck Guide(PDF, 485KB) to help you through this process.

Step 3.Have your payment ready

For in person payments, we accept cash, check or money order. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Step 4.Complete the application

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 5.Visit our office

Visit us to complete your application. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. Please note that we only accept deck applications in person. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page. We can't accept mailed, emailed, or faxed applications. 

If you can't make it to our office, apply online using Citizen Access.

Step 1.Gather your information

We want to assist you with getting your deck installed. Please gather the following documents to help you apply.

• Your Deck Building Plan
• 2 Drawings (Map specifications including design, mechanical, electrical, etc.)

Step 2.Review the requirements

If you aren't the owner, you must have a Residential Builders License issued by the State of Michigan, or written authorization from a license holder, to obtain a Building Permit.

An Energy Code Worksheet in English (Energy Code Worksheet in Spanish) is required to build or add on to a single family home.

RESIDENTIAL DECK GUIDE

You should review the Residential Deck Guide(PDF, 485KB) to help you through this process.

Step 3.Have your payment ready

For in person payments, we accept cash, check or money order. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

Step 4.Complete the application

Download the Application in English

Download the Application in Spanish

Step 5.Visit our office

Visit us to complete your application. You can find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.