Detroit, MI · Wayne County
Building Permit Application
The City of Detroit building permit application collects property, project, and applicant details from property owners, contractors, tenants, and other representatives seeking a building permit.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this two-page application to describe the property, proposed work, construction details, and permit applicant. The form provides separate sworn signature blocks for a homeowner affidavit, required only for residential permits obtained by a homeowner, and for the permit applicant. Complete the sections that apply to the project and submit the application to the City of Detroit Building Department; the form also says applicants can complete it online.
Who needs it
Property owners, contractors, tenants, or authorized representatives seeking a Detroit building permit should complete the application, with a homeowner affidavit required in specified residential cases.
Why it needs a notary
The form has sworn-to blocks for the homeowner affidavit and permit applicant; the applicable homeowner and permit applicant sign their statements before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Application
Get the City of Detroit building permit application and review both pages.
- 2
Fill In Applicable Details
Complete the property, project, and applicant sections that apply; provide a plot plan on separate sheets as directed.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a commissioned online notary for the applicable sworn signature block.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the applicable homeowner affidavit or permit applicant statement during the online notarization session.
- 5
Submit to the City
Submit the completed application and any required supporting materials to the City of Detroit Building Department.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Detroit. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I complete the Detroit building permit application?
- Fill in the applicable property, project, and applicant details. Sign the relevant sworn statement before a notary, then submit the application to the City of Detroit Building Department.
- Do I need to notarize the homeowner affidavit?
- The form includes a sworn homeowner affidavit for residential permits obtained by a homeowner. If that section applies, the homeowner signs it before a notary.
- Can I sign this application with an online notary?
- Michigan law authorizes remote electronic notarization by a commissioned online notary. For this application, confirm the city’s submission requirements if you plan to sign remotely.
- Which signature blocks require notarization?
- The form shows a sworn-to block for the homeowner affidavit and another for the permit applicant. Sign the applicable statement before the notary; confirm with the city, village or township if unsure.