Department of Building & Structural Safety

The Department of Building & Structural Safety issues all construction related permits and oversees all new building projects as well as all demolition in the city. Our mission is to effectively administer the State of Michigan building codes and local ordinances to ensure public health, safety, and welfare. We will endeavor to provide professional services to our customers that will encourage the selection of Inkster as the preferred location to live, work, and invest -- while striving to preserve and promote the quality of life in our neighborhoods, and a diverse vitality in our business community.

ReInvent Inkster

Launched by Inkster Mayor Hilliard Hampton II, “Reinvent Inkster” is a results-oriented 12-18 month process to identify realistic Inkster-based solutions to improve the City’s opportunities for economic recovery. By gaining better insight into the community’s needs, we can obtain greater efficiencies in providing City services that add value to our citizens.  Click here for more information.

Permit Applications

Permit applications are located in the Forms and Permits section of our website.  Click here, to go there now.

Homeowner Permits

Michigan state law allows homeowners to obtain permits to work on their own homes. It is against the law for contractors to perform work under permits obtained by homeowners. The contractor you hire to complete a home construction project should be the person who obtains the permit from the city.

Homeowner permits are not cheaper than contractor permits, they are not processed quicker, and they are not held to a lesser standard or inspection requirement than a contractor permit. 

So, why would a contractor ask (or demand) that you “pull the permit”? We ask that you consider the following possibilities: 

• Your contractor may be trying to absolve themselves of liability and responsibility for quality and workmanship.
• Your contractor may not be licensed.
• They may know that the City of Inkster can not intervene in disputes between you and your contractor if you are the permit holder.
• You will be responsible for correcting any deficiencies or violations in work performed under the permit.

Remember, make your contractors responsible for their work – insist that they obtain permits.

Come Prepared

Documents required to obtain a residential building permit:

Residential Additions, Alterations, Accessory Buildings

• Submit two (2) copies of drawings and/or blue prints,  They shall depict all elevations, floor plans, construction, foundation information, electrical drawings, heating/cooling and plumbing layouts.  One copy will be retained by the Building Department and one copy returned to the applicant.
• Submit one copy of a plot plan and building permit application.
• Contractors must submit a copy of their State of Michigan Residential Builders License and State of Michigan photo I.D./driver license, in addition to proof of liability insurance.  A photo I.D./drivers license, and proof of residency is required when the applicant is a homeowner.

New Single Family Residence

• Submit three (3) copies of site grade elevations, prepared by a licensed, registered surveyor or engineer.  Two copies will be returned to the applicant.
• Submit three (3) complete sets of construction documents for the building.
• All submittals shall contain the following regardless of the portion to be completed by the applicant:

• Structure elevations
• Floor plan
• Foundation plan
• Mechanical plans and heat calculations, electrical and plumbing plans
• Detail drawings, wall sections, door and window schedules
• Truss and/or rafter information (truss drawings must be sealed)

• Submit building application as it applies to your projects.  All submittals must contain the following:

• Property Identification number available at the Building Department.  Applications without an address cannot be accepted.
• A copy of the State of Michigan Residential Builders License and  State of Michigan photo I.D./driver license.

• Apply and pay for water and sewer tap fees, sewer line inspection fees, driveway approach permit.
• A "Permit to Haul" must be obtained  to move a pre-fabricated or modular home.

Inkster Administrative Hearings Bureau

The Inkster Administrative Hearings Bureau is a civil hearings court established in July 2007 under Michigan Law (MCL 117.4q & r, and MCL 117.41) to adjudicate violations of the Inkster Blight Ordinance and the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code.  It currently convenes on the third Wednesday of each month from 9:00am until 4:30pm in the Inkster City Council chambers at Inkster City Hall.  The bureau has proven to be a valuable tool in eliminating blight conditions and enhancing the living and working experience in the City of Inkster.

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