Building and Safety

Flat Rock Building Department 
Any projects that require a permit through the City that have not been approved by a City Inspector and do not have a permit on file, the responsible party will be issued a Civil Municipal Infraction. If you would like to start a Zoning or Building project, please look over our in-house review process.

Electrical Inspector Schedule:
Monday & Wednesday  
8:00 AM-11:00 AM

Mechanical Inspector Schedule:
Monday & Wednesday  
10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Plumbing Inspector Schedule:
Thursdays Only
9:00 AM 12:00 PM

Building Inspections:
Monday-Friday
9:00am-3:00pm

Office Hours:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Monday-Friday

Phone:(734) 782-0445
Fax:(734) 783-0304

Summer Project Permits
With summer just around the corner it is a great time for building projects. Whether you want to build a new shed for all your lawn care equipment or to install a nice cool pool for the kids in the back yard, we can help by making sure it is a safe structure per our city ordinance and codes.
The Checklists below are what we look for when summer projects are in the process of being built.
Before any projects are started a Building/Zoning Permit is required. Once the application has been received, our inspectors will conduct a plan review. Once the plan review tasks are completed and the permit is paid in full, we will issue your building permit to start building your project. You cannot start a project without requiring a permit. If you have any questions feel free to contact us at the office.

Property Maintenance
  • All lawns must be properly and consistently maintained.  Grass and weeds should be kept under 6".
  • All property owners or occupants must maintain their property, including keeping the grounds free of litter, debris, weeds and junk.
  • Certain items can not be stored outside, such as interior furniture, inoperable vehicles, garbage not in approved containers and construction debris.
  • Firewood must be stored 12 inches off the ground.
  • Homeowners could face penalties for violating city ordinances regarding property maintenance.
Need to report a problem?  Please call (734) 782-0445 or email our Ordinance Officer, at buildingsafety@flatrockmi.org.

Pet Etiquette
Please note that per the City Code of Ordinances Section 94-27:
A friendly reminder to the citizens of Flat Rock from the Ordinance Officer:
We are all excited for the warmer weather, as you are out enjoying a beautiful day please remember to clean up after your pets.

Political Signs
Political Signs are allowed in all zoning districts. They may be of freestanding or wall mounted with a maximum of sixteen (16) sq. ft. per sign. No more than two signs per parcel of land with a maximum height of ten (10) fee on freestanding signs.
A permit is NOT required, and all signs shall be located on the required set back and not in the road right of way. All signs found in the road right of way shall be removed by the City. You may wish to contact the Flat Rock Police Department to recover any signs that have been picked up from the road right of way.
Signs may be placed sixty (60) days prior to the election and are required to be removed seven (7) days after the election.

Construction Permit Information
Michigan Codes Currently Enforced

  • 2015 Michigan Building Code
  • 2021 Michigan Mechanical Code (effective March 12, 2024)
  • 2021 Michigan Plumbing Code (effective March 12, 2024)
  • 2015 Michigan Rehabilitation Code
  • 2023 Michigan Part 8. Electrical Code (effective March 12, 2024)
  • 2015 Michigan Residential Code
  • 2015 Michigan Energy Code