For current info please visit detroitmi.gov
City of Detroit to host Minority Business Summit
For current info please visit detroitmi.gov
The Detroit Development Resource Center is a division of the Buildings, Safety, Engineering and Environment Department designed to help you get your project to the finish line.
How to start your restaurant
- Step 1: How to verify proposed use is allowed in Zoning District. Go here!
- Step 2: How to obtain a permit with BSEED, if you business requires construction, renovations, or a change of occupancy. Go here!
- Step 3: How to submit to the Health Department Plan Review. Go here!
You can submit along with building permit submission or separate, directly with the Health Department.- Step 4: How to obtain & schedule required inspections and how to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Acceptance. Go here!
- Printable brochure: Starting your restaurant
How to Guide: How to get your business license
- Step 1: How to obtain a building permit. Go here!
- Step 2: How to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy. Go here!
- Step 3: How to choose a name or register your incorporated business
- Step 4: How to apply online for your Federal Tax ID number. Go here!
- Step 5: Apply online for your business license. Go here!
- Printable brochure: getting your business license
How to Guide: How to start your retail or office space
- Step 1: How to make sure your proposed use is allowed in your property's zoning district. Go here!
- Step 2: How to apply online for required zoning reviews, if required. Go here!
- Step 3: How to apply online for a building permit. Go here!
- Step 4: How to apply online for a Certificate of Occupancy. Go here!
- Step 5: How to make sure you complete other required reviews, including business license or Health Department review.
- Printable brochure: starting your retail or office space
How to Guide: How to start your mixed use development
- Step 1: How to make sure your proposed use is allowed in your property's zoning district. Go here!
- Step 2: How to apply online for required zoning reviews, if required. Go here!
- Step 3: How to apply online for a building permit. Go here!
- Step 4: How to apply online for a Certificate of Occupancy. Go here!
- Step 5: How to make sure you complete other required reviews, including business license or Health Department review.
- Printable brochure: starting your mixed use development
How to Guide: How to build or rehab your home
- Step 1: How to determine if your home is in a Historic District. Go here!
- If your home is in a historic district, consult with Historic District Commission. Go here!
- Step 2: How to apply online for a building permit. Go here!
- Step 3: Schedule and pass the required inspections. Go here!
- Step 4: Apply for a Certificate of Occupancy (new homes) or Certificate of Acceptance (alterations or repairs). Go here!
- Step 5: How to register your rental property with Property Maintenance, if you plan to rent your home. Go here!
- Printable brochure: build or rehab your home
Learn where your project is allowed and scope permits & fees
- Enter your project type
- Map: type in an address or select a parcel where your project is allowed
- Enter the work you plan on doing & you can see what permits are required and the costs
How to Request a Preliminary Plan Review Meeting
A Preliminary Plan Review (PPR) meeting is set up with different City departments to map out the next steps for you project & answer any questions.
Fill out the online application & submit supporting documents.
Further along in your project & have Building/Trade code questions? Apply for a Pre-Plan Consultation here!
Zoning & Site Plan Review
See here for steps for the site plan review & other zoning processes
If your project required Site Plan Review, you can apply online.
Be sure to submit the required information for review. Check out the Site Plan Review ChecklistHow to Apply for Permits Online
Learn about using the online application & plan review systems.
Step 1. Create an eLaps account
Step 2. Submit an application for permit online
Step 3. Access your ePlans account and upload drawings
Step 4. Check the status of your project in ePlans
Step 5. Submit corrections or download approved plans
Step 6. Download your permit from eLapsCheck out videos that will walk your through the process & FAQs.
See here for a written, step-by-step guide.Building & Sign Permits
Find information about applying for Building Permits, Sign Permits, and submission requirements.
City of Detroit to host Minority Business Summit
Apply online application system.
For assistance getting started, there are tutorial videos for:
After you submit your application, you will be sent an email with a link to upload your plans.
Plans are uploaded online to ProjectDox/ePLANS.
If you have not logged into ProjectDox before, you will need to request a temporary password. Email [email protected] with your name, email, and case number.
For assistance, there are helpful tutorial videos:
When your permit is approved you can download your approved plans.
This will be the same process as applying for any permit.
When selecting PERMIT TYPE select ALTER REVISION. Once selected your will see options for Revision to Original Permit # and Number of Pages to be Revised.
A conditional use requires some additional review to determine if the use is a good fit at a specific site.
This will required Site Plan Review and a Special Land Use hearing. After the hearing a decision will be made.
If approved you can move along to the permitting process.
You can apply for your Special Land Use hearing online.
For full information see the Zoning / Special Land Use page.
If your use is not permitted in a zoning district you can seek a rezoning.
To explore rezoning, contact the City Planning Commission, Room 202 CAYMC
Email: [email protected]
Call: (313) 224-6225
Rezoning requires submitting an application to the City Planning Commission (CPC) then a public hearing with both CPC & then City Council.
The entire rezoning process can take about four (4) months to complete.
To develop property zoned PD, contact the City Planning Commission, Room 202 CAYMC
Email: [email protected]
Call: (313) 224-6225
Guide to getting your business license
Printable brochure: Guide through permitting & licensing to open your restaurant
Guide to building or rehabbing a home
Printable brochure: Guide through permitting & licensing to open your restaurant
Guide through permitting & licensing to open your restaurant
Guide to getting your business license
The DRC, together with other departments, offers a variety of pre-development meetings to answer all your questions.
Business Resources page.
BSEED forms
Quick steps to start your business
Quick Start Guide - Business Renovation
Quick Start Guide - Home Renovation