Building Department Functions
Building Permit Requirements & Fees
Certificate of Occupancy
Construction Hours & Debris
Construction Plan Review
Demolition Permits
Detached Accessory Buildings
Electrical Permits
Fireplaces
Mechanical Permits
Ordinance Complaints
Plumbing Permits
Swimming Pools
Zoning Ordinance
Zoning Board of Appeals
Inspections are required after obtaining building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits. There are typically 8 types of building inspections required for new residential construction. They are rail and trench footing, backfill, garage and basement sand, rough, insulation and final inspections. The electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits typically require a rough and final inspection. There may be other types of inspections required based on the type and amount of work being done. If you have any questions, please contact the Building Department at 248-651-6930 before continuing with your project.
Inspections can be obtained by calling the Building Department's 24 hour inspection line at 248-651-4612. Any inspections on the inspection line before 3:00 p.m. will be made the following day. When requesting your inspection, you must have the following information: type of inspection, address of the job, and the permit number. Without all of this information your inspection cannot be scheduled.
Plumbing, electrical and mechanical inspections are made Monday through Thursday.
After an inspection has been completed, a sticker will be left on the premises indicating if the inspection was approved or disapproved. If you have any questions regarding an inspection please call the Building Department at 248-651-6930.
No building or portion of a building may be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued and obtained. A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued when construction is completed, with all applicable codes, and all inspections have been approved.
A Certificate of Occupancy can be obtained the next business day after the last inspection has been approved. If you have any questions, please contact the Building Department at 248-651-6930.
Ordinance #84 restricts the hours of construction to between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Throughout the year, construction projects are in progress in various locations within Oakland Township. Although certain inconveniences are to be expected during any type of construction, there may be circumstances where construction debris or other concerns arise outside of the normal anticipated disruptions.
Should any concerns arise please contact the Building Department staff at 248-651-6930 during normal business hours. Please be prepared to provide the Building Department staff with your name, address, telephone number, location of concern or problem, and as much detailed information as possible.
Plans must be submitted to the Building Department for all commercial and residential construction in Oakland Township. For specific submittal requirements for your particular project please see Permit Requirements & Fees.
Residential and commercial permits take between 4 to 6 weeks to process. Other building permits take between 1 to 2 weeks. Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical permits can be obtained over the counter during normal business hours.
A permit is required for the demolition of any commercial or residential building. When submitting for a permit to demolish a building, a written release from all utility companies indicating that the services have been properly terminated is required. For more information, please contact the Building Department at 248-651-6930.
A building permit is required for any detached accessory building over 200 square feet in size. All detached accessory buildings must comply with zoning requirements.
For submittal information, see Detached Accessory Building Requirements in Permit Requirements & Fees.
Electrical permits are required for the installation of new electrical service equipment, existing service relocations, service increases, as well as fixed appliances and equipment connections. A minimum electrical permit fee is $60.00. Electrical permits are based on the size of service, number of circuits, and type of installation.
An electrical permit or fee information can be obtained in the Building Department during normal business hours.
A mechanical permit is required for the installation of a pre-fab fireplace, and must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer specifications. All pre-fab fireplaces must be approved by a nationally recognized testing agency.
Mechanical permits are required for the installation or replacement of any furnace or central air conditioner, duct work installations and gas piping installations. A minimum mechanical permit fee is $60.00. Mechanical permit fees are based on the size of the HVAC units, number of gas outlets and type of installation.
A mechanical permit and fee information can be obtained in the Building Department during regular business hours.
The Code Enforcement Officer in the Building Department enforces township ordinances. If you have any complaints regarding abandoned vehicles, junk and debris, or any other concerns, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer at 248-651-6930.
A Plumbing Permit is required for the installation of any new plumbing fixture, hot water heater, water system supply lines, and any new drain waste or vent pipes. A minimum Plumbing Permit fee is $60.00. Plumbing Permit fees are based on the number of fixtures, drain lines, size of supply lines, and type of installation.
Plumbing Permit and fee information can be obtained at the Building Department during regular business hours.
A Building Permit is required for all above ground and inground swimming pools containing more than 2 feet of water. An electrical permit is required for the grounding and additional circuits that will need to be installed. All outside pools must be provided with a safety enclosure in compliance with the Building Code. A copy of the safety enclosure requirements can be obtained at the Building Department during regular business hours.
The Oakland Township Zoning Ordinance controls the location, size and height of structures such as buildings, garages and additions to houses. The Zoning Ordinance also controls what you can do in different parts of the Township. For example, you cannot conduct a commercial business in a residential area, except under certain conditions. If you think someone may be violating the Zoning Ordinance or if you have a question about the ordinance please contact the Building Department at 248-651-6930 during regular business hours.
The Zoning Ordinance is designed to protect township residents, their homes and businesses from conflicting activities nearby.
An application along with the required fee for a variance must be submitted to the Building Department staff to be placed on the agenda for the Zoning Board of Appeals.