Permits & Inspections

Virtual Inspections Program

The City of Sterling Heights Building Department now offers virtual inspections. Our Virtual Inspections Program allows for off-site virtual inspections for a permit holder to utilize on select inspections.

View more information on the Virtual Inspections Program here.

Schedule a Witness Test with Fire Department

(For fire suppression, fire alarms, and kitchen hood systems)

To schedule a witness test, please email fps@sterling-heights.net with your request at least 5 days in advance with your preferred date and time (any time after 10:00 a.m.).  Please include the following information:

  1. Address of job site
  2. Permit number
  3. Contractor contact information
  4. Type of test to be performed

We will confirm the date and time via email. If you have any further questions related to Fire Department witness tests only, please contact us at fps@sterling-heights.net or call 586-446-2955.

Submitting Permits


Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and roofing permits can be completed and submitted on-line by homeowners and licensed contractors. Permits can also be mailed into the Office of Building but can NOT be faxed in for processing.

Please note, request for Electrical Service Upgrades and Air Conditioning Permits must be done in-person or mailed in to the City of Sterling Heights, ATTN: Building Department. For more information, click here.

The following permits cannot be obtained online: a building permit to perform any structural changes, i.e. decks, sheds, additions, pools, etc. A review has to be conducted on these types of new construction projects therefore they CANNOT be obtained online.

All other forms & permits must be printed and submitted to:

City of Sterling Heights
Office of Building
40555 Utica Road
Sterling Heights, MI 48313

Adobe Acrobat Reader


To download and print forms or permits, install Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
  1. Permit Applications
  2. Online Permits 
  3. Schedule Inspections
  4. How-to Brochures

All  Permit Applications

  1. Appeal Application (PDF)
  2. Building Permit Application
  3. Contractor Registration Application (PDF)
  4. Drain Waste Vent Testing Certification (PDF)
  5. Electrical Permit Application (PDF)
  6. Fence Permit Application (PDF)
  7. Fire Alarm Permit Application (PDF)
  8. Mechanical Permit Application (PDF)
  9. Plumbing Permit Application
  10. Residential Plan Review Checklist (PDF)
  11. Use Permit Application (PDF)
  12. Sign Permit Application
  13. Special Inspection Application - Commercial (PDF)
  14. Special Inspection Application - Residential (PDF)
  15. Fire Suppression Permit Application 2020-21
  16. Permit Cancellation/Extension Request Form