Detroit Site Plan Requirements & Permit Guide (2025)

By Site Plan Creator Team •

Guide to creating site plans for building permits in Detroit, including BSEED requirements and neighborhood revitalization standards.

Detroit Site Plan Requirements: Complete Guide for Building Permits

Creating a site plan for a building permit in Detroit, Michigan requires meeting specific requirements set by the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Detroit's development is governed by Chapter 50 (Zoning) of the Detroit City Code, with special considerations for the city's revitalization efforts, extensive historic districts, and unique programs supporting neighborhood development.

What Is a Site Plan and Why Does Detroit Require One?

A site plan is a scaled drawing showing your property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, and site features. BSEED requires a site plan for all building permit applications to verify compliance with Chapter 50 (Zoning) and the Michigan Building Code. Look up your property's zoning through the city's Parcel Viewer at detroitmi.gov/gis.

Required Site Plan Elements for BSEED

  • Property boundaries with accurate dimensions and total lot area
  • Setbacks from all property lines per Chapter 50
  • Existing structures with square footage, height, and use
  • Proposed construction clearly distinguished from existing
  • Lot coverage calculation
  • Parking spaces per zoning requirements
  • Driveways and access
  • Landscaping per Chapter 50 requirements
  • Stormwater management features
  • North arrow and scale
  • Wayne County parcel ID

Detroit Zoning and Setback Requirements

  • R1 (Single-Family, large lot): Front 25 feet, side 10 feet, rear 30 feet. Lot coverage max 30%. Min lot 60 feet wide.
  • R2 (Single-Family, standard): Front 20 feet, side 5 feet, rear 30 feet. Lot coverage max 35%. Min lot 40 feet wide.
  • R3 (Single-Family/Two-Family): Front 20 feet, side 5 feet, rear 30 feet. Lot coverage max 40%.
  • R5 (Medium-Density Residential): Front 20 feet, side 10 feet, rear 30 feet. Lot coverage max 45%.
  • R6 (High-Density Residential): Front 15 feet, side 10 feet, rear 30 feet. Lot coverage max 55%.
  • Corner lots: Street-side setback equals the front setback of the abutting zone.

Historic Preservation Requirements

Detroit has nationally significant historic districts overseen by the Historic District Commission (HDC):

  • Over 20 local historic districts including Indian Village, Boston-Edison, Palmer Woods, Woodbridge, Corktown, and the East Ferry Avenue district
  • Certificate of Appropriateness required for exterior work, new construction, and demolition in local historic districts
  • Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviews projects involving state or federal funding
  • Tax incentives: Michigan's Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) and federal/state historic tax credits provide significant financial incentives for rehabilitation
  • HDC review adds 30-60 days to the timeline

Detroit Land Bank and Vacant Property Development

Detroit has unique programs for developing vacant and tax-foreclosed properties:

  • Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA): Manages over 60,000 parcels; sells properties through auction, side lot sales, and development programs
  • Side Lot Sales: Homeowners can purchase adjacent vacant DLBA lots for $100 to expand their property
  • Own It Now Auction: Competitively bid on DLBA properties for development
  • Lot merging: Multiple parcels can be merged for larger developments — your site plan must show all combined parcels

Stormwater Management Requirements

Detroit's stormwater is managed by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD):

  • Stormwater management plan: Required for projects exceeding impervious surface thresholds
  • Green infrastructure: Detroit's Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program encourages rain gardens, bioretention, permeable pavement, and green roofs
  • Combined sewer system: Much of Detroit uses combined sewers; green infrastructure reduces CSO events
  • Stormwater drainage charge: Monthly DWSD fee based on impervious surface with credits for approved green infrastructure

How to Submit Your Site Plan

Online Portal

Submit through Detroit's BSEED online portal at detroitmi.gov/bseed for electronic plan review.

In-Person

Walk-in at Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 300.

Permit Fees and Timeline

  • Plan review fees: Per BSEED fee schedule
  • Building permit fees: From construction cost
  • No traditional impact fees: Detroit does not charge development impact fees to encourage investment
  • Tax incentives: NEZ, Obsolete Property Rehabilitation, and historic credits may offset development costs
  • Timeline: Residential 10-15 business days. Commercial 20-30 business days. HDC review adds 30-60 days. Express residential permits available.

Creating Your Detroit Site Plan with Site Plan Creator

Site Plan Creator makes it easy to generate a professional, permit-ready site plan for your Detroit property. Simply enter your address, and the tool automatically loads your property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. You can then add setback lines, label structures, draw proposed construction, and export a scaled PDF ready for BSEED submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical residential setbacks in Detroit?
In R2 zones (standard single-family), front setbacks are 20 feet, side setbacks 5 feet, and rear setbacks 30 feet with 35% maximum lot coverage. R1 large-lot zones require 25-foot front and 10-foot side setbacks. R6 high-density zones have 15-foot front setbacks and 55% coverage. Always verify through Detroit's Parcel Viewer at detroitmi.gov/gis.
What historic district requirements apply?
Detroit has over 20 local historic districts (Indian Village, Boston-Edison, Palmer Woods, Corktown, and others). A Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic District Commission is required for exterior work, new construction, and demolition. HDC review adds 30-60 days. Tax incentives including NEZ and federal/state historic credits are available.
How do Detroit Land Bank properties work?
The DLBA manages over 60,000 parcels available through auction, side lot sales ($100 for adjacent lots), and development programs. When developing DLBA properties, your site plan must show all parcels. Multiple lots can be merged for larger developments. Contact DLBA at detroitlandbank.org for available properties.
What stormwater management is required?
Projects exceeding impervious surface thresholds need stormwater management plans. Detroit's Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program encourages rain gardens, bioretention, and permeable pavement. Monthly DWSD drainage charges are based on impervious surface with credits for green infrastructure. Much of Detroit uses combined sewers.
What tax incentives are available for development?
Detroit offers multiple tax incentives: Neighborhood Enterprise Zone (NEZ) for property tax reduction on new construction and rehabilitation, Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act credits, and state/federal historic tax credits. The city does not charge development impact fees. These incentives significantly reduce development costs.
How do I submit plans to BSEED?
Submit through Detroit's BSEED online portal at detroitmi.gov/bseed for electronic plan review. Walk-in service is at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Suite 300. Express residential permits are available for simple projects.
Can I merge multiple Detroit lots for development?
Yes, multiple parcels can be merged for larger developments. This is common in Detroit where narrow lots are combined. Your site plan must show all parcels being merged with individual parcel IDs. The DLBA Side Lot program allows homeowners to purchase adjacent vacant lots for $100 to expand their property.
How long does the Detroit permit process take?
Residential plan review takes 10-15 business days. Express residential permits are available for simple projects. Commercial takes 20-30 business days. HDC review for historic districts adds 30-60 days. Detroit does not charge impact fees, which simplifies the overall process.

How to Create a Site Plan in Detroit

  1. Look Up Your Property Information: Use Detroit's Parcel Viewer at detroitmi.gov/gis to find your zoning, historic district status, and lot dimensions. Note your Wayne County parcel ID. Check if the property is a DLBA-managed parcel.
  2. Determine Review Requirements: Check historic district status, stormwater thresholds, and available tax incentives (NEZ, historic credits). If purchasing DLBA property, coordinate with Land Bank on transfer and development requirements.
  3. Create Your Site Plan: Enter your Detroit address in Site Plan Creator to load property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. Add setback lines per Chapter 50. Show all parcels if merging lots.
  4. Include All Required Elements: Ensure your site plan includes property boundaries, setbacks, lot coverage, parking, landscaping, stormwater features, and north arrow with scale.
  5. Prepare Supporting Documents: For historic districts, prepare HDC Certificate of Appropriateness application. Prepare stormwater management plans for regulated projects. Compile tax incentive applications if applicable.
  6. Submit Through BSEED Portal: Upload plans through BSEED's online portal. Pay fees and track status. Submit HDC applications concurrently if in a historic district.
  7. Manage Review and Obtain Permit: Respond to BSEED reviewer comments. Attend HDC meetings if required. Once approved, pay fees, receive permit, and schedule inspections.