The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSE&ED) provides for the safety, health, welfare and improvement of Quality of life of the general public relative to buildings and their environments in an efficient, cost effective, user-friendly and professional manner.
- Department of Administrative Hearings
(313) 224-0098 - City of Detroit Water and Sewerage Department:
(313) 267-8000 - Detroit City Engineering Department
(313) 224-3949 - Planning and Development:
(313) 224-6380 - For a detail list click on City Agencies Link.
- Department of Administrative Hearings
- MISS DIG
(800) 482-7171 - Detroit Economic Growth
(313) 963-2940 - 24-Hour Security Command Center
(313) 309-2320 - Department of HUD
(248) 827-0200 - For detail list click on City Business Services Link
- MISS DIG
- Coleman A. Young Municipal Center Two Woodward Ave. - Suite 401 Detroit, MI 48226
- For detail information on directions Click here
- Customers doing business with the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department will receive a discount on parking at the Ford Underground Parking Lot, located at 30 E. Jefferson.
- For detail information on Security Click here
- Building Inspections
(313) 224-3202 - Business License Center
(313) 224-3178 - Dangerous Buildings / Demolition
(313) 224-3215 - Permit Information Center
(313) 628-2711 or
(313) 628-2712 - Pre-Sale
(313) 224-3121 or
(313) 224-3122 - Property Maintenance (313) 628-2451
- For detail contact list Click here
- Building Inspections
- Submit Feedback, Click here
The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSE&ED) is the public agency that administers and enforces the Michigan State family of construction codes, which regulates the construction and alteration of buildings throughout the state. The BSE&ED also ensures the proper maintenance of existing buildings and their environments by enforcing the City of Detroit Property Maintenance Code and the Official Zoning Ordinance, as well as overseeing the demolition of dangerous buildings to eliminate blight in the City. Additionally, the BSE&ED issues licenses for businesses in the City of Detroit through the Business License Center. As the holder and issuer of all business licenses, the BSE&ED assures that business owners seeking to obtain a license to operate in the City of Detroit meet all applicable legal standards before a license is issued or renewed.
The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department has developed several documents to assist customers with applying for a permit. These documents can be printed to help guide you along the way. Click on the appropriate link below to view and/or print the document that details the process Steps for applying for a permit.
For the entire list of permit process steps, Click here.
The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department has developed process Steps documents to assist customers with applying for a license. These documents can be printed to help guide you along the way. Click on the appropriate link below to view and/or print the document that details the process for applying for a license.
The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department offers various types of inspections. Most inspections must be scheduled over the phone or by printing the inspection request form from the website, completing the form, and returning the form as instructed to the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department.
Click here to obtain pertinent information regarding scheduling your inspection.
How Do I…Dispute A Blight Violation Notice (Ticket)
The Blight Violation Notice (Ticket) states the specific violation, the date, time, and place that the alleged violation occurred and payment options concerning the fine.
An appearance at a hearing is required to contest the alleged violation. The notice will state the date, time and place for your hearing. Questions about why you were cited must be directed to the department that issued the violation. If you believe that you or your property was cited by mistake, you are strongly encouraged to appear for the scheduled hearing. Ignoring a Notice may result in a decision and order of default being entered against you.
Contact the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSE&ED) at (313) 628-2451 and ask to speak to the Property Maintenance Division supervisor.
How Do I...Download Forms…
Forms on this site are available for downloading (for printing purposes only) or viewing using the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have not downloaded files in the Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) before or do not have the most current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for Free.
- Application for Registration of Rental Housing
- Application for Pre-Sale Inspection Services
- Plumbing Permit Application
- Application for Building Permit for Additions, Alterations or Repairs
- Mechanical Permit Application
- Business License Application
- Electrical Permit Application
Click here to view Forms by Division.
How Do I..File A Complaint
How Do I...Gain Knowledge of……
- Opening A New Business
- Property Inspections
- What Landlords & Tenants Should Know
- How To Get A Structure Demolished
- What Property Maintenance Inspectors Look For
Click here to see the detail list.
How Do I...Obtain….
Pre-Sale Inspection Application can be processed and paid online by visiting www.detroitmi.gov (Under the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department section) or by visiting the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department, located on the 4th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.
All Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department fees must be paid during normal business hours, from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, Monday through Friday in person or by mail to the following address:
Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
Two Woodward Avenue, 4th Floor
Detroit, Michigan 48226
Attn: Cashier's Station
Fines are paid directly to the Department of Administrative Hearings (DAH). Payment can be made in person during normal business hours, or by mail to the following address:
Department of Administrative Hearings
561 East Jefferson
Detroit,Michigan 48226
(313) 224-0098
How Do I...Register A Rental Property
All rental property owners in the City of Detroit must register their rental property and obtain a Certificate of Compliance. The certificate is proof that an inspection was performed at the property and found to be in a safe and habitable condition. Forms can be picked up from the following location:
Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSE&ED)
Property Maintenance and Zoning Violations
Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
Two Woodward Avenue, Suite 412
Detroit, Michigan 48226
How Do I…Report
Please report vacant, abandoned, and dangerous buildings by calling the Department's ABANDONED BUILDING HOTLINE 313-224-3215 or inform us through an email abandonedbldg@detroitmi.gov. In the email body please specify the address of the building. If a street number is not shown, give the address of the nearest building on each side so identification can be made.
How Do I…Request..
How Do I…View
Permits on this site are available for downloading (for printing purposes only) or viewing using the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have not downloaded files in the Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) before or do not have the most current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, Click here to Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for Free.
Licenses on this site are available for downloading (for printing purposes only) or viewing using the Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you have not downloaded files in the Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) before or do not have the most current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, Click here to Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for Free .
The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department offers various types of inspections. Most inspections must be scheduled over the phone or by printing the inspection request form from the website, completing the form, and returning the form as instructed to the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. Inspection Request Forms are available for downloading (printing purposes only) using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. If you have not downloaded files in the Adobe Acrobat format (PDF) before or do not have the most current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, Click here to Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for Free.
Dangerous Buildings/Demolition Division responds to complaints of dangerous buildings, prepares cases to obtain a demolition order from City Council and engages demolition contractors in the removal of dangerous and abandoned structures in accordance with the Michigan Housing Law and City of Detroit Ordinance 290-H.
The Administration Division provides centralized support and management services to the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department, including fiscal and personnel management, employee-employer relations, and business services.
Latest News
- Pre-Sale Application is now available online.
- Effective August 20, 2010, the 2009 Michigan Plumbing Code went in to effect.
- The ability to process Permits, Licenses and Inspections online coming soon!
- Plumbing Fee Meeting Notice - November 28, 2011