Why the answer is local
Permit rules in Michigan are enforced locally, so the place to ask is the building department for your city or township. A drying job rarely needs one on its own, but repairs that touch structure, wiring or plumbing often do.
We do not quote permit requirements from memory, because rules change and vary between communities. The most reliable move is a short phone call to the building department that covers your address.
Jobs that commonly raise the question
| Repair | Permit question | Who usually decides |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction and drying only | Usually no permit for the drying itself | Ask if unsure. |
| Replacing drywall and paint | Often no permit for cosmetic work | Local building department. |
| Replacing wiring or panels | Often requires an electrical permit | Local building department. |
| Replacing or moving plumbing | Often requires a plumbing permit | Local building department. |
| Structural repairs, such as joists | Often requires a building permit | Local building department. |
| New water heater | Often requires a plumbing or mechanical permit | Local building department. |
How to ask the building department
Have your address ready
The department needs to know which jurisdiction you are in.
Describe the work
Say what was damaged and what will be repaired, in plain terms.
Ask what is required
Ask about permits, inspections and who may pull them.
Write it down
Note the date, the name and the answer in your claim folder.
Romulus, New Boston and the rest: different offices
Romulus is a city, so its building department handles permits within city limits. New Boston is an unincorporated community inside Huron Charter Township, so questions there go to the township, and nearby cities such as Belleville, Inkster and Garden City each have their own offices.
If you are not sure which jurisdiction you are in, start with your property tax bill or the county, and ask when you call. Our pages for New Boston and Belleville explain the local setting.
Who pulls the permit
Often the contractor doing the work pulls the permit, and homeowners can sometimes pull permits for their own home with limits. Ask the building department who may apply for each type of permit.
Be cautious of any contractor who suggests skipping permits to save time. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurers and at resale.
A planning timeline for repairs that need a permit
| Stage | What happens | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Drying | Water removed and structure dried | Keep readings and photos. |
| Planning | Scope for repairs is written | Ask which items need permits. |
| Permit | Application is filed and reviewed | Confirm who files and any fees. |
| Work and inspection | Repairs are done and inspected | Do not close walls before inspection. |
| Final | Final inspection and sign off | Keep the record for insurance and resale. |
Mistakes that cause trouble with permits
- Closing walls before a required inspection.
- Hiring someone who says permits are unnecessary without checking.
- Assuming a permit from a neighbor's job applies to yours.
- Not keeping the final inspection record.
- Starting work before the permit is issued.
Questions to ask your contractor about permits
Ask who is responsible for permits, whether permit fees are in the price and who schedules inspections. A contractor who has handled permits in your community can usually tell you what the building department asks for.
If your insurer is paying for repairs, ask whether the claim requires proof of permits. Having that answer early avoids delays near the end of the job.
Romulus note: what the city says is the right place to ask
Romulus note: local facts
Romulus became a city in 1970 and covers about 36 square miles, according to Census figures, and permit questions for properties inside the city belong with the City of Romulus building department. Call the city directly for current requirements instead of relying on a list on a website.
The National Weather Service recorded 3.31 inches of rain in Romulus in about an hour and a half on July 28, 2025. After storms like that, building departments can be busy, so ask early if you expect repairs that need a permit.
Permits and insurance
Insurers may ask whether repairs were permitted and inspected, so keep copies of permits and final inspection records. If an inspector finds a problem, fix it before you close up walls.
For damage that needs only drying and surface repair, our structural drying and wall and drywall repair pages explain what is usually involved.
Common questions
Drying equipment normally does not need one, but confirm with your local building department if repairs will follow.
It is often not required for simple drywall replacement, but ask your building department to be sure.
No. New Boston is in Huron Charter Township, so ask the township. Romulus properties inside the city use the city building department.
Often the contractor, and sometimes the homeowner. Ask the building department who may apply.
It can create problems with insurance, inspections and resale. Ask before work starts.