Novi, MI Building Permits: Review Times, Process and Costs
Novi, MI building permit timeline: Review times vary by project scope and complexity. Contact the building department for current processing times.
Novi, MI requires building permits for most construction, renovation, and tenant improvement projects. This page covers review timelines, required permits, costs, and how to speed up the process.
Novi Plan Review Timeline
Time to review first submittal: For site plan submissions in Novi, MI, allow ten business days for review of available plans (site plan, woodlands, wetlands, landscape plan, building facade elevations, etc.) by each of the City’s reviewers before the scheduled pre-application meeting. This is required for both initial and pre-application stages. After initial review, the overall site plan approval process currently takes approximately seven months to complete, but this can vary widely based on project type and the quality of plans submitted.
Time to review subsequent submittals: For subsequent submittals (such as resubmission of preliminary or final site plans), there is no specific published timeline for review. However, the process indicates that applicants may be asked to resubmit plans multiple times before final approval, and each resubmission would likely require a similar internal review before proceeding to the next meeting or step.
Other time-related details:
- Concept and Pre-Application Meetings: Typically scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Total Site Plan Approval Process: Approximately 7 months, but can vary.
- Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals: Planning Commission meetings are typically held twice per month; Zoning Board of Appeals meet monthly; City Council meets twice monthly. Additional time may be required if these meetings are needed for approval.
- Final Approval: Upon approval of final site plans, additional time is required for legal document review and submission of stamping sets.
Note: For standard building permit plan reviews (not site plans), the City of Novi Building Department requires a two-day notice to process the request, but the actual plan review time is not specified in available documentation. For questions about specific building permit plan reviews, contacting the Building Department is recommended.
No specific published times for review of subsequent plan check submittals for building permits were found. The 7-month timeline is for the full site plan approval process, not building permit plan checks. For site plan reviews, the only published review time is the 10-business-day initial review before a pre-application meeting.
For building permits, the required plan review time is not listed. Only a two-day notice for processing the request is mentioned.
Last verified: June 2025 | Source: Novi Building Department
Need it faster? Permit Place can expedite your Novi permits
What Building Permits Do You Need in Novi?
Novi requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the Novi Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the Novi building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Most commercial projects go through 2 to 3 correction cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Novi Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Novi vary based on project type and valuation.
Commercial
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Residential
- Small projects (decks, pools, fences): $50 to $300
- Home additions and remodels: $200 to $2,000+
- New home construction: $1,000 to $10,000+ (based on valuation)
For a detailed permit cost breakdown specific to your project, get a free due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Novi building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Novi Building Department
Novi Building Department
- Website: cityofnovi.org/services/community-development/inspections-online-portal
- City Website: cityofnovi.org
Frequently Asked Questions About Novi Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Novi?
Plan review in Novi, MI takes varies by project type for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will need additional review cycles, each adding time to the total. Most commercial projects go through at least two review cycles before approval.
What is the difference between residential and commercial permit review in Novi?
Commercial projects in Novi require review by multiple departments (building, fire, public works, and sometimes health), which adds time. Residential projects typically involve fewer review disciplines and can be processed faster. Tenant improvements fall between the two depending on scope.
Can I speed up the permit process in Novi?
The most effective way to speed up the permit process in Novi is to submit complete, code-compliant plans on the first attempt. This reduces correction cycles, which are the primary cause of delays. Permit Place helps ensure your application is complete before submission.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Novi?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in Novi that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Novi?
Permit fees in Novi are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Can a permit expediter help with my Novi project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Novi and 600+ other jurisdictions. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in Novi, MI?
Most construction in Novi requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
Need Help With Novi Building Permits?
Permit Place has helped hundreds of businesses get permits in Novi and across Michigan. We handle everything from application to approval so you can focus on building.
Request a Free Quote
Free DD Report
Want to know exactly what permits your project needs? Get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io. View a free demo DD report