Deck Construction Permits in Ann Arbor

Local Rule

City of Ann Arbor Building and Rental Services, Planning Zoning Review

The city's own Zoning Compliance Permits page lists a floating or detached deck of 200 square feet or less among projects that skip the building permit but still need a Zoning Compliance Permit reviewed by Planning staff, confirming the statewide Michigan exemption (200 square feet, 30 inches above grade, not attached, and at least 36 inches from any structure) applies in Ann Arbor with that added local paperwork step. Ann Arbor's frost depth of 42 inches is deeper than the IRC Climate Zone 5A standard of 36 inches, driving deeper footing requirements even for exempt decks. Decks in the city's historic districts need Historic District Commission review before any building permit is issued.

Source · Verified September 2026

Ann Arbor Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Washtenaw County

Ann Arbor's own rule is shown above (Depends on project scope). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Washtenaw County Building Department (unincorporated areas)

Washtenaw County operates its own Building Department, which issues the technical building permit for a deck in unincorporated areas, but township zoning compliance must be obtained first. Lodi Township requires an approved driveway permit from the county road commission and a grading waiver from the county Soil Erosion and Sediment Control office before the township will grant the zoning compliance needed to apply for the county building permit.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Ann Arbor with a confirmed deck construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a deck construction project:

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