Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Roof in Novi?

Short answer: yes. In Novi, a full roof replacement on a house needs a building permit from the City of Novi Building Division, part of the Community Development Department at 45175 Ten Mile Road, (248) 347-0415. Small repairs, like replacing a few shingles, usually do not. The city makes the final call, so if you are not sure, ask them before work starts.

Why a Roof Needs a Permit

Michigan uses one statewide building code, and the Michigan Residential Code has rules for how a new roof goes on. A permit means the city checks that the work follows those rules. That matters in a place like Novi, where heavy snow, ice and spring wind storms test every roof.

The permit also protects you when you sell the house. Buyers, inspectors and lenders sometimes ask whether a newer roof was permitted and inspected. A permit on file answers that question.

What the Code Checks on a New Roof

• How many layers. The code limits how many roof coverings can be stacked. If your house already has two layers of shingles, the old roofing has to come off down to the deck before the new roof goes on.
• Ice barrier at the eaves. In cold places like Southeast Michigan, the code calls for an ice barrier along the lower edge of the roof. It runs from the edge to at least 24 inches inside the outside wall of the house, to stop water that backs up behind ice dams.
• Solid decking. Rotted or soft boards under the old shingles have to be replaced so the new roof has a sound base.
• Flashing and venting. Flashing at walls, chimneys and valleys, and enough roof venting, are part of a code compliant job.

Who Pulls the Permit

On most jobs, the contractor pulls the permit. Before you sign, ask your roofer who is pulling it, and make sure the permit is in place before the old roof comes off. Be careful with anyone who suggests skipping the permit to save time or money.

Michigan law also lets a homeowner pull a permit for work on the home they live in, but then the homeowner is responsible for the work meeting code. Most people find it easier to let a licensed contractor handle it.

• In Michigan, roofing is a licensed trade. Roofers who do home repair and replacement work hold a Residential Builder or a Maintenance and Alteration contractor license from LARA, the state licensing agency.
• You can look up any contractor's license for free at michigan.gov/licenselookup. Check that the license is active.
• Ask for proof of insurance too.

What Usually Does Not Need a Permit

Small repairs are usually treated differently from a full replacement. These often do not need a permit, but rules can change, so confirm with the Building Division for your exact job:

• Replacing a few missing or damaged shingles.
• Resealing a pipe boot or a small flashing leak.
• Gutter cleaning or small gutter repairs.

Bigger jobs, like replacing a full slope, replacing decking or changing the roof structure, are more likely to need a permit. When in doubt, call the city first.

How Long the Permit Takes, and What It Costs

Novi sets its permit fees in the Community Development fee schedule, which bases residential building permit fees on the estimated cost of the project. The city updates that schedule, so check the current version on cityofnovi.org or call the Building Division. Your roofer's written estimate should say whether the permit fee is included.

Plan a little time for the permit before the work date. Once the roof is done, the city inspects the work, and the permit is closed out when it passes.

A Roof Replacement in Novi, Step by Step

Here is how a permitted roof job usually goes from first call to final inspection:

• Inspection and estimate. A roofer looks at the roof, the decking where it can be seen, the attic, the flashing and the venting, and writes up what the job needs.
• Contract and permit. Once you sign, the permit is applied for with the city. The estimate or contract should name the shingle, the underlayment, the ice barrier and how decking repairs are priced.
• Tear off. The old roofing comes off down to the deck. This is when hidden rot shows up, and soft boards get replaced.
• New roof. Ice barrier at the eaves and in the valleys, underlayment, flashing, shingles, vents and ridge cap go on.
• Cleanup. Old roofing, nails and debris are hauled away, and the yard and driveway are cleaned up.
• Final inspection. The city inspects the finished roof and closes the permit when it passes. Keep a copy of the permit and the estimate with your house papers.

Weather matters in Michigan. Shingles seal best in mild weather, so many homeowners plan replacements for spring through fall. Work can still happen in cooler months on the right days, and a good roofer will talk you through the timing.

HOAs and Towns Near Novi

Many Novi subdivisions have a homeowners association with its own rules on roof color and material. HOA approval is separate from the city permit, so check both before you order shingles.

Nearby towns have their own building departments. Northville, Livonia, Farmington Hills, Wixom, Walled Lake, South Lyon, West Bloomfield and Commerce Township each handle permits for homes inside their borders. Homes in the Northville Historic District can also need review by the Historic District Commission for exterior changes.

Thinking about a new roof? We start with a free inspection. We go up, take photos, and show you what we found, then give you a free written, itemized estimate. If a repair will do, we tell you. Most home roof replacements take 1 to 3 days once the work starts. Call (734) 427-3981 or see our roofing work.