Build Siren tracks building permit activity in Detroit, Wayne County and delivers it to local contractors as a daily, trade-filtered report — the exact project address, the permit description, the estimated value where Detroit records it, whether a contractor is named, and a Premium / Strong / Usable lead score.
Permit activity in Detroit
Detroit has one of the largest and oldest housing stocks in the country, and permit volume reflects it: constant residential rehab and gut renovation, demolition activity, roof and mechanical replacement, and a steady pipeline of commercial and multi-family redevelopment across Downtown, Midtown, Corktown and the neighborhoods. For contractors, that is a deep, year-round stream of permitted work — and demolition permits that flag new builds months early.
What contractors use Detroit permit data for
- Roofing — Detroit re-roof and tear-off permits (roofing leads)
- HVAC — furnace and A/C changeouts, commercial rooftop units (HVAC leads)
- Plumbing — water heaters, sewer and water service, repipes (plumbing leads)
- Electrical — panel upgrades, generators, EV chargers (electrical leads)
- Remodeling — kitchens, baths, basements, additions (remodeling leads)
- General contractors — new builds, additions, commercial build-outs (GC leads)
How to look up a building permit in Detroit
Detroit accepts permit applications through its Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department and an online portal; issued permits are public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Build Siren monitors Detroit along with every other Wayne County community at once, so new permits reach you without checking portals yourself.
Nearby cities we cover
Dearborn · Ferndale · Warren — see all coverage areas.
Detroit permit leads FAQ
Are Detroit building permits public record?
Yes. Building permits filed with Michigan municipalities are public records available under the Michigan FOIA. Build Siren aggregates them so you do not have to file requests.
How fast will I see new Detroit permits?
New activity is included in the next weekday morning’s report.
Can I get only Detroit, not the whole county?
Yes — single-city territories are available. Availability is limited per trade.
What does it cost?
One trade starts at $99/month. See pricing.
Request Detroit access — from $99/month. Call (248) 290-8979.