Community Development FAQ

Building Permits can be applied for in person at the Community Development Department. Applications and plans under seven (7) pages and no larger than 11x17 can be emailed to [email protected].

A permit is needed for construction, alterations, repairs, or changes to any building, electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.

Processing usually takes 2-4 weeks.

Fees vary by project. View the City Council adopted fee schedule HERE.

Submit a Building Permit Application, three hard copies of plans (signed and sealed for commercial projects), and two plot plans.

Yes. Credit card payments are subject to a 3% convenience fee.

We also accept cash and check payments with no fee.

Information on parcels of land is available as various developers and residents notify this office. However, there are times when this information is unavailable due to no listed referrals. Even when there are referrals, individuals are encouraged to contact a broker for assistance, as it is their primary function to know what is available. This office has compiled a list of brokers in this area for your convenience. For more information, please call (248) 364-6900.

For details on incentives like Tax Abatement and Industrial Revenue Bonds, call (248) 364-6802.

Call (248) 364-6900 for an overview or visit Oakland County’s "One Stop Shop" for resources and workshops.

Expanding businesses in Auburn Hills may qualify for tax abatements. For more information, contact the City’s Assessing Department at (248) 370-9436.

Call the Building Services/Ordinance Enforcement complaint line at (248) 364-6935. This voicemail box is checked daily and can be reached at any time.

A person may not keep more than five dogs and five cats (six months or older) at a single residence within the city.

Up to six chickens (excluding roosters) may also be kept after obtaining a permit from the Community Development Department.

Animal complaints should be directed to the Police Department at (248) 370-9444.

RVs must be parked in the side or rear yard on an approved improved surface.

Lot splits depend on zoning and other factors. Contact the Community Development Department at (248) 364-6900 for details.

Call (248) 364-6900 with your address or parcel number. Zoning maps are also available online HERE.

For information on nearby developments, call (248) 364-6900.

Call the number on the notice for details, review materials at the Community Development Department, or submit comments via mail or email. You may also speak at the public hearing.

The Citizen Participation Ordinance aims to ensure that developers and citizens have adequate opportunities early in the planning process to discuss, understand, and resolve neighborhood issues related to any potential impacts of a proposed project on the surrounding neighborhood. The Ordinance applies to most proposed private and public development projects within 1,000 feet of residential-zoned property. For more information, contact Community Development at 248-364-6900.

Auburn Hills does not require most businesses to obtain a business license; however, all new businesses moving into a space must submit a tenant occupancy application to our offices. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development staff at (248) 364-6900.