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1. I registered but did not receive my registration email. Now what do I do?

There are some things to check first:

• First, give it a couple more minutes. Sometimes emails can be delayed for reasons out of our control. You should receive your email within 30 minutes of registering.
• Did you spell your email address correctly? Some days are not good typing days. We get that. Computers are picky about spelling, more than Ms. Henley from 2nd grade!
• Next, check your junk folders. We think our emails are important and awesome. However, sometimes they end up in places we did not intend.
• If the two suggestions above did not help, please email devon.landers@canton-mi.org so we can activate your account. We will just need your email address and we can activate your account on our side.

2. When Do I Need a Permit?

You may obtain a copy of all permit applications on our website by visiting www.canton-mi.org/245.

• New construction: commercial and residential
• Renovations
• Additions
• Tree, Water or Fire Damaged properties (commercial or residential)
• Re-roofing, window, and siding replacements.
• Signs
• Concrete/Paver Flatwork
• Pools, Decks and Fences
• Accessory Structure under 200 sf.

Also take a look at our handout regarding the difference between building permit items and zoning ordinance compliance permits on our division webpage.

3. What are the requirements of the Homeowner?

The requirements for a homeowner’s permit are as follows:

• Homeowner is doing the work
• Homeowner is not paying anyone to do the work

Property is homeowner’s primary residence and driver’s license verifies address.

4. If I hire a contractor, who is responsible for obtaining the permit?

The contractor is responsible for the obtaining the permit. CAUTION should be exercised if the person or company you are contracting with urges or requests you to obtain the permit.

5. What Determines the Cost of a Permit?

Fees are based on the fee schedule.

New construction valuation amounts are determined by Building department staff according to the most current ICC valuation chart.

6. How do I request an inspection on my permitted work?

Canton's Building and Inspection Services now offers online inspection scheduling. Click HERE to lean how to schedule an inspection.

7. My contractor is not showing up when I am adding my contacts, or the contractor has more than one address?

When you add your contractor to the portal, start out typing the name of the business.  The contractor should pop-up for you to add.  If your contractor does not show, please contact us so we can check the status of their license.

8. I am a trade contractor listed on several building permits. Can I use the portal to check inspection results even if my builder does not use the portal?

Yes.  Register for the portal as a CONTRACTOR.  All of the permits you are listed on will show up in My Items under Permit Applications.

9. Is there a Phone App for the CityView Portal?

No, there is no phone app for the CityView Portal.

10. Can there be more than one person linked as the contractor under one license number?

No, only one portal user can be linked to each license number.

11. What is the turnaround time for trade permits submitted on the portal?

Trade permits are usually processed within 3 business days on the portal.

12. I have an inspection today, what time will the inspector be at my house?

Unfortunately, our department does not give scheduled times or appointments.  If you have confirmation of your inspection scheduled for that particular day, the inspector will be there that day; typically, between 8:30am-3:30pm. You may also check the CityView portal for the date of your inspection.

13. Can I pull a trade permit before submitting a building permit application for on a project that requires a building permit?

No, a building permit must be pulled and issued prior to applying for respective trade permits.