Custom Home Builder Ann Arbor, MI
Building In Ann Arbor
Many of Ann Arbor’s older neighborhoods are historic districts.
Every application goes in online, and we prepare and submit it.
We work alongside your architect or designer. They lead the design. We help make sure it fits the lot and the city’s rules, keep you informed at every step, and build it with care.
Ann Arbor Requirements
Permits
The city has its own building department, and its engineers approve driveways and work in the street separately. We handle both applications.
Trees, Slopes, Streams And Wetlands
The city’s development code covers natural features, including woodlands, landmark trees, steep slopes, streams and wetlands. We have the lot looked at early and place the home with these in mind.
Street Trees
The city’s page says trees along the street belong to the city, and lists a permit for work that affects one. We plan the driveway and utility lines to avoid them where we can.
Historic Districts
In a historic district, the city lists the Historic District Commission’s approval for all work on the outside of a property, including a new home. We prepare that application.
Land That Can Flood
The city’s floodplain page covers building on land that can flood. We check your lot against the maps early.
Taking Down An Old House
The city decides whether a house may come down, and issues the permit once each utility confirms its connection is removed. We collect those confirmations.
This page is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Ann Arbor decides what is allowed on each property, and its rules change. For anything official, Ann Arbor Construction and Building is on (734) 794-6263.
Questions About Building In Ann Arbor
What does Ann Arbor’s code ask each utility to confirm before a house comes down?
Whether a house may come down is the city’s decision for each property. Its code asks for each utility to confirm in writing that service is removed, and in a historic district the city describes it as approved only in limited cases. We check with the city for your address and handle the application.
Which trees does Ann Arbor protect: landmark trees, street trees or both?
The city sets the rules for trees. It protects woodlands and landmark trees, and its page says street trees belong to the city. We check the current rules for your property and plan the home around them.
How wide a strip does Ann Arbor’s development code keep around streams and wetlands?
The city’s development code sets this. It lists a strip of 25 feet kept around wetlands and streams. We have the lot looked at early.
What does Ann Arbor’s floodplain page say about a new home near floodwater?
The city’s floodplain page rules out new buildings in the main path of floodwater. On the land around it, the page describes a new home with its lowest floor raised above the flood level the city sets. We check your lot against the maps early.
What does Ann Arbor’s noise code list as hours for building work?
The city sets the hours. Its code lists them as 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, with no work on legal holidays. Those hours are ours to follow.
This is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Ann Arbor decides what is allowed on each property. Sources: the City of Ann Arbor pages linked above, and its City Code, Noise Control. Checked October 11, 2026.
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