Custom Home Builder in Rochester Hills, MI
Building In Rochester Hills
Rochester Hills is a big city with many kinds of lots: open parcels, wooded lots, and established streets where an older house is ready to be replaced. What works on one may not work on the next, so the first step is always to look at the lot itself.
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.
What To Know Before You Build In Rochester Hills
This is what the City of Rochester Hills itself publishes. Each link goes to the city’s own page, which is the one to rely on.
Trees
The city’s guide describes tree protection on many lots, and for the trees along the street. Where those rules apply, the guide lists a tree survey by a qualified tree professional as part of the plan for a new home. We arrange this as part of planning your build.
Not sure whether the rules cover your lot? Send us the address and we will find out with you.
Source: City of Rochester Hills, A Guide to New Home and Addition Construction. Checked October 11, 2026.
Wetlands, Streams And Slopes
The city’s guide describes protection for wetlands, with a 25-foot natural strip around them. It also describes tight controls on building in an area that can flood, and separate rules for steep slopes. These rules shape where a home sits, which is why we look at the lot with you early.
Source: City of Rochester Hills, A Guide to New Home and Addition Construction. Checked October 11, 2026.
Taking Down An Old House
Whether a house may come down is the city’s decision for each property. The city’s guide lists a permit for it, and asks for these first:
- A plan showing what is coming down
- The gas and electricity shut off
- The water and sewer lines capped and checked by the city
- If the old house has a well, it is closed off properly through Oakland County
We check with the city for your address and work through the list with you.
Source: City of Rochester Hills, A Guide to Demolition of a Residential Structure. Checked October 11, 2026.
Permits
As the city describes it, new homes go through its Building Department, and the application is made online. The city does not promise a set review time. In its own words, it varies with the department’s workload. We put the application together with you and your architect, and we will always tell you where things stand.
Source: City of Rochester Hills, Residential New House Permit Application Guide. Checked October 11, 2026.
Water And Sewer
The city’s guide says much of Rochester Hills has city water and sewer, but not every lot. Where they are not available, the guide describes a well, a septic system, or both, built to Oakland County’s standards. We check what your lot has before anything is designed around it.
Source: City of Rochester Hills, A Guide to New Home and Addition Construction. Checked October 11, 2026.
Historic Homes And Subdivision Rules
The city’s guide says a home in one of the city’s historic districts goes to the Historic District Commission for approval before it is built or taken down. Many subdivisions also have their own written rules for new homes. The city does not enforce those, but it does advise checking them, and so do we.
Source: City of Rochester Hills, A Guide to New Home and Addition Construction. Checked October 11, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Rochester Hills decides what is allowed on each property, and its rules change. For anything official, the Rochester Hills Building Department is on (248) 656-4615. We are always happy to check with them for you.
Questions About Building In Rochester Hills
What does the Rochester Hills guide say about trees on a building lot?
The city sets the rules for trees. Its guide describes tree rules that cover many lots and the trees along the street, with a permit where they apply. Send us the address and we will check with the city for you.
What does Rochester Hills keep around a wetland on a building lot?
Where a home may sit is the city’s decision for each lot. Its guide describes a 25-foot natural strip kept around a wetland. We look at the lot with you early and plan around what the city confirms.
What does Rochester Hills want done before a house is demolished?
Whether a house may come down is the city’s decision for each property. Its guide lists a permit, with the utilities shut off and the water and sewer lines capped first. We check with the city for your address and guide you through each step.
Does a Rochester Hills subdivision have its own rules for a new home?
The city’s guide says many subdivisions have their own written rules for new homes. The city does not enforce those, but it does advise checking them. We look for them for your lot before the design goes far.
Is every Rochester Hills lot on city water and sewer?
The city’s guide says many lots are, but not all. Where city water or sewer is not available, the guide describes a well or a septic system. We check this for your address before design begins.
This is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Rochester Hills decides what is allowed on each property. Sources: the City of Rochester Hills guides linked above. Checked October 11, 2026.
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