Custom Home Builder Royal Oak, MI
Building In Royal Oak
Lots in Royal Oak are compact and the houses are close together. When a new home goes up, the street, the sidewalk and the neighbors are all right there, so the city pays close attention to how the work is carried out.
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.
Royal Oak Requirements
Two Permits
The city’s pages describe two permits for a new home, one from its Building Division and one from its Engineering Division. We apply for both.
Trees
The city’s instructions say the trees along the street belong to the city, and they ask for a street tree in front of a new home. We check the current rules for your property with the city.
While We Are Building
The city publishes rules for work beside the street, covering the site, the sidewalk, notice to neighbors and working hours. We follow them throughout the build.
The Sewer Line
The city’s instructions say the line from the house to the main sewer in the street belongs to the homeowner. We look at that line with you during the build.
Historic Districts
The city lists historic districts in Royal Oak, where outside changes to a listed property involve the Historic District Commission. We check with the city whether a property is listed.
This page is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Royal Oak decides what is allowed on each property, and its rules change. For anything official, the Royal Oak Building Division is on (248) 246-3210.
Questions About Building In Royal Oak
Why does a new home in Royal Oak have an engineering permit as well?
The city’s pages describe two permits. The Building Division issues the building permit, and the Engineering Division issues a separate one for the water and sewer connections, the driveway and the sidewalk. We handle both.
Does Royal Oak ask for a tree along the street in front of a new home?
The city sets the rules for trees. Its instructions say the trees along the street belong to the city, and ask for at least one healthy tree along the street in front of a new home. Before any tree is touched, we check the current rules for your property with the city.
When do Royal Oak neighbors hear about work beside the street?
The city’s instructions list written notice to the next-door neighbors at least a week before work beside the street begins. We take care of the notices.
How many historic districts does Royal Oak list?
The city lists 13 historic districts in Royal Oak. Send us the address and we will check with the city for you.
Who looks after the sewer line from a Royal Oak house to the street?
The city’s instructions say the city looks after the main sewer in the street, and the line from the house to that main belongs to the homeowner. We look at that line with you during the build, when it is easiest to deal with.
This is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Royal Oak decides what is allowed on each property. Sources: the City of Royal Oak pages linked above. Checked October 11, 2026.
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