Licenses
Permit Applications
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Alarm Permits and Appeals (residents only)
What it’s for: Register operable emergency alarm systems and appeal false-alarm fees.
Fees: $20 one‑time registration; $50 per false alarm after three times in a calendar year.
Deadline to appeal: Within 21 days of the notice.
How to submit:
- Register: Complete the Emergency Alarm Permit Application and return it with the $20 fee to the Oak Park Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd.
- Appeal: File a False Alarm Appeal Form within 21 days of the notice.
Animal License
What it’s for: Annual or three‑year dog or cat licensing.
What you need: Completed Animal License Application, proof of rabies vaccination and proof of sterilization (if applicable).
Fees:
- One‑year: $7 (spayed/neutered) or $16 (not spayed/neutered)
- Three‑year: $15 (spayed/neutered) or $30 (not spayed/neutered)
Payment notes:Point & Pay adds a 3 percent processing fee (minimum $1.50). To avoid fees, pay in person by cash, check or certified funds.
How to submit:
- Email or in person: Email your application and documents to opps@oakparkmi.gov or deliver them to the Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd.
- After you receive an email confirmation, pay the license fee via Point & Pay (link provided in the confirmation) or pay at the counter (no processing fee).
Application for Massage Facility
What it’s for: A permit is required to operate a massage facility in the City of Oak Park.
Note: A Business License is also required.
Fee: $125
How to submit: Submit an Application for Massage Facility to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd. Then obtain a Business License Permit through Municipal Services, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Bicycle Registration
What it’s for: Register your bike in case it is lost or stolen.
What you need: Make/model, serial number, wheel size, owner info.
Fee: $2.
Payment notes: Point & Pay adds a 3 percent processing fee (minimum $1.50). To avoid fees, pay in person by cash, check or certified funds.
How to submit:
- In person: Register at the Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd.
- By email: Send the required information to opps@oakparkmi.gov. After you receive you email confirmation, pay online via Point & Pay (link provided in the email) or at the counter (no processing fee).
Building Permit
What it’s for: New construction, additions, structural changes, fire damage repair, demolition, pools, decks and more.
What you need: Building Permit Application
Fees: (fees vary by scope).
How to submit: Return the completed application to the Building Division, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Business License
What it’s for: Required for all businesses before opening.
Fee: $150 annually (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31).
How to submit: Complete the Business License Application and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Certificate Of Occupancy
What it’s for: Required before any new or altered building is used or occupied.
What you need: Certificate of Occupancy Application.
How to submit: Apply through our online application or return the completed application to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Chicken Handling Permit
What it’s for: Keeping domestic chickens within the city limits.
Fee: $60 zoning permit.
How to submit: Complete the chicken-coop-and-domestic-chickens-zoning-permit.pdf and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Daycare Registration
What it’s for: Registering child daycare homes as required by ordinance.
Deadline: Applications and fees are due before Dec. 31.
How to submit: Submit through our online application or complete the Daycare Registration Application and return it to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Dealer In Precious Metals, Gems and Other Precious Items
What it’s for: Required license for dealers in precious items.
How to submit: Complete the Dealer in Precious Metals, Gems and Other Precious Items Application and return it to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Demolition Permit
What it’s for: A building permit is required prior to beginning demolition work on residential and commercial structures in the City of Oak Park.
Fees: The cost varies depending on the scope of the work.
How to submit: Return the completed building-permit.pdf to the Building Division, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Donation Box Permit
What it’s for: Permit to place a donation box in nonresidential districts.
Fees: $150 initial; $100 annual renewal.
How to submit: Submit the completed Donation Box Application and fee to the Economic Development and Planning Office, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Electrical Permit
What it’s for: Electrical work in residential or commercial buildings.
Fees: Minimum $80; final amount based on scope of the project.
How to submit: Complete the Electrical Permit Application and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Emergency Alarm Permit
What it’s for: Required for all working emergency alarms.
Fee: There is a one-time, $20 fee. Each change in ownership of an operable alarm system requires a new permit.
How to submit: Complete the Emergency Alarm Permit Application and return it to the Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd.
Fence Permit
What it’s for: Build or replace a fence.
Fee: $90.
How to submit: Complete the fence-permit-application.pdf and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Fire Alarm and Fire Suppression Permits
What it’s for: Install or modify fire alarm (electrical) and fire suppression (mechanical) systems.
Fees: Fees for these permits vary based on the scope of work.
How to submit: Complete the Fire Alarm System Permit (and, if applicable, Fire Suppression Permit) and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Garage Sale Permit
What it’s for: Required for any residential garage sale.
Fee: $10.
What you need: Completed Garage Sale Permit Application, payment receipt, and state ID/driver’s license showing the sale address.
How to submit:
- Online or in person: Use our online form or a completed Garage Sale Permit Application and copy of a state ID or driver’s license verifying residency at the address of the sale can be emailed to the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@oakparkmi.gov.
- After you receive an email confirmation, pay the license fee via Point & Pay (link provided in the confirmation) or bring documentation and pay at the counter (no processing fee and free garage sale sign) at 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Free Garage Sale Weekends in 2026 (no permit required; all other rules apply):
- March: Thursday, March 26 to Sunday, March 29
- April: Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26
- May: Thursday, May 28 to Sunday, May 31
- June: Thursday, June 24 to Sunday, June 28
- July: Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26
- August: Thursday, Aug. 27 to Sunday, Aug. 30
- September: Thursday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 27
- October: Thursday, Oct. 15 to Sunday, Oct. 18
Garage and Shed Building Guidelines
What it’s for: The City of Oak Parks publishes its Garages and Sheds Building Guidelines to help residential property owners understand the requirements for building a garage or shed.
What you need: If a permit is required for the project, return a completed Building Permit Application to the Building Division, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Gun Permit and Gun Registration
What it’s for: Handgun purchase permits for residents; general guidance on concealed weapons permits and gun registration.
Availability: Apply at the Department of Public Safety, Records Bureau.
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays and every other Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fees: $5 permit; $1 notary.
Note: Concealed pistol licenses are handled by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
How to submit: Apply in person at the Department of Public Safety, Records Bureau, 13800 Oak Park Blvd. Bring valid state driver’s license and meet state eligibility requirements.
Gun Sales
What it’s for: Register firearm purchases.
CPL holders: Complete Form RI‑060; the seller must submit it to the Department of Public Safety.
Non‑CPL holders or those younger than 21: Obtain a License to Purchase/Possess from the Department of Public Safety before purchase.
Validity: License to Purchase is valid for 30 days.
Fees: $5 application and background check; $5 notary (total $10).
After sale: The “Registry Copy”/“Licensing Authority Copy” of the Pistol Sales Record must be turned in to the seller’s public safety department within 10 days.
How to submit:
- Apply in person for the License to Purchase/Possess at the Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd.
- Post‑sale: Ensure the registry copy is submitted to the appropriate public safety department within 10 days.
Handbill License
What it’s for: Distribute commercial handbills in the city.
Fees: Vary by duration.
How to submit: Complete the Handbill License Application, include required documentation and the fee, and submit to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Home‑Based Business Guidelines
What it’s for: Rules that apply when operating a home‑based business.
Note: No city registration or permit is required, but you must comply with the city’s zoning ordinance.
- Please review the applicable requirements of Section 313 to ensure compliance with the Ordinance.
Hydrant Spigot Permit
What it’s for: Temporary use of a hydrant spigot.
Fees: Permit fee is $65. A refundable $2,400 deposit is required.
How to submit: Complete the hydrant-spigot-permit-application.pdf and return it to the Utility Billing Division, City Hall, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Land Improvement Permit
What it’s for: Any land improvements within the city limits.
Fees: Vary based on the scope of work.
How to submit: Complete the Land Improvement Permit Application and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
On-Premises Liquor License Application
What it’s for: On‑premise service of beer, wine and spirits.
Note: The application packet explains the review process, required documentation and evaluation criteria. Businesses are encouraged to consult with Economic Development & Planning with questions about the application process.
Fees: Vary depending on the scope of the permit.
How to submit: Complete the Liquor License Application and return it to Economic Development and Planning, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Mechanical Permit
What it’s for: Work on furnaces, air conditioners, chimneys and other mechanical systems.
Fees: Minimum $80; final amount based on scope.
How to submit: Complete the Mechanical Permit Application and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Merchant Sidewalk Sale Permit
What it’s for: Merchants in the City of Oak Park can request to hold a sidewalk sale for up to three consecutive days.
Fee: $10.
How to submit: Complete our online application or submit the completed Merchant’s Sidewalk Sale Permit Application with payment to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Mobile Vending Unit (Food) Permit
What it’s for: Operate a mobile food truck within the city limits.
Fee: $50 license fee plus required documentation.
How to submit: Submit through our online web application or return the completed Mobile Food Vendor Application, the required documentation and fee to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Municipal Parking Lot Permit
What it’s for: Overnight parking (3 to 6 a.m.) in municipal lots.
Validity: Through Dec. 31.
Fees: Vary by date of purchase.
How to submit: Submit using our online form or complete the Municipal Parking Permit Application and return it to the Department of Public Safety, 13800 Oak Park Blvd.
Open Roof Sworn Affidavit
What it’s for: If an open‑roof inspection cannot be scheduled during a roofing project.
What you need: Notarized Open Roof Sworn Affidavit.
How to submit: Return the notarized affidavit to the Municipal Services Office, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Outdoor Dining Application
What it’s for: Establish or expand outdoor dining for restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries.For pre‑application guidance, contact Economic Development and Planning at (248) 691‑7455.
Fees: $150
How to submit: Submit the completed Outdoor Dining Application, layout plan, furnishings and any site features required to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Pawn Broker License Application
What it’s for: Operate as a pawn broker.
Fee: $400 application fee plus required documentation.
How to submit: Submit the Pawn Broker License Application, required documentation and fee to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Plumbing Permit
What it’s for: Residential and commercial plumbing work.
Fees: Minimum $80; final cost based on scope of work.
How to submit: Return the completed Plumbing Permit Application to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Portable Storage Containers Zoning Permit
What it’s for: Temporary placement of portable storage containers or moving pods in B‑2 General Business or Industrial districts. Extensions will be considered when justified.
Fees: $90
How to submit: Return the zoning-permit---temporary-portable-storage-container.pdf and a sketch plan showing the loading/unloading area and required parking to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Residential Rental Property Registration
What it’s for: Register and inspect rental properties every two years or after a change in tenancy.
Fees: $80 registration (two years); $150 inspection; additional fees for multiple units.
How to submit: Complete the residential-rental-property-registration-form.pdf and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Rezoning Application
What it’s for: Request to change the zoning of a parcel. Note that rezoning reviews typically involve the Planning Commission and City Council.
How to submit: Return the completed Rezoning Application, Letter of Authority, and Letter of Necessity explaining why rezoning is needed to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Right‑of‑Way Permit
What it’s for: Conduct work within the city right‑of‑way.
Fees: Permit fee is $90. A variable performance bond is also required.
How to submit: Complete the Right of Way Permit Application and submit it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Sign Permit
What it’s for: Erect or alter a commercial sign.
Fee: $140.
How to submit: Complete the Sign Permit Application and submit it to the Building Division, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Site Plan Review Application and Checklist
What it’s for: New development, redevelopment, special land uses or major site improvements.
Review pathways: Planning Commission site plan review; special land use review (with public hearing); or administrative sketch plan review (for qualifying small‑scale projects).
Planning Commission meets the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. Applications are due at least 30 days in advance.
Tip: Schedule a pre‑application meeting with Economic Development and Planning (248‑691‑7455) to avoid delays.
How to submit: Use our site-plan-review-checklist.pdf to complete the site-plan-review-application.pdf and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Special Event License
What it’s for: Temporary events that differ from the normal property use and may require city services, exclusive use of city property or include a tent.
Fee: $100.
How to submit: Submit the completed Special Event Application to the City Clerk’s Office, 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
Special Land Use Permit
What it's for: Certain uses require additional review to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties. These requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission and include a public hearing.
Fee: Varies depending on the scope of the project.
How to submit: Complete a site-plan-review-application.pdf and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Temporary Sign Permit
What it’s for: Display any temporary sign.
Fee: $90 plus required documentation.
How to submit: Complete the Temporary Sign Permit Application and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.
Zoning Variance – Zoning Board of Appeals
What it’s for: Request relief from specific zoning requirements due to unique site conditions.
Meeting cadence: The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. (as needed). Apply at least 30 days in advance.
Tip: Schedule a pre‑application meeting with Economic Development and Planning.
How to submit: Complete the zoning-boad-of-appeals-variance-application.pdf and return it to the Municipal Services Department, 14300 Oak Park Blvd.