Homeowners often ask whether "excavating" needs its own permit in Troy. The honest answer is: it depends on what you are digging and where. Foundation work is usually tied to a building permit. Work in the public right-of-way needs Engineering approval. Underground utility repairs may need plan review. This article points you to official City of Troy pages so you can verify requirements yourself. Troy Excavating is a referral service, not the city, and we do not issue permits.
Start With the Building Department
The City of Troy Building Department handles building, sewer and related permits. Contact information published on that page includes phone 248-524-3344 and email buildinginspection@troymi.gov. The department notes electronic plan submittals and online permitting options through BS&A Online for many permit types. For questions about whether your dig needs a building or sewer permit, ask them directly—requirements change with project scope.
City guidance materials also direct building permit submittals to City Hall at 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084.
Right-of-Way Work Is Separate
If digging touches streets, sidewalks, easements or public utilities in the right-of-way, Troy's Engineering division explains when a right-of-way permit is required. The city's page states a permit is needed for work in the right-of-way and that a new connection to a City of Troy water main, sanitary sewer or storm sewer needs a permit even if the utility is in a backyard. Applications are submitted online through BS&A. Expect plans, insurance naming the city when required, and possible traffic control documents.
Underground Utility Repairs
Troy publishes sewer-related guidance noting that underground work generally goes through plan review and that a right-of-way permit may be required after review. See the city's sewer repair guidelines PDF for the Building Department's stated process. When in doubt, call Building Inspections before you dig.
Statewide Rule: Call MISS DIG 811
Separate from city permits, Michigan requires excavators to contact MISS DIG 811 so public utilities can be marked before mechanical digging. That ticket does not replace a city permit.
Practical Sequence for Homeowners
- Describe the job: basement, footing, French drain, sewer lateral, etc.
- Ask Troy Building whether a building/sewer permit applies.
- Ask Engineering whether a right-of-way permit applies.
- Have your contractor file MISS DIG before machines start.
- Keep approved plans on site as the city requires.
How Our Referral Fits
We connect you with independent excavating contractors who work in Troy and nearby south Oakland County. Permit applications and fees remain between you, your contractor and the city. Learn more on excavation services or request a quote.
Building Permits vs. Digging Itself
Many homeowners imagine a special "excavation permit" sticker. More often, digging is authorized as part of a building, plumbing, sewer or right-of-way permit package. Demolition of slabs, pool removals and grade changes can trigger additional reviews. Soil erosion permits appear when disturbed area or proximity to drains crosses county thresholds. The safe approach is to describe the full project to the building department before machines arrive.
Insurance and Contractor Qualifications
Cities often want proof of liability insurance for work in rights-of-way. Even on private property, you should ask your excavator for a current certificate. Licensing rules differ for plumbing taps versus earthwork. Read what your city publishes; do not rely on a blog as the final authority.
Homeowner-Pulled Permits
Some communities allow homeowners to pull permits for contractors if the owner accepts liability. That can be convenient and risky. If you go that route, understand inspection responsibilities and who gets called when something fails. Put expectations in writing with your excavator.
Timeline Tips
Plan review for underground work can take longer than a simple fence permit. Build that into builder schedules. Miss Dig tickets have their own waiting period. Starting dirt work "while paperwork catches up" is how stop-work orders happen.
After Approval
Keep approved drawings accessible on site. Cities increasingly require posted permit boards or packets. Inspections may be needed before backfill on utilities. Ask which stages must stay open for the inspector.
Get Local Help Digging—After You Know the Rules
Once you know which permits apply, Troy Excavating can introduce an excavating contractor. Start at contact or browse excavation services.
MISS DIG Is Not Optional
Even with perfect city paperwork, mechanical digging without a locate ticket can hit gas, electric or communications lines. Michigan's one-call system exists to prevent that. Three business days is the standard advance notice—build it into schedules. Private facilities remain your responsibility to identify.
Document Trail
Save emails from the building department, approved PDF plans, fee receipts and inspection results. If ownership changes mid-project, that packet protects everyone. Photos of marked utilities before digging are cheap insurance.
HOA and Private Easements
City approval does not override private easements or HOA architectural rules. Check those documents too, especially for grade changes visible from the street or shared drains.
Troy-Specific Offices Recap
For Troy projects, keep these official starting points bookmarked: the Building Department for building and many underground reviews, and Engineering right-of-way permits when work touches public ROW or new utility connections. Phone numbers and online portals on those pages can change; use the live city site as source of truth. Our contact page is only for excavator referrals, not city applications.
Keep Learning
Use the related service pages linked above for scope details, then come back to this guide when you are comparing written proposals. Clear scopes beat vague promises. When you are ready for an introduction to a local excavating contractor, use the quote form or call the number at the top of the page.