RENO Program 

The Residential Enhancement & Neighborhood Opportunity (RENO) Program waives City of Royal Oak permit and inspection fees to incentivize projects that advance the City’s Master Plan and S-CAP priorities:

Sustainability; Housing Affordability; and Aging in Place.


Applicants are also eligible to receive up to two (2) hours of complimentary consultation with the Building Division.

What the Program Supports

RENO focuses on three priority areas:

  • Green Neighborhoods — energy-efficiency and sustainability upgrades (e.g., high-efficiency HVAC, solar PV, EV charging, insulation, energy-efficient windows/doors).
  • Affordable/Workforce Housing — development or rehab of units affordable to middle-income households with documented affordability.
  • Aging in Place — accessibility and safety improvements (e.g., ramps, widened doorways, accessible bath/kitchen modifications, stair/chair lifts).
Program Support

RENO FAQs

Tree Canopy

Who Can apply?

  • Residential / Single-Family: Homeowners of single-family houses, duplexes, townhomes, or condos. 
  • Multi-Family: Owners/developers/contractors for multi-family or mixed-use residential projects.

Woman with walker

What Costs are Covered?

  • City of Royal Oak permit fees for the approved scope of work.
  • City of Royal Oak inspection fees for the approved scope of work

Royal Oak Neighborhood

What Isn't Covered?

  • Contractor/labor/material costs.
  • Plan reproduction costs.
  • Third-party review fees (if applicable).
  • State fees, penalties, or re-inspection fees.
  • Any work or permits outside the approved RENO scope.

Notes and Conditions

  • Permits first: Work begun without a valid permit is not eligible for the waiver.

  • All work must comply with codes and ordinances; inspections are still required.

  • The fee waiver applies only to City of Royal Oak permit and inspection fees for the approved scope.

  • The waiver is non-transferable and is valid for permits issued within one (1) year of approval; after that, approval may expire.

  • Any scope changes may require re-review and could affect eligibility.

  • City jurisdiction: Property must be within the City of Royal Oak.

  • Good standing: No unresolved stop-work orders or dangerous building actions.

  • Open code violations must have an approved compliance plan before a waiver is applied.

  • Taxes & utilities: Property taxes and water/sewer accounts should be current prior to approval.

  • The property owner must be the applicant; contractors cannot apply without the owner’s signed authorization.

  • Commercial/Multi-Family: A duly authorized owner/agent must sign.

  • Licensing: Work requiring licensure must be performed by properly licensed contractors registered with the City.

  • Other approvals: Historic District, Zoning/Planning, Right-of-Way, or other approvals (if applicable) are still required; RENO does not supersede them.

  • Affordable/Workforce projects (Commercial): Provide required addendum and documentation (AMI levels, rent limits, duration, recorded restrictions). Certain projects may require City Manager approval.

  • Budget limits: Approvals are subject to available funding; the City may establish per-project/annual caps and may pause or modify the program at any time.

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