Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Baraga County, Michigan
81Index Score / 100 #17 of 83 in Michigan
Baraga County, Michigan requires a building permit before construction or a change of use, but the enforcing agency depends on the township or village12. Zoning is local: Arvon, Baraga, Covington and L’Anse townships and the Village of L’Anse have zoning, while the Village of Baraga does not345678.
At a glance
Building permit
Required before construction or a change of use; consult the Statewide Jurisdiction List because the enforcing agency varies19
Zoning
Local: confirmed in Arvon, Baraga, Covington and L’Anse townships and the Village of L’Anse; the Village of Baraga has no zoning ordinance345678
Septic permits
Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, Environmental Health Division; approval required before a building permit for a building needing sewage service10
Owner-builder
An individual who erects a residential structure for their own use and occupancy is exempt from residential-builder licensing (does not waive the permit itself)11
RV living, Baraga Township
Temporary residential use is limited to 180 days per year in the AR, LR and MU districts, with an approved well and septic connection12
Home size, Baraga Township
No minimum floor area for a single-family dwelling, subject to foundation, code, utility and other ordinance conditions13
Water well permit
WUPHD approval is required before constructing a residential well; the listed residential permit fee is $33014
Septic soil difficulty
Only 0.1% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field15
Issues state building and electrical permits for Baraga Township; use the Statewide Jurisdiction List to identify the enforcing agency for parcels elsewhere in Baraga County
Zoning Compliance Permits, special use permits, rezoning applications, site plan review, and the Zoning Board of Appeals for Baraga Township; other townships and the City of L'Anse in Baraga County each set their own zoning separately
Building-site and raw-land evaluations, new construction and replacement sewage-system permits, existing-system inspections for real estate transactions, and installer licensing for Baraga County
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Do you need a building permit in Baraga County, Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires an application to the appropriate enforcing agency before construction or a change of use or occupancy; ordinary repairs are exempt, but structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and safety work are not ordinary repairs116. Michigan applies construction codes statewide, with residential requirements in the Michigan Residential Code2. Baraga Township property owners must obtain township zoning approval before the state building permit17. Michigan's owner-builder exemption removes residential-builder licensing for a person building a home for their own use and occupancy on their own property, but it does not waive building permits, inspections, codes or zoning approval11. The agricultural exemption is narrow: it covers shade-cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excludes service systems and does not override other laws or ordinances18.
Who issues building permits in Baraga County, and how do you reach them?
For a parcel in Baraga Township, the State of Michigan Permit Division is the building-permit office; its published numbers are 517-241-9317 for building permits and 517-241-9313 for electrical permits19. Baraga Township's page also lists local inspection contacts at 906-235-2592 for building and 906-450-3688 for electrical19. Baraga Township's Zoning Administrator must sign off first and can be reached at 906-399-1808 or zoning@baragatownship.org20. The Statewide Jurisdiction List assigns state building enforcement to Baraga and L'Anse townships and the villages of Baraga and L'Anse, while Arvon, Covington, and Spurr townships use local building enforcement; Baraga County has no county building-code program9. Check the list by local unit for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing enforcement as well21.
Does Baraga County have zoning?
Zoning is local in Baraga County. Arvon, Baraga, Covington and L’Anse townships have zoning, as does the Village of L’Anse; the Village of Baraga states that it has no zoning ordinance, although building, floodplain, utility, health and nuisance rules can still apply345678. Baraga Township has no minimum floor area for a single-family dwelling, subject to code, foundation, utility and other ordinance conditions13. Standard minimum lots there range by district from one acre in several districts to forty acres in FR, while AR requires two and a half acres; recorded nonconforming lots and serviced lots can have exceptions22. Baraga Township setbacks also vary by district, and waterfront structures require seventy-five feet from Lake Superior's high-water mark or forty feet from inland lakes and rivers23.
How do septic permits work in Baraga County?
Septic systems in Baraga County are permitted by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department's Environmental Health Division, a multi-county health department covering Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties, not a Baraga County office1024. This matters for sequencing: no municipality or township in the district may issue a building permit for a building that needs a sewage system until the Health Officer signs off first25. The process starts with a raw-land or building-site evaluation to determine whether the parcel can support an on-site system, followed by a sewage-system permit once a site is approved; roughly 10% of build sites in the western Upper Peninsula don't meet standard code requirements and need alternative technology instead25. Soils bear that out in Baraga County specifically: only 0.1% of the county's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, among the toughest ratios in the state, so plan on a real site evaluation and likely an alternative system15. The residential permit runs $300, is valid for 24 months, with a 30-day grace period to request an extension and one possible 12-month extension after a site re-evaluation26. Once installed, the department must inspect within three working days of being notified the system is complete, and a deficient system can be red-tagged pending correction27.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Baraga County?
In Baraga Township, temporary residential use of an RV is limited to 180 days per year in the AR, LR and MU districts and requires an approved well and septic connection28. We could not confirm an RV-occupancy rule for every other township or village, so ask the local zoning authority before relying on Baraga Township's allowance. Baraga Township has no minimum floor area for a single-family dwelling, but the home must meet the ordinance's foundation, code, utility and construction conditions13. Manufactured homes face installation, anchoring, utility and code conditions, and mobile homes are a permitted principal use in mobile-home parks in the MFR District29. An accessory dwelling unit is a special land use in the R-1, LR and AR districts, must be owner-occupied, cannot exceed 1,000 square feet and cannot be used as a short-term rental30.
Building a home in Baraga County: the steps, in order
Identify the local unit, zoning district, and enforcing agencies; Baraga Township requires its zoning approval before the state permit2017.
Ask the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department for a site evaluation before designing septic or a well2514.
After site approval, obtain the sewage-system permit; the listed residential fee is $300 and only 0.1% of county soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limits2615.
Submit the application and construction documents to the agency identified in the Statewide Jurisdiction List16.
Obtain any EGLE floodplain approval that applies to the site31.
Arrange required inspections and request the Certificate of Occupancy after completion and final approvals3233.
What to check before you buy land in Baraga County
Septic soils are the headline issue here: just 0.1% of Baraga County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department before making a build plan1525. Confirm the local unit and zoning district because rules differ across townships and villages467. In the Village of L’Anse, for example, the Conservation/Recreation District requires a twenty-acre lot and four hundred eighty square feet of first-floor dwelling area, while the Suburban Neighborhood Residential District requires a ten-thousand-square-foot lot and eleven hundred square feet per single unit34353637. Ask whether the property touches a regulated floodplain before altering the site31. Baraga County is 84.4% gentle land and 86.8% forested, so clearing and septic suitability can matter even where slopes are manageable3839.
Watch-outs
Zoning and dimensional rules differ by local unit; confirm the parcel's district before treating Baraga Township or Village of L’Anse standards as applicable467.
We could not confirm current dwelling-size, lot-size and setback rules for every local unit, driveway rules countywide, or RV rules outside Baraga Township; ask the local unit serving the parcel before designing or occupying a site40.
Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Baraga County highlighted among the Michigan counties · colored by Index score
How Baraga County scores
Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness47100% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy77100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.
Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$174kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$6,098Land / acre
32.9"Annual rain
1.6% of yrsSevere drought
0.5 / yr (+0.4)Mid-century 100°F days
9.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.47" (+12.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.56×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$932Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.52%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
3,638People within 30 min
171,389People within 2 hr
7,040Radius comparison (15 mi)
9.2People / sq mi
10.9%Federal land
84.4%Land at 15% slope or less
0.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Baraga County
Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.
Arvon Township · Baraga Township · Village of Baraga · Covington Township · L'Anse Township · Village of L'Anse · Spurr Township
Answers from the rulebook for Baraga County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Baraga County rules
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Rural Cluster Development Subdivisions in the R-1 Single Family Residential and AR Agriculture/Residential districts of Baraga Township.
Rural Cluster Development is a conditional use available in the R-1 and AR districts.
At least 50 percent of the lot or parent parcel must remain permanently in agriculture, woods, or other natural open space.
Each lot must have sufficient area to meet District Health Department septic-waste-disposal requirements when served by individual septic systems.
If public sewer is available, the individual lot size may be reduced to one-quarter acre.
The site must have legal access by a public or private road built to Baraga County Road Commission standards.
The cluster design must comply with wetland, floodplain, sand dune, high-risk erosion, open-space, road, site-plan, and pre-application-conference requirements stated in Section 5.11.
Individual cluster lots must be no larger than 10 acres and no smaller than one-third acre; the minimum width at the building line is 60 feet.
Up to 20 percent of usable common open space may be used for setbacks or septic drainfields only if the homeowners association assumes liability and the District Health Department and EGLE approve the method.
The ordinance was adopted June 11, 2026 and became effective June 25, 2026.
individual rural-cluster lot minimum: >= 0.333333 acre (Must also meet District Health Department septic-waste-disposal requirements if served by individual septic systems) · individual rural-cluster lot maximum: <= 10 acres · individual rural-cluster lot minimum with public sewer: >= 0.25 acre (If public sewer is available) · individual rural-cluster lot minimum width at building line: >= 60 feet · preserved open space: >= 50 percent (Must remain in agriculture, woods, or other open space) · common open space usable for setbacks or septic drainfields: <= 20 percent (Homeowners association liability and District Health Department and EGLE approval required)
“not be more than ten (10) acres nor less than one-third (1/3) acre”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Standard minimum lot sizes for lots and building sites in Baraga Township zoning districts.
On-site sewage regulation and permitting in Baraga County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.
WUPHD administers environmental-health sewage rules across its five-county district; municipalities may adopt more restrictive rules or enforce existing rules.
“serves the 71,000 residents of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, extension, or replacement of a residential or commercial onsite sewage treatment and disposal system on land not served by an available sewer in Baraga County.
A complete application is required.
A building permit or construction commencement for a habitable building is barred until the OSTDS permit is obtained and proof received.
For additions or alterations increasing bedrooms or sewage flows, an OSTDS permit or Department acceptance of continued existing-system use is required.
The permit is valid for 24 months; a 30-day grace period exists for an extension request, and one 12-month extension may follow a site evaluation showing unchanged conditions.
Construction before permit issuance doubles fees under the February 1, 2024 fee schedule.
residential conventional sewage-system permit fee: 300 USD · permit validity: 24 months (30-day grace period for extension request; one 12-month extension may be available)
“without first having been issued a construction permit”
Septic inspectionRequired
Final inspection of newly installed onsite sewage systems in Baraga County before covering or placing the system into operation.
Installer must notify the Department at least three working days before completion.
The Department inspects within three working days, subject to extension for weekends and legal holidays.
A full final inspection requires the septic tank, aggregate, sand fill if required, drainfield piping network, and five-foot sand extensions if required.
A deficient system may be red-tagged and require correction and follow-up inspection.
advance inspection notice: >= 3 department working days (before completion) · department inspection timing: 3 working days (Department may extend for weekends and legal holidays)
“The department shall inspect the installation within three working days”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Privies, outhouses, and composting toilets serving remote structures or other premises in Baraga County.
Privies may not replace septic systems for dwellings or structures served by pressurized plumbing or generating water-carried sewage.
A vaulted or earth-pit privy may be permitted only where no sewer is available for connection.
Privies are prohibited within a 100-year floodplain.
A privy-served dwelling or structure is limited to an outdoor hand-pump water supply.
Earth-pit privies require soil permeability of 3 to 45 minutes per inch and effective soil depth of at least 60 inches.
Vault privies require a watertight tank of at least 1,000 gallons and must be located to facilitate pumping.
Composting toilets may substitute for a privy only if no drains emanate, capacity is adequate, and NSF/ANSI Standard 41 is met.
earth-pit privy isolation above limiting zone: >= 48 inches · vault privy tank capacity: >= 1000 gallons · privy distance from other habitable buildings: >= 50 feet (other than the building served) · earth-pit soil permeability: 3-45 minutes per inch · earth-pit effective soil depth: >= 60 inches (from natural grade)
“Vaulted or earth pit privies may be permitted”
Well permitRequired
Construction of a residential water well or water supply system in Baraga County, within the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department service area.
The property owner or authorized representative must submit a complete application provided by the Department.
No person may begin construction of a well or water supply, or make an extensive change to an existing water supply, without first obtaining a water supply construction permit from the Department.
The permit is valid for 24 months from issuance; after expiration there is a 30-day grace period to request an extension, and the permit may be renewed or extended one time for 12 months.
The permit is not transferable.
A site evaluation may be required before issuance; the permit may impose limitations or special construction practices, and an on-site inspection may be required.
The well driller or contractor must have a valid permit in possession on site during construction; the Health Officer may require a separate permit for each well on the premises.
A permit is not required for listed minor repairs, including replacing or changing a screen, deepening or plugging back a bedrock well, installing a liner pipe, replacing a pump or pressure tank, or chemical treatment or disinfection.
A Department permit is not required for wells under Michigan's Mineral Well Act, Part 625, or when a permit must instead be obtained directly from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
In an undue-hardship emergency when the Department is closed, repair work or construction of a new well may begin without prior notification or permit, but the Department must be contacted the next working day to obtain a permit.
The residential well construction permit fee is $330 under the fee schedule effective February 1, 2024, including site evaluation, final inspection, laboratory fees, and postage; fees are doubled if installation occurs before permit issuance.
permit term: 24 months (After expiration, a 30-day grace period exists for an extension request; one 12-month renewal or extension is allowed.) · residential well construction permit fee: 330 USD (Includes site evaluation, final inspection, laboratory fees, and postage; doubled if installation occurs before permit issuance; fee schedule effective February 1, 2024.)
“No person shall begin construction of a well or water supply [...] without first obtaining a water supply construction permit from the department.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Pressurized domestic water connections to buildings using onsite sewage treatment in Baraga County.
Pressurized water may not be plumbed to a building without an approved OSTDS connection or available sewer.
Where municipal water is unavailable, construction generally requires a water-supply construction permit, accepted water-supply provisions, or Department determination that no water-supply system is required.
The code does not apply to community-water-supply wells, mains, or service lines.
“Pressurized water shall not be plumbed to a building”
County-wide zoningPresent
Zoning in Michigan is administered locally; townships such as Baraga Township have adopted zoning ordinances requiring a zoning-compliance permit before building.
Construction of a building or structure in Michigan, subject to exceptions in the Michigan construction code.
The owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, must submit a written application to the appropriate enforcing agency before construction.
The application must use the commission-prescribed form, include the established enforcing-agency fee, contain a detailed affidavit-verified statement of specifications, include complete scaled plans, and include a site plan showing dimensions and locations of proposed and existing buildings or structures on the premises.
The act states 'Except as otherwise provided in the code'; specific exemptions require separate verification.
“Except as otherwise provided in the code, before construction of a building or structure, the owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction of a building or structure, and changes in use or occupancy, in Baraga County under the Michigan Building Code or Michigan Residential Code.
“shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy”
Michigan residential-builder licensing when an individual erects a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure for the individual's own use and occupancy on the individual's property.
The exemption concerns the residential-builder licensing definition and does not eliminate otherwise applicable building-permit, inspection, code, zoning, or utility requirements.
The owner-builder must personally satisfy the statutory own-use, own-occupancy, and own-property conditions stated in the source.
The source states that persons constructing residential structures for compensation are generally within the residential-builder licensing definition, subject to statutory exceptions.
“or a person who erects a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Michigan residential-builder licensing for an individual who erects a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property, including in Baraga County.
“or a person who erects a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code provisions applicable to building construction in Baraga County, subject to the enforcing-agency assignment for the parcel.
Before construction of a building or structure, a written building-permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
A permit is not required for ordinary repairs, but ordinary repairs do not include the listed structural, egress, utility, electrical, mechanical, public-health, or general-safety work described on the official page.
Construction documents are required with each permit application, subject to the stated waiver and exceptions, including one- and two-family dwellings under 3500 square feet of calculated floor area and public works under $15,000 in total construction cost.
The Statewide Jurisdiction List identifies the enforcing agency. For Baraga County, the list states there is no county program; Villages of Baraga and L’Anse and Baraga and L’Anse Townships are listed as STATE for building, while Arvon, Covington, and Spurr Townships are listed as LOCAL for building.
State-issued permits can be checked and obtained online through the LARA Accela route; applications must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
one- and two-family dwelling construction-document threshold: < 3500 square feet of calculated floor area (The architect or professional-engineer seal and signature are not required below this threshold.) · public works construction-document threshold: < 15000 USD total construction cost (The architect or professional-engineer seal and signature are not required below this threshold.)
“The Michigan Building Code controls all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures and their service equipment. Presently, provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the Michigan Residential Code.”
6 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures in Baraga County to the extent governed by the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.
“The rules adopt by reference the 2021 edition of the International Building Code, with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed appropriate for use in Michigan.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction governed by Michigan's State Construction Code throughout Baraga County, subject to the applicable code provisions and enforcement arrangements.
“which provides for statewide application of the Act and the State Construction Code.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction subject to Michigan’s statewide construction-code system, including Baraga County.
“2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025 [...] Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures throughout Michigan, including Baraga County.
“2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025”
Adopted (with conditions) — Michigan construction regulated by the State Code, including applicable building and residential construction in Baraga County.
“2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures statewide in Michigan, including residential requirements administered under the Michigan Residential Code.
“The provisions of the international building code, 2021 edition, including appendices F, G, and H, except for [...] govern the construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures, and, with exceptions noted, the international building code is adopted by reference in these rules.”
InspectionsRequired
All construction undertaken pursuant to a building permit issued by an enforcing agency in Michigan.
The enforcing agency must periodically inspect the permitted construction.
Inspections are to ensure that construction complies with building-permit conditions, the code, and other applicable laws and ordinances.
The cited rule concerns construction undertaken pursuant to a building permit issued by the enforcing agency; it does not establish an inspection requirement for work exempt from permitting.
Inspection administration may be performed by the state or by a local enforcing agency according to the applicable jurisdictional assignment.
inspection frequency: periodic
“An enforcing agency shall periodically inspect all construction undertaken pursuant to a building permit issued by it to insure that the construction is performed in”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections for permitted construction governed by the Michigan Residential Code in Baraga County.
“no required Inspections for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical were conducted by the Rochester Hills, Building Department, as required by Section R109”
Required — All construction undertaken pursuant to a building permit issued by a Michigan enforcing agency.
“An enforcing agency shall periodically inspect all construction undertaken pursuant to a building permit issued by it to insure that the construction is performed in accordance with conditions of the building permit and is consistent with requirements of the code and other applicable laws and ordinances.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
A new building or altered building subject to the Michigan construction code.
The building or altered building may not be used or occupied until the code official issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
The permit holder or authorized agent must submit a written request after project completion.
The request must include applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, and school fire-services project numbers.
The certificate cannot be issued until all fees are paid, permits are finaled, and permitted work is completed in accordance with the permit, code, and applicable laws and ordinances.
If an electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, or Fire Services project is not required, the request must state “not applicable.”
“A new building or a building that is altered shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the code official.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — New or altered buildings in Baraga County governed by the Michigan construction codes.
“A new building or a building that is altered shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued”
Zoning districtsPartial
Michigan's statutory zoning framework for counties, townships, cities, and villages; this does not identify the actual zoning districts adopted by each local government.
Actual zoning districts and district regulations are local and must be checked in the applicable county, township, city, or village ordinance.
The cited act's stated effective date is July 1, 2006.
“to provide for the establishment in counties, townships, cities, and villages of zoning districts;”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Building-permit exemption for shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes under Michigan Building Code Part 4.
The exemption applies to shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes.
Service systems are excluded from the exemption.
The exemption does not authorize work violating the building code or other laws or ordinances of the jurisdiction.
“Exemptions from permit requirements of the code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for any of the following: [...] (x) Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes in Baraga County and elsewhere in Michigan.
“Exemptions from permit requirements of the code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following: (a) Building permits shall not be required for the following: [...] (x) Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.”
Available (with conditions) — Building-permit exemption for shade-cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes in Baraga County, subject to Michigan construction-code limitations.
“Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plat review and administration under Michigan's Land Division Act statewide.
The Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers applicable Land Division Act provisions.
Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps for compliance with the Act.
Final plats are authorized for submission to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.
“The Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers the applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288 in order to ensure the orderly development of subdivisions in the State of Michigan. Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats and subdivision development affecting property in Baraga County under Michigan's Land Division Act.
“The Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers the applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288 in order to ensure the orderly development of subdivisions in the State of Michigan. Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plat review and recordation in Michigan.
“The Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers the applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288 in order to ensure the orderly development of subdivisions in the State of Michigan. Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
Driveway accessRequired
Commercial and residential driveways constructed or reconstructed within Michigan state highway right-of-way and access to state trunkline highways.
An individual permit application package must be submitted through CPS.
The package includes the Drainage Design Checklist for Accessing State Trunklines (Form 2484), traffic analysis if applicable, traffic impact study if applicable, and preliminary local planning commission review if appropriate.
A driveway constructed or reconstructed after August 6, 1969, is not lawful unless a permit has been obtained.
A commercial driveway permit application requires a bond; a residential driveway permit does not require a bond.
If accessing a state trunkline highway, the driveway permit is required in addition to the local governmental agency building permit.
If upgrading a driveway or only building a new driveway, a driveway permit may be all that is necessary.
Driveway permit effective date threshold: 1969-08-06 (Driveways constructed or reconstructed after this date require a permit to be lawful) · Commercial driveway bond: true (Residential driveway permit does not require a bond)
“Applicants must submit an individual permit application package through the Construction Permit System (CPS) with the following: Drainage Design Checklist For Accessing State Trunklines (Form 2484) Traffic Analysis, if applicable Traffic Impact Study, if applicable Preliminary review by the local planning commission, for compliance with local long-range development plans, if appropriate A driveway constructed or reconstructed after August 6, 1969, is not lawful unless a permit has been obtained.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream, or drain in Baraga County, where the watercourse has a drainage area of 2 square miles or greater.
An EGLE Part 31 permit is required before alteration or occupation of the covered 100-year floodplain.
EGLE Part 31 does not require a permit for alterations within floodplains of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, or watercourses with drainage areas less than 2 square miles, although other State statutes may still apply.
Construction and fill may be permitted in non-floodway portions if local ordinance and building standards are met and compensating excavation equals the volume of fill placed.
New residential construction is prohibited in the floodway.
The lowest floor of residential construction within the 100-year floodplain must be elevated one foot above the 100-year flood elevation; a below-grade floor is a basement and must be at or above the 100-year flood elevation.
Review is performed by the district floodplain engineer responsible for that portion of the state.
covered watercourse drainage area: >= 2 square miles (EGLE Part 31 floodplain regulatory authority) · minimum lowest-floor elevation above 100-year flood elevation: 1 foot (Some communities and counties may require a higher elevation standard) · compensating excavation: equal to volume of fill placed in floodplain (Applies to construction and fill in non-floodway portions)
“requires that a permit be obtained prior to any alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream or drain.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a Michigan river, stream, or drain regulated under Part 31.
“The Floodplain Regulatory Authority deals with the floodplains of rivers, streams, or drains which have a drainage area that is 2 square miles or greater. A permit is not required from EGLE, under Part 31, for alterations within the floodplains of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, or watercourses which have a drainage area less than 2 square miles.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building construction and changes of use or occupancy in Baraga County, subject to the appropriate enforcing agency.
A written application must be submitted before construction.
A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
Ordinary repairs are exempt, but not structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other work affecting public health or general safety.
Construction documents are generally required; the building official may waive them when code compliance can be determined from the application description.
Sealed and signed construction documents are not required for one- and two-family dwellings under 3,500 square feet of calculated floor area and public works under $15,000 in total construction cost.
The applicant should review the Statewide Jurisdiction List because enforcement may be by the state, county, or local government.
one- and two-family dwelling calculated floor area threshold for seal/signature exception: < 3500 square feet · public works construction-cost threshold for seal/signature exception: < 15000 USD
“shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published — Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes boiler, building, electrical, elevator, mechanical, and plumbing permit processing.
“The Inspections Division is responsible for issuing boiler, building, electrical, elevator, mechanical, and plumbing permits. Permits can be checked and obtained expeditiously online at: https://aca-prod.accela.com/lara/ . Additionally, permits can be obtained via mail; however, applying by mail may cause delays in the applications process.”
Campground & park staysLimited
Tiny houses, including tiny houses built on wheels, proposed as resort cabins or similar occupancy in Michigan.
The source distinguishes tiny houses from recreational units and states they cannot be treated as recreational units even if built on wheels.
The tiny house must be built as a resort rather than a campground.
Local health department permitting for wells, septic tanks, and drainfields is required as applicable.
Local zoning, building, electrical, and plumbing permits and final approvals are required under local authorities.
The source does not establish statewide zoning permission or a statewide right to occupy a tiny house.
“Local zoning, building, electrical, plumbing permits and final approvals under local authorities.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — RV occupancy as part of a Michigan campground consisting of five or more recreational units used for temporary living quarters.
“requires a campground license when five or more recreational units (i.e., tents, campers, RVs) are placed on a parcel or tract of land”
Limited — Temporary camping in a Michigan temporary campground.
“A temporary campground license issued by the local health department (LHD) having jurisdiction is required prior to operating a temporary campground.”
Limited — Occupancy of RVs and other recreational units as temporary living quarters in a Michigan campground offering sites to the public or members of an organization, where 5 or more recreational units are involved.
“A campground owner shall ensure that a site is occupied by not more than 8 persons and by not more than 1 recreational unit.”
county building authorityGeneral
Michigan counties serving as building-code enforcing agencies for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the Statewide Jurisdiction List and local/state jurisdiction assignments.
Before construction, a written building-permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
A permit is also required when use or occupancy changes.
Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but the stated structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and public-health/safety limitations apply.
The Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code govern construction; county enforcement applies only where the Statewide Jurisdiction List designates county jurisdiction.
“If COUNTY is indicated, that unit of government receives code enforcement services from a county enforcing agency.”
Inside cities and towns in Baraga County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land use and development within Baraga Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
The Baraga Township Zoning Ordinance regulates present land use and must be followed by the township and its residents.
Zoning compliance permits are listed for additions/alterations, decks/porches, and new structures over 200 square feet.
A new structure over 200 square feet has a listed zoning-compliance permit fee of $50.
A special-use permit, rezoning application, site-plan review, variance, or other approval may be required depending on the proposal and applicable district regulations.
new structure threshold: > 200 square feet · zoning compliance permit fee for new structure: 50 USD · special use permit fee: 400 USD · rezoning application fee: 400 USD · site plan review application fee: 200 USD · zoning variance request fee: 300 USD
“The Land Use Plan is a guide for land use for the future; the Zoning Ordinance regulates the use of land in the present. The Land Use Plan is not a binding, legal regulation; the Zoning Ordinance is a law that must be followed by the Township and its residents.”
10 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Development and land use within Baraga Township, including its zoning districts and unincorporated township area covered by the township ordinance.
“The Land Use Plan is not a binding, legal regulation; the Zoning Ordinance is a law that must be followed by the Township and its residents.”
Present (with conditions) — Land development and use within Baraga Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The Land Use Plan is not a binding, legal regulation; the Zoning Ordinance is a law that must be followed by the Township and its residents.”
Present (with conditions) — Land use and structures in the unincorporated parts of Arvon Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“Zoning Ordinance Effective December 5, 2024”
Present (with conditions) — Development and land use within Baraga Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The Zoning Ordinance is a law that must be followed by the Township and its residents.”
Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in Covington Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The provisions of this Zoning Ordinance are hereby declared to be immediately necessary for the preservation of the public health, peace and safety and are hereby ordered to take immediate effect, after final passage”
Present (with conditions) — Land-use zoning within the Village of L'Anse, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The boundaries of the respective zoning districts are defined and established as depicted on the official map entitled "Village of L‘Anse Zoning Map," which is an integral part of this Ordinance”
Absent — Village-wide land-use zoning in the Village of Baraga, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The Village of Baraga does not have a zoning ordinance.”
Present (with conditions) — Land development and use within L’Anse Township, Baraga County, Michigan, including large wind energy conversion systems.
“On June 9, 2021, the Township of L’Anse (the “Township”) adopted an Ordinance to Amend the Township’s Zoning Ordinance Regarding Wind Energy Conversion Systems (“Ordinance”).”
Present (with conditions) — Development and land use in Arvon Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“Zoning Ordinance Effective December 5, 2024”
Present (with conditions) — Development in Michigamme Township, Michigan, as described by the township’s official zoning page.
“To ensure alignment with the township’s zoning and development standards, development in Michigamme Township MUST undergo a review by either the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission. Be Sure to get a Zoning Permit before beginning construction.”
Zoning districtsPublished
Zoning districts and land-use regulations within Baraga Township, Baraga County.
The township publishes a zoning ordinance and zoning ordinance map.
The ordinance, rather than the nonbinding land use plan, regulates present land use.
This claim does not establish zoning districts for the rest of Baraga County.
“The Zoning Ordinance regulates the use of land in the present.”
Minimum dwelling sizeNone
Single-family dwellings in Baraga Township zoning districts.
The dwelling must comply with the State Building Code, including minimum habitable-room heights.
Different applicable federal or state construction standards govern where they differ from the State Building Code.
The dwelling must be firmly attached to a permanent foundation constructed in accordance with the applicable residential building code.
Mobile homes must follow manufacturer setup instructions, comply with Michigan Mobile Home Commission anchoring rules, have wheels and undercarriage removed, and have no exposed towing mechanism, undercarriage, or chassis.
The dwelling must be connected to public sewer and water or private facilities approved by the local health department.
The dwelling must comply with pertinent building and fire codes, applicable HUD mobile-home standards, and applicable roof snow-load and strength requirements.
The stated requirements do not apply to mobile homes in a licensed mobile home park or zoning district R-2 except as required by state or federal law or a specific township ordinance.
“Every single-family dwelling shall have no minimum floor area, provided:”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
None (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings in Baraga Township, Baraga County, Michigan, under the zoning ordinance effective June 25, 2026.
“Every single-family dwelling shall have no minimum floor area, provided:”
Specified — Hunting and fishing cabins and seasonal mobile homes in Arvon Township.
“Hunting and fishing cabins and seasonal mobile homes shall be a minimum of four hundred (400) square feet.”
Specified — Dwellings in the Village of L’Anse Conservation/Recreation District.
“No dwellings, shall be erected or altered which provides less than 480 square of floor area at the first floor level, exclusive of any garage or accessory structure.”
Specified — Single-unit dwellings in the Village of L’Anse Suburban Neighborhood Residential District.
“The minimum floor area in the Suburban Neighborhood Residential District is one-thousand, one-hundred square feet per single unit.”
Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
Lots in Baraga Township zoning districts R-1, MFR, LR, MU, AR, C, I, FR, and PUD.
Lot width is measured at the front setback line.
PUD setbacks and height limits are determined as required by the original zoning district, with modifications subject to final development-plan approval.
A recorded nonconforming lot may be used for permitted uses even when area or dimensions are below district requirements, provided yard dimensions and other non-area/width requirements are met.
Rural Cluster Development is a conditional-use option in R-1 and AR; individual cluster lots generally may be between one-third and ten acres, must meet health-department septic requirements when served by individual septic, may be one-quarter acre if public sewer is available, and must be at least 60 feet wide at the building line.
The ordinance's Schedule of Regulations footnote states 8,750 square feet where a lot is served by public sewer and/or water supply.
R-1 minimum lot size: >= 1 acre · R-1 minimum lot width: >= 150 feet · MFR minimum lot size: >= 20 acres · MFR minimum lot width: None · LR minimum lot size: >= 1 acre · LR minimum lot width: >= 150 feet · MU minimum lot size: >= 1 acre · MU minimum lot width: >= 150 feet · C minimum lot size: >= 1 acre · C minimum lot width: >= 150 feet · I minimum lot size: >= 1 acre · I minimum lot width: >= 150 feet · AR minimum lot size: >= 2.5 acres · AR minimum lot width: >= 200 feet · FR minimum lot size: >= 40 acres · FR minimum lot width: >= 600 feet · PUD minimum lot size: >= 5 acres · PUD minimum lot width: >= 300 feet · public sewer and/or water minimum lot size footnote: 8750 square feet (Where lot is served by public sewer and/or water supply)
“District Minimum Lot Size (A) Minimum Lot Width
R-1 1 acre 150’
MFR 20 acres None
LR 1 acre 150’
MU 1 acre 150’
C 1 acre 150’
I 1 acre 150’
AR 2.5 acres 200’
FR 40 acres 600’
PUD 5 acres 300’”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Lots in the Village of L’Anse Conservation/Recreation District.
“Every lot occupied by a dwelling hereafter erected shall contain an area of not less than 20 acres. The minimum width for parcels in the Conservation/Recreation District shall be 300 feet.”
District specific (with conditions) — Lots in the Village of L’Anse Suburban Neighborhood Residential District.
“Minimum lot size in the Suburban Neighborhood Residential District is ten-thousand (10,000) square feet. The minimum lot width in the Suburban Neighborhood Residential District is seventy-five (75) feet.”
SetbacksSpecified
Structures and new waterfront structures in Baraga Township zoning districts.
Except where the ordinance specifically provides otherwise, structures may not be erected or maintained between a lot line and the applicable listed setback distance.
Where no rear lot line exists, the rear setback is measured from the specified perpendicular line through the point most distant from the front lot line.
Where a lot fronts on two streets within 30 degrees of being parallel but not at their intersection, no rear setback is required.
Side setbacks also apply to lot lines that are neither front, rear, nor side lot lines.
Distances are measured in feet from structure drip lines; front and applicable side setbacks are measured from the public or private road right-of-way line.
PUD setbacks and height limits are determined by the original zoning district and any modifications require final approval of the Final Development Plan.
Detached accessory buildings not exceeding 20 feet in height and 720 square feet may be located within 6 feet of a side lot line and 20 feet from a rear lot line.
Detached accessory buildings under 100 square feet with no portion in the front-yard setback are exempt from the ordinance.
In C and I districts, structures must be at least 30 feet from R-1 or MFR district boundaries; a boundary dividing a lot is treated as a lot line.
New structures on lots abutting water must be at least 75 feet from Lake Superior's high-water mark and 40 feet from inland lakes and rivers; the setback may be increased after site-plan review if environmental, scenic, water-quality, recreational, or neighboring-property concerns warrant.
R-1 front setback: 25 feet · R-1 side setback: 10 feet · R-1 rear setback: 35 feet · MFR front setback: 35 feet · MFR side setback: 30 feet · MFR rear setback: 30 feet · LR front setback: 25 feet · LR side setback: 10 feet · LR rear setback: 30 feet · MU front setback: 25 feet · MU side setback: 5 feet · MU rear setback: 20 feet · AR front setback: 35 feet · AR side setback: 30 feet · AR rear setback: 30 feet · C front setback: 25 feet · C side setback: 5 feet · C rear setback: 20 feet · I front setback: 25 feet · I side setback: 5 feet · I rear setback: 20 feet · FR front setback: 50 feet · FR side setback: 15 feet · FR rear setback: 25 feet · PUD front setback: 25 feet (Subject to footnote D and final development plan approval) · PUD side setback: 10 feet (Subject to footnote D and final development plan approval) · PUD rear setback: 35 feet (Subject to footnote D and final development plan approval) · Lake Superior waterfront setback: >= 75 feet (Measured from high-water mark) · Inland lake and river waterfront setback: >= 40 feet (Measured from shoreline or river edge)
“District Front Setback Side Setback Rear Setback Maximum Height
R-1 25’ 10’ 35’ 40’
MFR 35’ 30’ 30’ 40’
LR 25’ 10’ 30’ 40’
MU 25’ 5’ 20’ 40’
AR 35’ 30’ 30’ 40’
C 25’ 5’ 20’ 40’
I 25’ 5’ 20’ 45’
FR 50’ 15’ 25’ 40’
PUD 25’ (D) 10’ (D) 35’ (D) 40’”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Structures in Baraga Township zoning districts R-1, MFR, LR, MU, AR, C, I, FR, and PUD.
“SCHEDULE OF REGULATIONS
District Front Setback Side Setback Rear Setback Maximum Height
R-1 25’ 10’ 35’ 40’
MFR 35’ 30’ 30’ 40’
LR 25’ 10’ 30’ 40’
MU 25’ 5’ 20’ 40’
AR 35’ 30’ 30’ 40’
C 25’ 5’ 20’ 40’
I 25’ 5’ 20’ 45’
FR 50’ 15’ 25’ 40’
PUD 25’ (D) 10’ (D) 35’ (D) 40’”
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Ground coverage and floor-area-ratio limits in Baraga Township districts MFR, C, and I.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems are not classified as lot coverage and are not subject to maximum lot coverage standards.
maximum floor area ratio: MFR: 25%; C and I: 80% percent · maximum ground coverage ratio: MFR: 30%; C and I: 40% percent · minimum landscaped open space: MFR: 30%; C and I: 10%; at least 2.5% within the front yard setback percent
“There shall be a maximum ground coverage ratio of 30 percent in District MFR and 40 percent in Districts C and I.”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Structures in Baraga Township zoning districts R-1, MFR, LR, MU, AR, C, I, FR, and PUD.
Height at any point on a structure may not exceed the horizontal distance to any lot line.
Detached accessory buildings have additional height and size restrictions; a detached accessory building may be exempt if less than 100 square feet and outside the front-yard setback.
PUD modifications require final approval of the Final Development Plan.
“R-1 25’ 10’ 35’ 40’ MFR 35’ 30’ 30’ 40’ LR 25’ 10’ 30’ 40’ MU 25’ 5’ 20’ 40’”
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Recreational vehicles, including camping trailers and motorized camping vehicles, used as dwelling units in Baraga Township.
Allowed only in the Agricultural/Residential (AR), Lakeshore Residential/Recreational (LR), and Mixed Use (MU) zoning districts.
The RV may be used as a dwelling unit for no more than 180 days per year.
The RV must be connected to an approved well and septic tank system.
maximum occupancy period: 180 days per year
“up to 180 days per year”
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary residential use of an RV in Baraga Township.
The use is limited to 180 days per year.
The use is restricted to the AR, LR, and MU zoning districts.
An approved well and septic tank connection is required.
maximum temporary use: 180 days per year
“approved well and septic tank system.”
Tiny homesLimited
Year-round or seasonal tiny houses or dwelling units below the otherwise required minimum square footage in Baraga Township's Agriculture/Residential (AR) District.
The use is listed as a special land use in the AR District and therefore requires special-land-use approval.
The ordinance states that the use is for a year-round or seasonal tiny house or dwelling unit of less than the minimum square footage required.
All other applicable zoning, building, health, septic, and utility requirements remain applicable.
minimum square footage: less than the minimum square footage otherwise required
“11. Year-round or seasonal tiny house or dwelling unit of less than the minimum square footage required.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured-home occupancy in Baraga Township, including mobile homes in the Multi-Family Residential (MFR) District and mobile-home parks.
Mobile homes are listed as a permitted principal use only in mobile home parks within the MFR District.
A dwelling must comply with the State Building Code and applicable federal or state construction standards.
A mobile home must be installed according to the manufacturer's setup instructions and secured with an anchoring system complying with Michigan Mobile Home Commission rules.
Wheels and undercarriage must be removed, and no towing mechanism, undercarriage, or chassis may be exposed.
The dwelling must connect to public sewer and water or private facilities approved by the local health department.
The dwelling must comply with applicable building and fire codes, HUD Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards, and roof snow-load and strength requirements.
The general standards do not apply to mobile homes in a licensed mobile home park or zoning district R-2 except as required by state or federal law or specifically required by township ordinance.
minimum floor area: no minimum floor area for every single-family dwelling (Subject to Section 5.3 conditions.)
“2. Mobile homes in mobile home parks [...] Every single-family dwelling shall have no minimum floor area, provided:”
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwelling units in Baraga Township.
Accessory dwelling units are special land uses in the R-1, Lakeshore Residential/Recreational (LR), and Agriculture/Residential (AR) Districts.
Only owner-occupiers may install or maintain an accessory dwelling unit.
Units may be attached or detached.
An attached unit may not increase the single-family dwelling's floor area by more than 30%.
No accessory dwelling unit may exceed 1,000 square feet.
Exterior-elevation drawings, architectural renderings, and floor plans are required with the conditional-use application.
Construction must meet applicable codes, including Health Department approval for needed on-site septic improvements; Health Department permits must be provided to the Township.
Separate sale or ownership from the primary dwelling is prohibited.
Required additional parking must be off-street.
The Planning Commission may impose reasonable conditions to protect adjoining properties, retain residential character, and protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Accessory dwelling units may not be used as short-term rentals.
maximum floor-area increase for attached unit: <= 30 percent · maximum accessory dwelling unit size: <= 1000 square feet
“1. Only owner-occupiers are permitted to install and/or maintain accessory dwelling units. 2. Accessory dwelling units may be attached or detached. Units attached to a single-family dwelling shall not increase the floor area of the single-family dwelling by over 30%, and in no case shall any accessory dwelling unit exceed 1,000 square feet.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Site condominiums and subdivision-equivalent development in Baraga Township.
Site condominiums must comply with the zoning district regulations.
Applicants must obtain approvals from all County and State agencies having jurisdiction over improvements in the site condominium development.
A preliminary site plan must be approved before a final site plan may be filed or reviewed.
“The standards and requirements of these sections that are intended to apply to lots in a subdivision shall apply instead to site condominium units.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Planning, zoning, and zoning-compliance applications in Baraga Township, within Baraga County.
These are township zoning-related fees, not a complete schedule of State of Michigan building-permit fees.
An administrative enforcement cost recovery surcharge applies to construction and sign activities erected or completed without a proper zoning permit.
special use permit fee: 400 USD · rezoning application fee: 400 USD · site plan review application fee: 200 USD · planning commission special meeting fee: 250 USD · zoning ordinance text amendment application fee: 400 USD · additions/alterations zoning compliance permit: 50 USD · deck/porch zoning compliance permit: 50 USD · new structure over 200 square feet zoning compliance permit: 50 USD · administrative enforcement cost recovery surcharge: 50 USD (plus attorney and court costs)
New building permits issued in Baraga Township, Baraga County.
The State of Michigan enforces the building code for new permits in Baraga Township.
The property owner must first apply for a Baraga Township Zoning Compliance Permit to establish zoning compliance.
state building-code enforcement effective date: 2023-07-01
“Before a building permit is issued by the State, the property owner must apply for a Zoning Compliance Permit from the Township of Baraga”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In Michigan, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Baraga County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Short-term rentals
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Living off-grid in Baraga County, Michigan
Is Baraga County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Baraga County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,638 people within a 30-minute drive and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Baraga County, Michigan?
Baraga County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (Environmental Health Division). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Baraga County, Michigan?
Land in Baraga County runs about $6,098 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Baraga County?
Baraga County gets about 32.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.6% of years.
How remote is Baraga County?
A representative private-land location has about 3,638 people within a 30-minute drive and 171,389 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
