Bolthole Index

Mackinac County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in St. Ignace, Michigan

St. Ignace, Michigan has a city Building Department for building-permit questions and a Planning and Zoning Department for zoning approval.12 Inside St. Ignace in Mackinac County, septic systems remain under LMAS District Health Department jurisdiction.3 RV occupancy is temporary and conditional, including a separate path for active permitted home construction.4

At a glance

Building permits
City Building Department; ask which building permit your project needs1
Zoning
City zoning applies; uses and dimensions depend on district56
Septic permits
LMAS permit and site evaluation required for new or modified systems7
RV recreation
Existing primary dwelling and owner permission; 30 consecutive days, 60 days per year4
RV during construction
Active permitted dwelling construction; inspection and temporary exemption permit; 12 months unless extended8
Residential lot size
R-1: 80-foot frontage; area depends on public sewer and water9
Owner-builder
Michigan licensing exemption for own property, use and occupancy; other requirements still apply10

Who to call

Building permits

City of St. Ignace Building Department

City building-permit questions and construction-code enforcement

(989) 464-1571

396 N. State Street St. Ignace , MI 49781

Zoning

City of St. Ignace Planning and Zoning Department

City zoning permits, land-use review and conceptual development meetings

(906) 643-9671 | Option 3

adminassistant@cityofstignace.com

396 N. State Street St. Ignace , MI 49781

Septic permits

LMAS District Health Department, Mackinac County office

Septic permitting and private-water-supply questions inside St. Ignace

(906) 643-1100

749 Hombach Street St. Ignace, Michigan 49781

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in St. Ignace means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in St. Ignace, MI?

St. Ignace’s Building Department says many home improvement projects require a building permit and directs owners to check requirements before additions or improvements.1 Contact the city Building Department for the building-permit decision on your proposed home, addition or renovation.1 St. Ignace building-permit fees are established by City Council resolution; ask the Building Department for the current fee for your project.111 Michigan’s owner-builder licensing exemption covers a residential structure on the owner’s property for the owner’s own use and occupancy, but does not remove building-permit, inspection, code or zoning requirements.10

Who handles building permits and zoning approval in St. Ignace?

The city Building Inspector handles local building-code, ordinance and construction compliance; the city Zoning Administrator issues zoning permits and monitors code enforcement.12 These are separate questions to resolve with the city before work begins, while septic construction permits come from LMAS.127 St. Ignace encourages a conceptual review meeting with the Zoning Administrator or Building Inspector, starting with a general development idea and location.2 Submit city zoning-permit applications in person at City Hall or by email to the address listed above.2

How do septic permits work inside St. Ignace?

LMAS District Health Department administers onsite sewage systems throughout Mackinac County, including incorporated St. Ignace.3 In St. Ignace’s R-1 district, a dwelling’s bathroom must connect to public sewer when available; a suitable septic tank is an option when public sewer is unavailable.12 LMAS requires a permit for septic construction, alteration, extension or replacement, with a site and soils evaluation before issuance.7 The residential application lists a $200 site evaluation and system permit fees of $200–$700 depending on system type; confirm current charges with LMAS.7 The contractor must notify LMAS 72 hours before completion for final inspection, and cannot cover the system before inspection or approval to backfill.13

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in St. Ignace?

St. Ignace allows temporary recreational shelter occupancy in licensed campgrounds and, with owner permission, on noncommercial parcels with an existing primary dwelling for up to 30 consecutive days and 60 days per calendar year.4 Camping on public property and vacant private property is prohibited, subject to the ordinance’s exceptions.14 Temporary quarters during home construction require an issued building permit, active ongoing dwelling construction, setbacks and health and safety compliance.8 The construction allowance lasts up to 12 months unless the Building Inspector approves an extension, and inspection is required before the temporary exemption permit is issued.8 We could not confirm a general tiny-home occupancy rule; take the proposed design to city Planning and Zoning.2

Building a home in St. Ignace: what are the steps?

  1. Arrange a conceptual review with city Planning and Zoning or the Building Inspector using your project idea and location.2
  2. Confirm the zoning district and fit the proposed use and footprint to that district’s rules.6
  3. Resolve sewer availability; R-1 dwellings use public sewer when available, and septic construction requires LMAS approval when that option applies.127
  4. Submit the city zoning application at City Hall or by email, and ask the Building Department which building permit is needed before work.21
  5. If using temporary construction quarters, obtain the building permit and shelter inspection before the temporary exemption permit.8
  6. Schedule LMAS final septic inspection before covering the installation or placing the system into use.13

What should you check before buying in St. Ignace?

Ask city Planning and Zoning to review the parcel and intended development before committing to a design.2 Utility availability changes both the R-1 lot-area minimum and whether septic sanitation is an option.912 Mackinac County’s soils—not a city parcel assessment—show only 1.2 percent rated not limited for conventional septic drain fields; a low share calls for site evaluation and potentially an engineered system, rather than meaning septic is impossible.15 LMAS requires that site evaluation before issuing a septic construction permit.7 For land outside city limits, use the Mackinac County guide; the city Planning and Zoning Department administers St. Ignace’s land-use rules.2

Watch-outs

  • Camping on vacant private property in St. Ignace is prohibited except through the ordinance’s applicable exceptions; buying an empty lot does not authorize an RV residence.14
  • A suitable septic tank is an R-1 option only when public sewer is unavailable; LMAS construction permitting still applies.127
  • We could not confirm general tiny-home, accessory-dwelling or manufactured-home occupancy approval in St. Ignace; ask the city Planning and Zoning Department about the proposed dwelling and parcel.2

Sources

  1. City of St. Ignace Building Department (cityofstignace.com)
  2. City of St. Ignace Planning and Zoning Department (cityofstignace.com)
  3. The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code, quoted and re-checked
  4. St. Ignace Code of Ordinances, Sec. 38-365—Temporary shelters (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  5. St. Ignace Code of Ordinances, Sec. 38-5—Definitions (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sec. 38-121. Description of district; permitted uses (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  7. The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code, quoted and re-checked
  8. Sec. 38-365. Temporary shelters and camping (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  9. St. Ignace Code of Ordinances, Sec. 38-127—R-1 lot dimensions (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  10. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Sec. 38-31. Building permits required (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  12. St. Ignace Code of Ordinances, Sec. 38-121—R-1 permitted uses (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  13. The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code, quoted and re-checked
  14. Sec. 38-365. Temporary shelters and camping (St. Ignace), quoted and re-checked
  15. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 11, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for St. Ignace

St. Ignace’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Excavation, construction, structural changes, alterations, repairs, or moving structures in St. Ignace city, except ordinary repairs and maintenance.

    • No permit is required under this provision for ordinary repairs and maintenance.
    • Application must show compliance with the zoning chapter, the single state construction code, or other effective building regulations.
    • The city-council-established fee must be paid before a permit issues.
    • A permit expires after one year unless construction has commenced; a project must be completed within 12 months, subject to limited extensions.

    permit expiration: 1 year (unless the project has commenced) · completion period: <= 12 months (building inspector may grant extensions totaling up to 12 additional months)

    “without first obtaining a building permit from the building inspector.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Temporary recreational vehicles or temporary dwellings used as quarters during active permitted construction inside St. Ignace city limits.

    • A building permit must first be issued.
    • Use is limited to active, ongoing construction of a dwelling.
    • The temporary shelter must comply with setback requirements and health, safety, and welfare requirements.
    • Use is limited to 12 months, subject to a building-inspector extension.
    • The temporary shelter must be inspected by the building inspector before the temporary exemption permit is issued.

    maximum temporary-use duration: 12 months (Extension may be obtained upon approval of the building inspector.)

    “inspected by the building inspector, to ensure adequate health and safety standards have been met.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy of buildings covered by the International Property Maintenance Code in St. Ignace city.

    • The required document is a housing maintenance certificate, not evidence of a general certificate-of-occupancy requirement for all new construction.
    • Certificate must be current, unrevoked, issued by the building official or designee, and specific to the named dwelling.
    “No person shall occupy buildings covered by the International Property Maintenance Code unless a current unrevoked housing maintenance certificate has been issued”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside St. Ignace city limits.

    • The cited zoning definitions state that districts are within the incorporated area of the city.
    “District means a part of the parts of the incorporated area of the city”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside St. Ignace city limits, including at least R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts identified in the adopted zoning code.

    • District-specific dimensional and use rules vary by district.
    “In any R-1 district no building or part thereof shall be erected, altered, or used on any lot or other parcel of land in whole or in part used for other than any one or more of the following specific uses:”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational vehicles and similar temporary shelters inside St. Ignace city limits.

    • Occupation is allowed in a campground licensed under Michigan's Public Health Code.
    • On a lot with an existing primary dwelling, temporary non-commercial recreation requires the owner's permission and is limited to 30 consecutive days and 60 calendar days.
    • During active permitted dwelling construction, occupation is subject to the additional conditions in Sec. 38-365(3), including a building permit, inspection, setbacks, and a 12-month duration unless extended by the building inspector.

    maximum consecutive temporary-recreation occupancy: <= 30 days (on lots with existing primary dwellings and owner permission) · maximum annual temporary-recreation occupancy: <= 60 days (calendar year)

    “not to be occupied for more than 30 consecutive days, and no more than 60 days in a calendar year.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping and temporary shelter occupancy inside St. Ignace city limits.

    • Camping is prohibited on public property and vacant private property.
    • Licensed campgrounds are allowed.
    • Temporary recreation on a lot with an existing primary dwelling requires owner permission and is limited to 30 consecutive days and 60 days per calendar year.
    • Construction-related temporary quarters require active permitted construction and the stated building-inspector conditions.

    temporary recreation maximum consecutive occupancy: 30 days (No more than 60 days in a calendar year.) · temporary recreation annual maximum occupancy: 60 days (No more than 30 consecutive days.)

    “camping is prohibited on public property and on vacant private property.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    One-family dwellings in the R-1 district inside St. Ignace city limits.

    • A suitable septic tank is permitted only where public sewer is not available.
    • Each dwelling must have at least four habitable rooms and one complete bathroom.
    “suitable septic tank provided public sewer is not available.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    One-family dwellings in the R-1 district inside St. Ignace city limits.

    • A bathroom toilet must connect to public sewer where available; a suitable septic tank is allowed only when public sewer is not available.
    • This evidence does not establish a mandatory public-water connection.
    “Each bathroom shall contain a toilet which is connected with a public sewer, or suitable septic tank provided public sewer is not available.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    City building permits inside St. Ignace city limits.

    • The fee is established by City Council resolution; the exact current fee schedule was not verified in an opened official page.
    “the fee for such permit, as established by resolution of the city council, has been paid.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications in St. Ignace city.

    • Application must establish compliance with the zoning chapter and applicable construction or building regulations.
    • Plumbing, electrical, and drainage permits cannot issue until the building inspector determines that plans and designated use conform.
    • City-council-established fees must be paid before issuance.
    “until an application has been submitted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter”

Rules another office applies inside St. Ignace

St. Ignace does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Residential lots in St. Ignace's R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    • Minimum area changes according to whether sewer and water are both provided, either is provided, or neither is provided.

    minimum frontage: >= 80 feet · minimum lot area: 10400-12000 square feet (depends on water and sewer availability)

    “All lots in the R-1 district shall have a minimum frontage of 80 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Lots in St. Ignace's R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    maximum building lot coverage: <= 35 percent

    “No lot in the R-1 district shall be occupied by buildings to an extent greater than 35 percent of the total lot area.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Buildings in St. Ignace's R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    • A garage or accessory building, attached or detached, may not be more than 50 percent higher than the dwelling and may not exceed 35 feet.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet

    “No building in the R-1 district shall exceed 35 feet in height.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask St. Ignace or Mackinac County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-built residences inside St. Ignace city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside St. Ignace city limits.
  • Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy inside St. Ignace city limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside St. Ignace city limits.
  • Who permits septic — On-site sewage systems inside St. Ignace city limits.
8 more unanswered
  • Septic permit
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • 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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that St. Ignace publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Mackinac County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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