Building permits, zoning and land rules in Menominee County, Michigan
84Index Score / 100 #10 of 83 in Michigan
Menominee County, Michigan requires building permits, with the county Building Code Department enforcing the building code outside the cities of Menominee and Stephenson12. Township or village zoning approval comes first where required, and local standards vary3. Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties issues septic permits4.
At a glance
Building permit
Required; the county department serves most jurisdictions, but two cities have local programs12
Building code
The current Michigan Building Code applies; residential requirements are in the Michigan Residential Code5
Zoning
Check the parcel's township or village; the county lists local zoning authorities3
Septic permits
Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties — Environmental Health Division4
RV living
Local rules vary; Cedarville uses an annual permit, while Ingallston limits principal-structure use to 6 months67
Accessory dwelling
Conditionally allowed under different standards in Cedarville and Ingallston89
Owner-builder
A licensing exemption may apply to a home built for the owner's own use and occupancy; permits still apply10
Permit fees
The county publishes a fee schedule and accepts online, cash or mailed payment11
Snow removal, gravel-road grading, roadway maintenance and signage, and design/engineering of roadway improvements; issues driveway and right-of-way permits through its Oxcart online system
These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.
Do you need a building permit in Menominee County, Michigan?
Yes. Menominee County requires building permits, and its Building Code Department reviews plans and issues permits in the jurisdictions assigned to the county112. The cities of Menominee and Stephenson operate local building-code programs; the county program covers the villages of Carney, Daggett and Powers and the listed townships2. The current statewide framework is the Michigan Building Code, with residential requirements in the Michigan Residential Code5. The county department reviews drawings before issuing a building permit, and the county publishes a fee schedule rather than one flat price1211. A new or altered building cannot be occupied until the code official issues a certificate of occupancy13.
Who issues Menominee County building permits, and how do you reach them?
For projects under county jurisdiction, the Menominee County Building Code Department is at S904 US HWY 41, Stephenson, MI 49887, and its listed phone number is (906) 863-777912. A parcel inside the city of Menominee or Stephenson instead goes through that city's local building-code program2. Before submitting a county building-permit package, identify the township, obtain township zoning approval where required, and secure any needed well or septic approval14. A Soil Erosion Sedimentation Control application is also required when work is within 500 feet of water or changes more than 1 acre of earth14. For driveway or right-of-way work under Road Commission jurisdiction, use Oxcart after checking which municipality controls the road segment15.
Does Menominee County have zoning?
Zoning depends on the parcel's township or village, and a zoned township's approval is required before the county building-permit application3. Cedarville's minimum lot size is 1 acre in its A/F/R districts and 0.5 acre in LS/R, while its schedule lists no minimum for TD/C16. Cedarville's setback schedule contains an internal unit problem—it labels the columns in feet but gives the entries as 10%—so obtain a written interpretation from the township before laying out a structure17. Ingallston requires at least 720 square feet for a single-family dwelling, including a mobile home, and sets district-specific minimum lots, setbacks and a 30-foot height limit18192021. These standards are local, not countywide3.
How do septic and well permits work in Menominee County?
Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties' Environmental Health Division issues Menominee County septic permits4. Its Menominee office is at 909 Tenth Avenue, Menominee, MI 49858, and the phone number is 906-863-445122. For vacant land, begin with a raw-land evaluation; if the site is not physically altered, that evaluation remains valid for 5 years, and the resulting new-system permit is valid for 2 years23. Only 30.5% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and the evaluation determines whether a conventional gravity system or pressurized mound system is needed2425. Existing systems also receive specific review for property transfers, added sewage flow or connection to a replacement dwelling26. New and replacement private-well permits are valid for 2 years27.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Menominee County?
A countywide RV-occupancy rule could not be confirmed, so ask the parcel's township or village. Cedarville Township allows a state-licensed or registered RV as the principal structure where no other principal structure exists, subject to an annual township permit and county and state building, health and safety rules6. Ingallston Township allows a licensed or registered RV as a principal structure for no more than 6 months; parking or storage must meet accessory-building setbacks and preserve motorists' sight lines7. A tiny house does not gain automatic approval merely by being built on wheels; local zoning and construction approvals still apply28. Off-grid sanitation also needs approval: an earthen-pit privy requires acceptable soil information, while a watertight vaulted privy avoids the soil evaluation, and either type requires a privy permit valid for 2 years29.
Building a home in Menominee County: the steps, in order
Identify the parcel's township, village or city, and obtain local zoning approval where required143.
For a vacant septic site, request a raw-land evaluation from Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties, then obtain the required septic permit; apply there for any needed well permit too2327.
File a Soil Erosion Sedimentation Control application if work is within 500 feet of water or changes more than 1 acre of earth14.
Apply to the county Building Code Department unless the parcel is inside the city of Menominee or Stephenson, which has a local program2.
Determine road jurisdiction and use Oxcart for Road Commission driveway or right-of-way work15.
Complete inspections and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the building13.
What should you check before buying land in Menominee County?
Start with the parcel's township or village because local zoning controls lot size, setbacks, dwelling size and RV use where an ordinance applies3. Confirm septic feasibility early: only 30.5% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, and vacant land normally begins with a raw-land evaluation2423. For a property with an existing septic system, ask whether the proposed transfer, added bedroom, increased flow or replacement dwelling triggers an evaluation26. Menominee County is 76.2% wooded, and 98.5% of its land has a slope of 15% or less, but parcel-level clearing, drainage and access still need inspection3031. Confirm road jurisdiction before applying for driveway work15.
Watch-outs
The county says seven townships have zoning ordinances but its published list contains six townships and the Village of Powers; confirm the parcel's current zoning authority directly3.
Do not treat Ingallston's campground rule as permission to occupy a single RV indefinitely; the township separately limits an RV used as a principal structure to 6 months327.
Cedarville's setback table labels its columns in feet but gives the entries as percentages; obtain a written township interpretation before siting a building17.
Written October 10, 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.
Menominee County highlighted among the Michigan counties · colored by Index score
How Menominee County scores
Seclusion73100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness5890% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy77100% ev.
Carry Cost84100% ev.
Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$191kTypical home
1%Property tax
$3,061Land / acre
30.7"Annual rain
1.4% of yrsSevere drought
0.6 / yr (+0.6)Mid-century 100°F days
11.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.46" (+11.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$954Home insurance / yr
0% / yrInsurance growth
0.97%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
27,647People within 30 min
338,264People within 2 hr
9,791Radius comparison (15 mi)
22People / sq mi
0.1%Federal land
98.5%Land at 15% slope or less
30.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
Each button opens a current land search for Menominee County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.
Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances
Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.
Working estimate
—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—
A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.
Before an offer
Parcel due diligence
0/8 checked
Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.
Cities and towns in Menominee 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.
Not yet researched: Village of Carney · Cedarville Township · Daggett Township · Village of Daggett · Faithorn Township · Gourley Township · Harris Township · Holmes Township · Ingallston Township · Lake Township · Mellen Township · Menominee · Menominee Township · Meyer Township · Nadeau Township · Village of Powers · Spalding Township · Stephenson Township
Answers from the rulebook for Menominee County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Menominee County rules
Building code adoptedPartial
Building-code enforcement within Menominee County, including the county and listed subordinate local units of government.
The Statewide Jurisdiction List identifies three jurisdiction levels for building-code enforcement: state, county, and local.
The Menominee County entry is listed as COUNTY for building-code jurisdiction.
The cities of Menominee and Stephenson are listed as LOCAL for building-code jurisdiction and therefore have their own programs.
The villages of Carney, Daggett, and Powers and the listed Menominee County townships are shown as COUNTY for building-code jurisdiction.
The Statewide Jurisdiction List is revised 8/21/2026; no separate effective date is shown for the Menominee County entries.
“MENOMINEE MENOMINEE COUNTY COUNTY
MENOMINEE CITY OF MENOMINEE LOCAL STATE STATE STATE
MENOMINEE CITY OF STEPHENSON LOCAL STATE STATE STATE
MENOMINEE VILLAGE OF CARNEY COUNTY STATE STATE STATE
MENOMINEE VILLAGE OF DAGGETT COUNTY STATE STATE STATE
MENOMINEE VILLAGE OF POWERS COUNTY STATE STATE STATE”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Local zoning across Menominee County, including unincorporated township areas and the Village of Powers; zoning administration varies by the applicable township or municipality rather than being established here as one uniform county-administered ordinance.
The county directs applicants to submit township zoning applications to the applicable township.
If a project is located in a Zoned Township, approved zoning must be obtained from that township before the county building-permit application is submitted.
The cited county pages do not expressly state that no countywide zoning ordinance exists, so this claim does not establish countywide zoning absence.
“Menominee County has seven townships with zoning ordinances:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Menominee County townships and the Village of Powers; the county page identifies seven local jurisdictions with zoning ordinances, while administration is by the applicable township or village.
“It is required to have approved zoning with your Township before applying for a Building Permit.”
Zoning districtsPartial
The county's published inventory of subordinate zoning authorities in Menominee County; the county itself is not represented as administering each local zoning ordinance.
The county page states that seven townships have zoning ordinances and identifies Cedarville, Ingallston, Lake, Mellen, Stephenson, Harris, and the Village of Powers.
The page does not publish a complete list of zoning-district names or district boundaries.
Approved zoning must be obtained from the applicable township before applying for a building permit.
“Menominee County has seven townships with zoning ordinances: Cedarville Township Zoning Ordinance Ingallston Township Zoning Ordinance Lake Township Zoning Ordinance Mellen Township Zoning Ordinance Stephenson Township Zoning Ordinance Harris Township Village of Powers It is required to have approved zoning with your Township before applying for a Building Permit.”
Who permits septicLocal
On-site sewage treatment and disposal regulation in Menominee County by the Delta & Menominee Counties Public Health Environmental Health Division.
The health district serves both Delta and Menominee Counties.
“Menominee County Office: [...] Environmental Health Division issues permits”
Septic permitRequired
New, repair, and septic-tank-only replacement OSTDS permits in Menominee County.
A raw land evaluation is the first step for a parcel without an existing OSTDS.
The raw land evaluation is valid for 5 years if the site is not physically altered.
A new OSTDS permit is obtained after the raw land evaluation.
Another site visit may be required if the OSTDS location differs from the evaluated area.
A backhoe may be required for additional soil test pits and must be provided by the applicant when requested.
New, repair, and septic-tank-only replacement OSTDS permits are valid for 2 years.
For repair systems retaining an existing septic tank, a pump slip from a licensed septage hauler is required documenting capacity, watertight concrete construction, and good condition.
raw land evaluation validity: 5 years (provided the site is not physically altered) · OSTDS permit validity: 2 years (applies to new, repair, and septic-tank-only replacement permits)
“A raw land evaluation (a.k.a. "Perk Test") is the first step taken for any parcel of land that does not currently have an existing OSTDS on site. This evaluation will be used to access the parcel site to determine if it meets minimum Sanitary Code requirements to install an OSTDS. *Note: A backhoe may be required to dig a test hole(s) for the soil evaluation by the sanitarian. The backhoe, when requested, must be provided by the applicant.* The results of a Raw Land Evaluation are valid for 5 years, provided the site is not physically altered. [...] After a raw land evaluation has been conducted, the next step would be to obtain the required OSTDS permit. Another site visit may be required if the location of the OSTDS is not in the same area that was evaluated during the raw land evaluation. [...] OSTDS Permits are valid for 2 years. [...] If a property owner intends to continue using an existing septic tank, a pump slip from a licensed septage hauler is required that accurately documents the capacity, that the tank is constructed of watertight concrete, and that it is in good condition.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction of a new on-site sewage treatment/disposal system in Menominee County through the Delta & Menominee Counties Public Health Environmental Health Division.
“After a raw land evaluation has been conducted, the next step would be to obtain the required OSTDS permit.”
Required — Construction of on-site sewage treatment/disposal systems serving property in Menominee County through the Delta & Menominee Counties Public Health Environmental Health Division.
“After a raw land evaluation has been conducted, the next step would be to obtain the required OSTDS permit.”
Septic inspectionLimited
Existing OSTDS in Menominee County when a property transfer, increased sewage flow, or connection of a new dwelling is involved.
The Environmental Health Division evaluates existing OSTDS for compliance with current codes in the listed situations.
A write-off evaluation is required when sewage flows increase by no more than 150 gallons per day, when up to one bedroom is added, or when a dwelling is disconnected and a new dwelling is reconnected to the existing OSTDS.
If sewage flows increase by more than 150 gallons per day, a raw land evaluation is required and all minimum site criteria for permitting apply.
write-off sewage-flow increase threshold: <= 150 gallons per day (larger increases require a raw land evaluation) · write-off bedroom-addition threshold: <= 1 bedroom
“It also evaluates existing OSTDS to determine compliance with current codes for property transfers or those property owners seeking to increase sewage flows or connect a new dwelling to an existing OSTDS. [...] PHDM will conduct write-off evaluations for homes/building(s) that intend to increase sewage flows of no more than 150 gallons per day, or the addition of up to 1 bedroom. A write-off evaluation is also required when a property owner intends to disconnect the dwelling from an existing OSTDS and re-connect a new dwelling to the OSTDS. The existing OSTDS will be evaluated to determine if it meets minimum criteria. A soil evaluation may be required by a sanitarian. [...] When it is determined that sewage flows will increase by more than 150 gallons per day, a raw land evaluation will be required and all minimum site criteria for permitting are applicable.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Privies, including earthen-pit and vaulted privies, as off-grid sanitation options in Menominee County.
An earthen-pit privy requires a raw land evaluation or valid soils information and must meet minimum standards.
A vaulted privy uses an approved watertight vault and does not require a soil evaluation.
A privy OSTDS permit is required and is valid for 2 years.
The page states that the applicant must provide a backhoe when requested for soil test pits.
privy permit validity: 2 years
“PHDM offers two types of privy permits: Earthen Pit Privy Permit: This permit is for a privy which is open to natural soils where non-water carried human waste is discharged directly into the natural soils inside of a structure. This type of privy permit must have a raw land evaluation or valid soils information and meet minimum standards. [...] Vaulted Privy Permit: This permit is for a privy where the disposal of non-water carried human waste is discharged into an approved water tight vault inside of a structure. A soil evaluation is not required for this permit. [...] Privy OSTDS Permits are valid for 2 years”
Well permitRequired
New and replacement private water wells for individual residences and small public water supplies in Menominee County.
New wells must comply with the Michigan Water Well Construction and Pump Installation Code.
New private water-well permits are issued only to parcels meeting minimum requirements and require specified isolation distances.
New and replacement private-water-well permits are valid for 2 years.
new private well permit validity: 2 years · replacement private well permit validity: 2 years
“Environmental Health issues well permits for individual residences and small public water supplies”
Driveway accessLimited
Driveway permits for work within Menominee County road rights-of-way or easements; the controlling municipality may differ by road segment.
Driveway permits are submitted through the Menominee County Road Commission's Oxcart permitting system.
The county directs applicants to determine which municipality controls the relevant stretch of road using the MDOT map.
The cited rule is limited to the road commission's permitting jurisdiction and does not establish a countywide driveway requirement for every parcel.
“To process Non-Transportation permits. Please navigate to Oxcart website to submit any right-of-way construction, utility, and driveway permits. Also, annual and seasonal permits for milk haulers, garbage haulers, miscellaneous agricultural, and public utilities are now available through Oxcart. To determine which municipality controls your stretch of road, please refer to this MDOT map.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Building permit and soil erosion and sedimentation control permit fees administered by Menominee County.
The county directs applicants to a fee schedule for permit payment.
The cited page does not state individual fee amounts in text.
“To pay for your permit: Please see Fee Schedule below. Pay either online, cash, or via mail. All checks addressed to "Menominee County Treasurer"”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building permit applications in Menominee County, including projects in zoned townships and projects requiring sanitary or soil erosion approvals.
Applicants must check the township where the project is located.
If the location is in a zoned township, approved township zoning must be obtained.
A sanitary well or septic permit from the Menominee County Health Department is required if needed.
If within 500 feet of water or involving earth changes over 1 acre, a Soil Erosion Sedimentation Control application is required.
After the preceding steps, the completed documents are submitted to the Menominee County Building Code Department.
water-distance threshold: 500 ft (Applies when the project is within 500 feet of water.) · earth-change threshold: > 1 acre (Applies when earth changes exceed 1 acre.)
“Check which Township your project location is in (See Zoning) If the location is in a Zoned Township- obtain approved zoning with your Township Obtain a Sanitary (well/septic) permit from Menominee County Health Department if needed Once steps 1-3 have been completed, fill out a Building Permit application If you are within 500ft of water and/or earth changes over 1 acre- fill out a Soil Erosion Sedimentation Conrol application as well When steps 1-5 are completed- turn in all documents to Menominee County Building Code Department”
County-wide zoningAbsent
Zoning in Menominee County is administered at the township level (seven townships plus the Village of Powers have zoning ordinances; some townships such as Menominee Township are non-zoned); there is no county-wide zoning ordinance.
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.”
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A person erecting a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure on the person's property for the person's own use and occupancy, under Michigan residential-builder licensing law.
The quoted state FAQ reproduces MCL 339.2401(a) and states the exception for 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.
The state FAQ says the Bureau of Construction Codes Licensing cannot provide legal advice or interpret the statute and advises consulting an attorney for an individual situation.
This is a licensing exemption and does not waive applicable building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, zoning, sanitary, or other construction requirements.
“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 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.
“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.”
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”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
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.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Buildings and premises in Michigan that have plumbing fixtures or drainage piping.
Connection must be to a public sewer where available, or otherwise to an approved private sewage disposal system.
Plumbing work cannot begin until the appropriate enforcing agency issues a permit.
Local requirements may apply to water service and building sewer installation.
“Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed [...] shall be connected to a public sewer, where available, or an approved private sewage disposal system.”
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.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and land division activity in Menominee County under Michigan's Land Division Act, with local approval responsibilities as provided by statute.
The Michigan Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers applicable Land Division Act provisions statewide and conducts final plat reviews.
A municipality must approve or disapprove a proposed division within 45 days after a complete application is filed.
A municipality with a population of 2,500 or less may enter an agreement transferring approval authority to the county.
The statute requires, among other things, adequate legal descriptions and parcel maps, accessibility, utility easements for development sites, compliance with section 108, and payment or apportionment of specified property taxes and special assessments.
Local ordinances may establish standards for parcel depth-to-width ratio, width, area, and review fees; a fee may not exceed the reasonable cost of the review.
Approval of a division is not a determination that the resulting parcels comply with other ordinances or regulations.
municipal decision deadline: 45 days (after filing of a complete application) · parcel depth-to-width ratio: <= 4 to 1 (unless a smaller ratio is required by ordinance; exceptions apply to parcels larger than 10 acres and retained remainder parcels as stated in section 560.109) · review fee: <= reasonable cost of services text (local ordinance may establish the fee)
“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 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.”
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plat review and administration under Michigan's Land Division Act statewide.
“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.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a Michigan river, stream, or drain regulated under Part 31.
The Part 31 permit requirement applies to rivers, streams, or drains with a drainage area of 2 square miles or greater.
A Part 31 EGLE permit is not required for alterations within floodplains of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, or watercourses with drainage areas less than 2 square miles, although other NREPA reviews may still be necessary.
Construction and fill may be permitted in non-floodway portions if local ordinances and building standards are met and compensating excavation is provided equal to the volume of fill placed in the floodplain.
New residential construction is specifically prohibited in the floodway.
The minimum residential elevation standard is one foot above the 100-year flood elevation, and some communities or counties may impose a higher standard.
Minimum drainage area for Part 31 floodplain authority: >= 2 square miles (Part 31 does not apply below this threshold) · Lowest-floor elevation: >= 1 foot above 100-year flood elevation (Some communities and counties may require a higher elevation)
“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.”
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 Menominee County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Residential structures in Ingallston Township, Menominee County, including mobile homes.
The minimum principal floor area excludes unfinished basements, garages, porches, and breezeways.
The ordinance is amended effective August 1, 2025.
single-family dwelling including mobile homes minimum principal floor area: >= 720 square feet · two-family dwelling minimum principal floor area: >= 1440 square feet total structure · recreational structure minimum principal floor area: >= 600 square feet
“The minimum principal floor area, exclusive of unfinished basements, garages, porches and breezeways for structures used for residential use shall be: Single family dwelling including mobile homes: 720 square feet; Two-family dwelling: 1,440 square feet total structure; Recreational structure: 600 square feet.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Lots and parcels in Ingallston Township zoning districts R-1, RR, C, and AF.
Lot width is measured at the front setback line and excludes encumbrances such as easements.
For a parcel adjoining a road, the ordinance treats the road as part of the lot for determining lot size.
Minimum lot size and lot width regulations do not apply to certain nonconforming lots of record described in Section 411.
R-1 minimum lot size: >= 20000 square feet · RR minimum lot size: >= 20000 square feet · C minimum lot size: >= 25000 square feet · AF minimum lot size: >= 1 acre
Setbacks in Cedarville Township zoning districts in Menominee County.
The schedule labels the setback columns as feet but states 10% for the listed front, side, and rear entries; the source wording is preserved without reinterpretation.
The LS/R rear lot-line setback is measured from the high water mark.
All setbacks must conform to state and county regulations.
Setbacks are calculated from the edge of the right-of-way or property line, whichever preserves the right-of-way.
The ordinance's district schedule controls; this claim does not establish a countywide rule.
A/F/R front setback: 10% · A/F/R side setback: 10% · A/F/R rear setback: 10% · LS/R front setback: 10% · LS/R side setback: 10% · LS/R rear setback: 10% (Measured from the high water mark) · TD/C front setback: 10% · TD/C side setback: 10% · TD/C rear setback: 10%
“The rear lot line setback in District LS/R shall be measured from the high water mark. All setbacks shall conform to state and county regulations”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Structures and lots in Ingallston Township zoning districts and waterfront areas.
“All structures on lots abutting any body of water, as defined in Act No. 346 of the Public Acts of 1972, including, but not limited to, inland lakes, rivers, streams, and impoundments, shall maintain a minimum setback of 60 feet as measured from the ordinary high water mark.”
Building heightSpecified
Structures in Ingallston Township zoning districts R-1, RR, C, and AF.
The schedule sets a 30-foot maximum height in each listed district.
Height exceptions apply to specified ornamental, mechanical, public utility, and agriculture-related structures, provided no portion of the excepted structure is used for human occupancy.
Commercial communication towers have additional setback or collapse-zone requirements.
maximum building height in R-1, RR, C, and AF districts: <= 30 feet (Section 414 height exceptions)
Use of a recreational vehicle as a principal structure on private property in Cedarville Township where no other principal structure exists.
The recreational vehicle must have a valid state license/registration.
An annual permit from the township is required.
Permit holders must comply with county and state building, health, and safety regulations and maintain the structure.
An unattended vehicle must visibly display the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
permit duration: annual
“may be used as a principle structure on private property where no other principle structures exist under annual permit through the township.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — A recreational vehicle used as a principal structure on private land in Ingallston Township, Menominee County.
“Any recreational vehicle having a valid state license/ registration may be used as a principal structure for a period not exceeding six months.”
Camping on your landLimited
Campgrounds in Ingallston Township zoning districts AF, C, RR, and R-1.
The ordinance defines the district order as AF, C, RR, R-1.
Campgrounds require a Conditional Use Permit in AF, C, and RR districts.
Campgrounds are not permitted in the R-1 district.
AF district campground permission: C (Conditional Use Permit required) · C district campground permission: C (Conditional Use Permit required) · RR district campground permission: C (Conditional Use Permit required) · R-1 district campground permission: N (Not permitted)
“The following recreational uses are Permitted Principal Use (P), or require a Conditional Use Permit (C) in the districts indicated below. A use not permitted by right or as a conditional use is indicated by “N”. Zoning Districts Recreational Land Uses AF C RR R-1 [...] C C C N Campgrounds”
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory housing units in Ingallston Township, including a separate housing unit, an apartment within the principal dwelling, or a mobile home used as an accessory housing unit.
The purpose is assistance or companionship related to advancing age, illness, death of a spouse, or another family member.
Accessory housing units may be permitted in all districts except Commercial District C.
A Conditional Use Permit is required.
A building permit is required before alteration, conversion, construction, or placement.
A separate accessory-housing structure must meet all setback and height requirements for a principal building.
The accessory housing unit may continue only while the medical or other qualifying reason exists.
When the qualifying condition ends, a mobile home used as an accessory housing unit must be removed from the property within 24 weeks.
mobile-home removal deadline after qualifying condition ends: <= 24 weeks (Applies when the medical or other condition supporting the accessory housing unit ceases)
“Accessory housing units may be permitted in all districts, except Commercial (District C), upon issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. [...] Upon cessation of the medical or other condition, a mobile home placed as an accessory housing unit shall be removed from the property within 24 weeks.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Allowed (with conditions) — One accessory housing unit in any Cedarville Township zoning district.
“Accessory housing units may be permitted in all districts upon issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In Michigan, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Menominee 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.
Lot coverage
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
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 Menominee County, Michigan
Is Menominee County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Menominee County scores 84/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Menominee County, Michigan?
Menominee County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Public Health, Delta & Menominee Counties (Environmental Health). 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 Menominee County, Michigan?
Land in Menominee County runs about $3,061 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Menominee County?
Menominee County gets about 30.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.4% of years.
How remote is Menominee County?
A representative private-land location has about 27,647 people within a 30-minute drive and 338,264 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.
