Bolthole Index

Montmorency County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Montmorency County, Michigan

82Index Score / 100
#14 of 83 in Michigan

Montmorency County, Michigan requires a building permit for construction work covered by the state construction code, and the county's own Building Department issues it.1 Zoning approval comes from each township or the Village of Hillman, while Loud Township has no zoning.23 Septic permits for the whole county come from District Health Department No. 4, not the township or the building department.45

At a glance

Building permit
Required for building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work, issued by the county's own Building Department1
Zoning
Handled by each township or the Village of Hillman; Loud Township has no zoning23
Septic
District Health Department No. 4 requires a construction permit before installing, repairing or altering an on-site sewage system45
RV / tiny home living
Loud Township has no zoning restriction on RV or tiny-home occupancy; Montmorency Township limits ordinary camping to 30 days/year678
Owner-builder
Michigan lets an owner build their own home without a contractor license, but county permits, inspections and occupancy rules still apply9
Septic soil difficulty
Only 8.1% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field10
Permit fees
Mechanical permit schedule: $65 application fee, $75 rough inspection and $50 final inspection; ask the Building Department for other permit types11
Manufactured home
No zoning restriction in Loud Township; allowed in Montmorency Township when the home and site meet township zoning, state construction-code and county health requirements1213

Who to call

Building permits

Montmorency County Building Department

Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and demolition permits, Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control (SESC) permitting, inspections, and the Construction Board of Appeals for Montmorency County

989-785-8006

P.O. Box 789, Atlanta, Michigan 49709

Septic permits

District Health Department No. 4, Atlanta Office (Montmorency County)

On-site sewage disposal system (septic) permits, site reviews and final inspections for Montmorency County

(989) 785-4428

12480 State Street, Atlanta, MI 49709

Roads & driveways

Montmorency County Road Commission

County road questions and driveway access onto county roads

989-785-3334

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in Montmorency County, Michigan?

Yes. Montmorency County has adopted and enforces the Michigan State Construction Code, Michigan Residential Code, and associated electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes, and its own Building Department issues the permits14. A permit must be issued before any work requiring one begins, and it's the property owner's or contractor's responsibility to get every required permit and approval before starting1516. Requirements vary by project: beyond the county's own building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits, you may also need township zoning approval, Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control (SESC) sign-off, District Health Department No. 4 well or septic approval, road approval, or a floodplain or EGLE permit, depending on what you're building and where15. Statewide, Michigan's 2021-edition building code, effective April 9, 2025, governs the construction, alteration, use, and occupancy of buildings, with Michigan-specific amendments17. Application fees are non-refundable once paid15.

Who issues building permits in Montmorency County, Michigan?

The Montmorency County Building Department administers building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, and SESC permitting and inspections for the whole county18. Reach the office at P.O. Box 789, Atlanta, Michigan 49709, by phone at 989-785-800618. The department also runs a Construction Board of Appeals, and its site tells applicants to confirm before applying whether township zoning, SESC, health department, road commission, or floodplain/EGLE approvals also apply to their project18. The county's published mechanical permit schedule charges a $65 application fee plus per-item and inspection fees such as $75 for a rough inspection and $50 for a final inspection; ask the Building Department for the fee on the building, electrical and plumbing permits you need.11 Septic permits are not issued here: those come from District Health Department No. 4.4 For driveway or access questions on a county-maintained road, the Montmorency County Road Commission can be reached at 989-785-333419.

Does Montmorency County, Michigan have zoning?

Zoning approval in Montmorency County is administered by the townships and the Village of Hillman rather than through one uniform county system, while the county Building Department still issues the building permit, and the Building Department requires any applicable local zoning approval before it will issue a building permit220. The county lists zoning contacts for Albert, Avery, Briley, Hillman, Montmorency, Rust, and Vienna townships and the Village of Hillman, while identifying Loud Township as having no zoning3. Loud Township therefore has no zoning-based minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit, or building-height limit2122232425. Loud Township also imposes no zoning restriction on RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, or accessory-dwelling occupancy62671227. Building-code, septic, road, land-division, floodplain, and other requirements can still constrain a Loud Township project712. For land elsewhere, ask the applicable township or village for the parcel's district and use rules before designing the project20.

How do septic permits work in Montmorency County, Michigan?

District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4), not Montmorency County, regulates sewage disposal across Montmorency, Alpena, Cheboygan, and Presque Isle counties4. The Atlanta office that serves Montmorency County is at 12480 State Street, Atlanta, MI 49709, phone (989) 785-442828. An owner or authorized representative must obtain a DHD4 construction permit before installing, repairing, or altering an on-site sewage system; after application and payment, the process includes a site visit, soil evaluation, and site review when conditions allow5. The permit is valid for 2 years, and DHD4 must inspect the finished system before it is covered or backfilled5. Only 8.1% of Montmorency County soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so complete the soil evaluation before fixing the house location or budget10. A building served by plumbing must connect to public sewer where available or use an approved private system29.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Montmorency County, Michigan?

Montmorency County has no single answer to RV or tiny-home living because zoning varies by township and in the Village of Hillman20. Loud Township has no zoning restriction on RV occupancy, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy, manufactured-home occupancy, or accessory-dwelling occupancy, but building, septic, sanitary, floodplain, and other non-zoning requirements still apply62671227. In Montmorency Township, ordinary dwelling or camping use of a tent, travel trailer, or motor home is limited to 30 days per year; a travel trailer or motor home may serve as a temporary dwelling for up to 183 days per year when running water and sewage facilities are available8. A zoning permit may allow a temporary residence for up to one year while a house is being built, with a possible one-year renewal if construction has substantially progressed30. Montmorency Township allows a manufactured or mobile home as a single-family dwelling when it has suitable sleeping, living, and sanitary facilities and complies with township zoning, the state construction code, and county health codes13. Elsewhere, ask the applicable zoning authority; Michigan tiny homes still need applicable zoning and construction approvals, including homes on wheels331.

What are the steps to build a home in Montmorency County, Michigan?

  1. Identify your township, or the Village of Hillman, and call its zoning contact for zoning approval; the county requires any applicable local zoning approval before issuing a building permit203.
  2. If splitting land, get township approval before requesting an address; Michigan's Land Division Act also governs plats and non-plat divisions1632.
  3. Arrange the DHD4 septic permit and well review and any SESC, road, or floodplain approval2816. A driveway onto a state trunkline needs an MDOT permit in addition to the local building permit33.
  4. Get the septic site evaluation before finalizing the house design34.
  5. Apply to the Montmorency County Building Department for building and any electrical, mechanical, or plumbing permits; application fees are non-refundable1815.
  6. Follow the required inspection sequence and do not conceal work before approval35.
  7. After final inspections and life-safety corrections, request a Certificate of Occupancy determination before moving in36.

What should you check before buying land in Montmorency County, Michigan?

Confirm the local zoning authority for the parcel; Loud Township has no zoning-based minimum home size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, or height limit, but other townships and the Village of Hillman may impose those controls2122232425. Check the soil before assuming a conventional septic system will work because only 8.1% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field10. A floodplain, shoreline, wetland, inland-lake, or stream project may need EGLE or other approval37. A proposed subdivision in a floodplain must show the 100-year floodplain on its final plat and satisfy additional state review standards38. Michigan regulates subdivision plats and requires notice to state and local governments for subdivision or condominium development39. Michigan's owner-builder rule can exempt an owner building a personal residence from residential-builder licensing, but not from permits, inspections, or occupancy requirements40. Qualifying property used in agricultural production may receive a sales-and-use-tax exemption, but permanently affixed structural property is generally excluded except for specified items41.

Watch-outs

  • Montmorency Township's camping and RV limits do not apply countywide; ask the zoning contact for the township or the Village of Hillman where the parcel is located38.
  • Outside Loud Township, we could not confirm local rules for tiny-home occupancy or accessory dwellings across every jurisdiction; ask the applicable township or Village of Hillman zoning contact before assuming a use is allowed20727.

Sources

  1. Building Department (2026 county census)
  2. Montmorency County Building Department (2026 county census)
  3. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  4. District Health Department No. 4 Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  5. District Health Department No. 4 Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  8. Montmorency Township Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Montmorency County Building Department (2026 county census)
  10. 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
  11. Mechanical Permit Application and Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  13. Montmorency Township Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  17. Code Books (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Montmorency County Building Department (montcounty.org)
  19. Montmorency County Road Commission (montcounty.org)
  20. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  21. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  22. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  23. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  24. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  25. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  26. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  27. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  28. District Health Department No. 4, Atlanta Office (Montmorency County) (dhd4.org)
  29. Michigan Part 7 Plumbing Code Rules (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Montmorency Township Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  31. michigan.gov (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Obtaining a Property Address for a Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  33. Infrastructure permits, quoted and re-checked
  34. DHD No. 4 Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  35. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  36. Certificate of Occupancy, quoted and re-checked
  37. montcounty.org, quoted and re-checked
  38. Subdivision Floodplain Overview, quoted and re-checked
  39. Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  40. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (RB), quoted and re-checked
  41. Revenue Administrative Bulletin 2023-9: Sales and Use Tax Agricultural Production Exemption, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Montmorency County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleMontmorency CountyAlpena CountyOtsego CountyOscoda CountyPresque Isle CountyCrawford CountyCheboygan County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsDistrict Health Dept. No. 4District Health Dept. No. 4Health Dept. of Northwest MichiganDistrict Health Dept. No. 2District Health Dept. No. 4District Health Dept. #10District Health Dept. No. 4

County locator

Montmorency County in Michigan

82
County map
Montmorency County highlighted among the Michigan counties · colored by Index score

How Montmorency County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability73100% ev.
Property Autonomy77100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →

$181kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$4,066Land / acre
29.5"Annual rain
1.3% of yrsSevere drought
1.5 / yr (+1.4)Mid-century 100°F days
10.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.32" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.6×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$920Home insurance / yr
-0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.89%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
324,826People within 2 hr
9,400Radius comparison (15 mi)
17.7People / sq mi
0%Federal land
92.4%Land at 15% slope or less
8.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
27,559 acWorkable land screen
79.4%Wooded land
43.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Montmorency 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.

Albert Township · Avery Township · Briley Township · Hillman Township · Village of Hillman · Loud Township · Montmorency Township · Rust Township · Vienna Township

Answers from the rulebook for Montmorency County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Montmorency County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building construction and other work regulated by the applicable construction code in Montmorency County.

    • A permit must be issued before work requiring a permit begins.
    • Project requirements vary by location and scope.
    • Township or village zoning approval may be required.
    • Additional approvals may include SESC, District Health Department No. 4 well/septic approval, driveway or road, floodplain, EGLE, utility, or other approvals.
    • Application fees are non-refundable.
    “A permit must be issued before work requiring a permit begins.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building, residential, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes administered and enforced by the Montmorency County Building Department.

    • The county adopts and enforces the applicable Michigan State Construction Code, Michigan Residential Code, Michigan Building Code, and associated electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes.
    • Property owners and contractors must obtain all required permits and approvals before work begins.
    • Required inspections must be completed in the proper sequence, and work should not be covered or concealed until the required inspection has been completed and approved.
    • Depending on the project, additional approvals may be required from township zoning, Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control, the Health Department, Road Commission, utilities, EGLE, or other agencies.
    “Montmorency County has adopted and enforces the applicable Michigan State Construction Code, Michigan Residential Code, Michigan Building Code, and associated electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Projects requiring county building permits and applicable construction-code inspections in Montmorency County.

    • Inspection timing varies by project.
    • The permit holder must request required inspections and ensure the work is ready and accessible.
    • Typical sequence includes footing/foundation, foundation/backfill when required, rough building, and final building inspections.
    • Additional inspections may be required based on the work, permit conditions, or applicable code.
    • Demolition permits require a pre-inspection before permit issuance.
    • SESC inspections are handled under the County SESC program when an SESC permit applies.
    • Work may not be covered or proceed past a required inspection point until approval is received.
    “Do not cover work or proceed past a required inspection point until approval is received.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Newly constructed buildings or spaces and applicable completed projects in Montmorency County when the Building Department determines a Certificate of Occupancy is required.

    • Do not occupy or use a newly constructed building or space when a Certificate of Occupancy is required until the Building Department has issued the certificate.
    • Required building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing final inspections must be complete.
    • Required life-safety items and outstanding permit conditions or corrections must be complete or resolved.
    • Applicable SESC stabilization or permit requirements and other agency approvals must be complete when they are conditions of project completion.
    • A change in use or occupancy may require review and approval before the new use begins.
    • After prerequisite inspections pass, the applicant must contact the Building Department to request final building inspection and determine whether a Certificate of Occupancy is required.
    “Do not occupy or use a newly constructed building or space when a Certificate of Occupancy is required until the Building Department has issued the certificate.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Montmorency County townships and the Village of Hillman; zoning is administered by the listed local governments rather than by the county as a single countywide zoning authority.

    • The official county page states that applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance.
    • The page lists zoning contacts for Albert, Avery, Briley, Hillman Township, Montmorency Township, Rust, Vienna, and the Village of Hillman.
    • The page expressly states: Loud Township - No zoning.
    • The county page also directs applicants to confirm whether township zoning and other approvals are required before applying.
    “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. [...] Loud Township - No zoning”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate of local zoning administration among townships and the Village of Hillman within Montmorency County; the county page identifies the local zoning authorities rather than claiming that the county administers each local ordinance.
      “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Aggregate zoning-administration information for Montmorency County; the county page identifies township and village zoning authorities but does not publish a complete countywide district list.

    • Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before county building-permit issuance.
    • Zoning is administered by the listed townships or village rather than uniformly by the county.
    • The county page expressly states that Loud Township has no zoning.
    • District names, dimensional standards, and local ordinance details were not established for every local jurisdiction.
    “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Sewage-disposal regulation and permitting in Montmorency County as part of District Health Department No. 4.

    • DHD4 jurisdiction covers Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency, and Presque Isle counties.
    • The code states that sewage-disposal regulations apply to all premises unless otherwise specified.
    “counties of Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency, and Presque Isle”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, repair, or alteration of sewage-disposal systems on premises in Montmorency County within DHD4 jurisdiction.

    • Construction, repair, or alteration may not begin until the owner or authorized representative applies to the Health Officer and receives a construction permit.
    • Where public sewers are unavailable, specified new construction, additions, alterations increasing sleeping rooms or wastewater need, replacement structures, and other covered work require a sewage-treatment-system permit before a municipal building department may issue a permit or allow construction.
    • An onsite sewage-disposal permit is valid for 2 years.
    • A site visit, soil evaluation, and site review occur after application and fee submission if site conditions allow.
    • A final inspection must occur before the system is covered or backfilled.

    permit validity: 2 years

    “The Sanitary code requires that property owners obtain a construction permit prior to installing or repairing an onsite sewage disposal system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Sewage-disposal-system construction in Montmorency County regulated by DHD No. 4.

    • A Health Officer inspection is required after construction and before any system portion is covered or placed in operation.
    • The contractor, installer, or homeowner must contact DHD No. 4 for required inspections.
    • Additional inspections may occur when the Health Officer considers them necessary.
    • Final inspection requirements may be waived in some circumstances if approved verification is possible, including an installer affidavit and detailed site plan reviewed and approved by the Health Officer.
    “A final inspection of the completed system must be conducted by District Health Department No. 4 staff prior to covering/backfilling the sewage disposal system.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Projects involving floodplains and other regulated water resources in Montmorency County.

    • A county SESC permit does not replace other federal, state, or local permits that may be required.
    • Floodplain-related projects may require approval from EGLE or another permitting agency; the county page does not specify a single universal floodplain permit or numeric standard.
    “Projects involving shoreline work, seawalls, riprap, wetlands, inland lakes or streams, floodplains, or other regulated water resources may also require approval from EGLE or another permitting agency.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building-department mechanical and related permit fees.

    • Fees vary by permit type, work category, inspection, and measured quantity.
    • The mechanical schedule states that the total must include the $65.00 application fee.
    • The schedule states that checks are payable to Montmorency County.

    application fee: 65 USD (included in total) · fuel gas piping: 0.05 USD/ft · rough inspection: 75 USD · final inspection: 50 USD

    “APPLICATION FEE $65.00 $65.00 FUEL GAS PIPING .05/FT”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit applications and related approvals for construction in Montmorency County.

    • Applicants must obtain required permits and approvals before work begins.
    • Required inspections must be completed in the proper sequence, and work should not be covered or concealed until inspection is completed and approved.
    • Depending on the project, township zoning, SESC, health department, Road Commission, utilities, EGLE, or other approvals may be required.
    • For split property, township land-division approval is required before applying for a property address.
    • After issuance of a property address and before building-permit issuance, applicants must contact applicable health, Road Commission, zoning, and Building Department offices.
    “It is the responsibility of the property owner and/or contractor to obtain all required permits and approvals before work begins. Required inspections must be completed in the proper sequence. Work should not be covered or concealed until the required inspection has been completed and approved.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Zoning is administered at the township level; the county requires a township zoning permit before a building permit, though some townships (e.g. Loud Township) have no zoning.

    Montmorency County Building Department ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Michigan rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An individual erecting a residential structure for the individual's own use and occupancy on the individual's property in Michigan, including Montmorency County.

    • The individual must be erecting the residential structure for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.
    • The quoted rule concerns residential builder licensure; it does not waive building permits, inspections, certificates of occupancy, or other construction-code requirements.
    • For the separate under-$600 licensing exemption, the aggregate contract price for labor, material, and any other item must be less than $600.00.
    • The under-$600 exemption does not apply when the work is part of a larger or major operation or contracts are divided below $600 to evade the law.

    aggregate contract price for separate under-$600 licensing exemption: < 600 USD (Does not apply if the work is part of a larger or major operation or contracts are divided below $600 to evade the act.)

    “An owner of property, with reference to a structure on the property for the owner's own use and occupancy.”
    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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential sanitary sewage disposal in Michigan without connection to a municipal sanitary sewer.

    • Sanitary sewage from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers must be directed to a municipal sanitary sewer or an onsite septic system.
    • An onsite septic system is subject to the EGLE-coordinated permitting and local-health-department permitting and inspection framework.
    • The source does not establish a statewide authorization for untreated discharge or arbitrary off-grid sanitation methods.
    “All sanitary sewage [...] must be directed to municipal sanitary sewer or to an onsite septic system.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Drilling a water well in Michigan under county ordinances administered by local health departments.

    • Before drilling, the applicable county ordinance requires either obtaining a well permit from the local health department or notifying the local health department.
    • Local ordinances differ from county to county, so specific requirements must be confirmed with the local health department.
    • Permit conditions may address well placement, minimum depth, minimum capacity, and other conditions.
    • The cited page separately states that permits are required before drilling or performing major repairs, but the express notification alternative means a permit is not invariably required in every case.
    “All Michigan counties have ordinances requiring that a well permit be obtained from the local health department (or the local health department be notified) before the well is drilled.”
  • 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 exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Michigan Farmland Development Rights Agreements, which may apply to eligible agricultural land in Montmorency County.

    • The agreement keeps land in agricultural use for a minimum of 10 years and prevents development in a non-agricultural use.
    • Eligibility includes one of the stated alternatives: at least 40 acres with at least 51% agricultural use; less than 40 acres but at least 5 acres with at least 51% agricultural use and at least $200 annual gross income per acre of cleared and tillable land; or a specialty farm of at least 15 acres with at least $2,000 annual gross income.
    • The program provides potential income-tax benefits and exemption from certain special assessments; it is not a blanket exemption from building permits, zoning, septic, or construction requirements.

    minimum initial agreement term: >= 10 years · maximum agreement term: <= 90 years · agricultural-use threshold: >= 51 percent · minimum eligible farm size: >= 40 acres (Alternative eligibility exists for farms of at least 5 acres or specialty farms of at least 15 acres.) · minimum annual gross income for sub-40-acre farm: >= 200 USD per acre of cleared and tillable land per year

    “Agreements must initially be enrolled for a minimum of 10 years and may be enrolled for a maximum of 90 years.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Michigan agricultural production sales-and-use-tax exemption for qualifying tangible personal property used or consumed in agricultural production, including qualifying activity in Montmorency County.
      “However, the Acts provide a qualified exemption from sales and use tax for certain tangible personal property used or consumed in furtherance of the agricultural purposes (activities) described in the Acts.”
    • Conditional — Building-permit exemption for shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes under Michigan Building Code Part 4.
      “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 plats in Montmorency County that abut qualifying waters or lie wholly or partly within a river, stream, creek, or lake floodplain.

    • Section 116 requires EGLE submission when the proposed subdivision abuts a lake or stream, or an existing or proposed channel or lagoon affording access to a lake or stream where public rights may be affected.
    • Section 117 requires EGLE submission when any part of the subdivision lies within the floodplain of a river, stream, creek, or lake.
    • The 100-year floodplain must be shown on the final plat.
    • All lots must have 3,000 square feet of buildable area above the 100-year floodplain elevation.
    • Subdivision streets must have surfaces no lower than 1 foot below the elevation of the line defining the floodplain limits.
    • WRD permits are needed for filling, dredging, or construction within the floodplain, wetland, or below the ordinary high water mark.
    • A $500 review fee applies, with an additional $1,500 fee if establishment of a 100-year flood elevation is required.

    minimum buildable area above 100-year floodplain: >= 3000 square feet · review fee: 500 USD · additional flood-elevation fee: 1500 USD (If establishment of a 100-year flood elevation is required) · street surface elevation relative to floodplain limit: <= 1 foot below

    “Section 117 requires the proprietor to submit the preliminary plat to EGLE if any of the subdivision lies wholly or in part within the floodplain of a river, stream, creek, or lake. The 100-year floodplain must be shown on the final plat.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats and condominium projects in Montmorency County subject to Michigan's Land Division Act and related state review requirements.
      “The Land Division Act 288 of 1967 and the Condominium Act 59 of 1978 requires that developers, owners, or proprietors notify the MDOT and other state and local governments of their intent to develop a subdivision plat or condominium project in the State of Michigan.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats and non-plat land divisions in Montmorency County under Michigan's Land Division Act, including local review requirements.
      “The Act establishes a requisite local approval process whenever, “for the purpose of sale, or lease of more than 1 year, or of building development”, a parcel or tract of un-platted land is split and the split results in at least one parcel which is less than 40 acres or the equivalent.”
    • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Commercial and residential driveways accessing a Michigan state trunkline highway within Montmorency County.

    • A driveway permit from MDOT is required in addition to a local building permit when accessing a state trunkline highway.
    • A driveway constructed or reconstructed after August 6, 1969, is not lawful unless a permit has been obtained.
    • Driveways constructed or reconstructed after June 30, 1970, must comply with the administrative rules promulgated under Public Act 200 of 1969.
    • Applications are submitted through the Construction Permit System and must include the Drainage Design Checklist for Accessing State Trunklines; traffic analysis and traffic impact study are required if applicable; preliminary local planning commission review is required if appropriate.
    • The proposed driveway plan must identify its location, dimensions, and surface type, and drainage design must be addressed before issuance.
    • Permit fees are non-refundable in most instances. A commercial driveway requires a bond; a residential driveway does not require a bond.

    permit-required-after-construction-or-reconstruction-date: > 1969-08-06 date (A driveway constructed or reconstructed after this date is not lawful without a permit.) · administrative-rules-effective-date: 1970-06-30 date (Driveways constructed or reconstructed after this date must comply with the administrative rules.)

    “Yes. If you are accessing a state trunkline highway you will need a driveway permit from the department, in addition to a building permit for your new building from your local governmental agency. If you are upgrading your driveway or only building a new driveway, a driveway permit may be all that is necessary.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Commercial and residential driveways constructed or reconstructed within Michigan state highway right-of-way and access to state trunkline highways.
      “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.”
  • 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 Montmorency County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Zoning-based minimum dwelling-size controls in Loud Township, Montmorency County.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based dimensional controls only; Michigan construction, residential, health, septic, and other applicable requirements may still apply.
    • The county page does not state that other townships or the Village of Hillman lack such requirements.
    “Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone

    Zoning-based minimum lot-size controls in Loud Township, Montmorency County.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based dimensional controls only; land-division, septic, access, building-code, and other applicable requirements may still apply.
    “Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • SetbacksNone

    Zoning-based setbacks in Loud Township, Montmorency County.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based controls only; setbacks imposed by building, road, septic, environmental, or other applicable rules may still apply.
    “Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Lot coverageNone

    Zoning-based lot-coverage limits in Loud Township, Montmorency County.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based controls only; other applicable building, stormwater, septic, or environmental requirements may apply.
    “Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Building heightNone

    Zoning-based building-height limits in Loud Township, Montmorency County.

    • This conclusion concerns zoning-based controls only; Michigan construction and other applicable safety requirements may still apply.
    “Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use of tents, travel trailers, and motor homes for dwelling purposes within Montmorency Township, Montmorency County, Michigan.

    • Tents, travel trailers, and motor homes may not be used for dwelling purposes for more than 30 days per year.
    • Travel trailers or motor homes may be used for temporary dwellings for not more than 183 days in any one year when the premises have running water and sewage facilities.
    • Automobile trailers and travel trailers may be occupied for dwelling purposes within duly licensed travel trailer camps, subject to the requirements imposed there.
    • A zoning administrator permit may authorize use as a temporary residence for up to one year if the ability and intent to erect a house is shown and the premises have running water and sewage facilities.
    • The permit may be renewed for an additional year if house construction could not be completed within the first year but substantially progressed.
    • The Zoning Administrator may require a performance bond conditioned on removal within the permitted period.

    ordinary dwelling-purpose occupancy limit: <= 30 days per year (Temporary-dwelling, licensed-camp, and permit exceptions apply.) · temporary-dwelling occupancy limit: <= 183 days per year (Premises must have running water and sewage facilities.) · temporary-residence permit period: <= 1 year (May be renewed for one additional year under stated construction-progress conditions.)

    “Tents, travel trailers and/or motor homes shall not be used for dwelling purposes within the Township limits for more than 30 days per year; provided however, that travel trailers or motor homes may be used for temporary dwellings for a total of not more than 183 days in any one year when located upon premises having running water and sewage facilities”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Unrestricted (with conditions) — RV occupancy as a county land-use zoning matter in Loud Township, Montmorency County.
      “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping or temporary sleeping use of tents, travel trailers, and motor homes within Montmorency Township, Montmorency County, Michigan.

    • Ordinary dwelling-purpose use is limited to 30 days per year.
    • Temporary dwellings in travel trailers or motor homes are limited to 183 days in a year when running water and sewage facilities are available.
    • Travel trailers may be occupied in duly licensed travel trailer camps subject to camp requirements.
    • A temporary-residence permit may allow up to one year, with a possible one-year renewal, when the applicant demonstrates ability and intent to erect a house and satisfies the water, sewage, and construction-progress conditions.
    • A performance bond may be required for removal.

    ordinary dwelling-purpose occupancy limit: <= 30 days per year (Temporary-dwelling, licensed-camp, and permit exceptions apply.) · temporary-dwelling occupancy limit: <= 183 days per year (Running water and sewage facilities required.)

    “Tents, travel trailers and/or motor homes shall not be used for dwelling purposes within the Township limits for more than 30 days per year; provided however, that travel trailers or motor homes may be used for temporary dwellings for a total of not more than 183 days in any one year when located upon premises having running water and sewage facilities”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Unrestricted (with conditions) — Temporary camping as a county land-use zoning matter in Loud Township, Montmorency County.
      “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Tiny homesUnrestricted (with conditions)

    Tiny-home occupancy as a county land-use zoning matter in Loud Township, Montmorency County.

    • The official county page states that Loud Township has no zoning.
    • Building-code, sanitary, septic, floodplain, and other non-zoning requirements may apply.
    “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    A manufactured home occupied and designed as a single-family dwelling in Montmorency Township zoning districts where single-family dwellings are permitted.

    • The dwelling must have appropriate sleeping, living, and sanitary facilities.
    • Construction must comply with all Montmorency Township Zoning Ordinance requirements, the Michigan State Construction Code, and Montmorency County Health codes.
    • Applicable zoning district standards and approvals still apply.
    “Dwelling, Single Family: A building , manufactured home or mobile home, occupied and designed for a single family, with appropriate sleeping, living, and sanitary facilities. To be constructed in accordance with all Montmorency Township Zoning Ordinance requirements, MI State Construction code, and Montmorency County Health codes.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home occupancy in a mobile home park district within Montmorency Township, Montmorency County, Michigan.
      “Mobile home parks, together with accessory buildings and uses customarily incident thereto, including a residence for the mobile home park owner or operator and his family, but excluding any retail sales of mobile homes unless the same are located upon a developed mobile home site; subject, however, to the following conditions and limitations.”
    • Unrestricted (with conditions) — Manufactured-home occupancy as a county land-use zoning matter in Loud Township, Montmorency County.
      “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”
  • Accessory dwellingsUnrestricted (with conditions)

    Accessory-dwelling occupancy as a county land-use zoning matter in Loud Township, Montmorency County.

    • The official county page states that Loud Township has no zoning.
    • Building, sanitary, septic, floodplain, and other applicable requirements may apply.
    “Township / Village Zoning Applicants should obtain required zoning approval before County building permit issuance. Albert - Jeff McDonald: 989-786-2513 Avery - Kathy Podzikowski: 989-786-4287 Briley - Dave Marlatt: 989-255-3006 Hillman Township - Chuck Schaudt: 989-255-4016 Montmorency Township - Billy Vogt Jr.: 989-742-3619 x13 Rust - David Balog: 989-464-2046 Vienna - George Klein: 989-786-5729 Village of Hillman - Dave Post: 989-742-4751 Loud Township - No zoning Related Agencies District Health Department #4 - 989-785-4428”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In Michigan, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Montmorency 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 Montmorency County, Michigan

Is Montmorency County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Montmorency County scores 82/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 9,400 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Montmorency County, Michigan?

Montmorency County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by District Health Department No. 4. 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 Montmorency County, Michigan?

Land in Montmorency County runs about $4,066 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Montmorency County?

Montmorency County gets about 29.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.3% of years.

How remote is Montmorency County?

A typical private-land location has about 9,400 people within 15 miles and 588,253 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Montmorency compares in Michigan

Compare side-by-side →See all 83 Michigan counties ranked →