Bolthole Index

Tuscola County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and sewage rules in Village of Reese, Michigan

Village of Reese, Michigan requires building permits for construction and changes in use or occupancy.1 Reese administers its own zoning; the Tuscola County building-services arrangement identifies SAFEbuilt for building review and inspections.23 For land associated with Tuscola County, private well and sewage applications go to Tuscola County Health Department, but Reese’s sewer ordinance limits private sewage disposal.45

At a glance

Building permits
Required for construction and changes in use or occupancy1
Zoning approval
Administered by the village zoning administrator2
Sewage disposal
Village sewer restrictions apply; Tuscola County Health Department handles private sewage applications54
RV living
RVs cannot be dwelling units; temporary dwellings require a conditional use permit6
Dwelling dimensions
Heated living-area outline must contain a square 20 feet on each side for covered single-family dwellings7
Owner-builder
Michigan offers an own-use licensing exemption, while building permits and zoning still apply8
Private wells
Tuscola County Health Department requires approval before new private well construction in its service area9

Who to call

Zoning

Village of Reese Zoning Administrator

Village zoning questions, zoning-permit applications and zoning-map confirmation

(989) 868-4503

2073 Gates St. P.O. Box 369 Reese, MI 48757

Building permits

SAFEbuilt — Tuscola County building services

Building-service contact identified for Reese by the place records; confirm coverage for the project address

989-262-4546

tuscolapermits@safebuilt.com

141 S. Almer St. Caro, MI 48723

Online permits →

Septic permits

Tuscola County Health Department Environmental Health

Private well and sewage applications in the department’s service area

(989) 673-8119

1309 Cleaver Road Ste B, Caro, MI 48723

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

Off-grid gear

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

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 Village of Reese, MI?

Reese requires a building-permit application before construction of a building or structure and for changes in use or occupancy; ordinary repairs have a conditional exemption.1 Michigan construction codes govern building construction, alteration, use and occupancy inside Reese.10 Ask SAFEbuilt to classify the proposed work before treating a repair as exempt.13 Michigan’s owner-builder licensing exemption applies to an individual building for personal use and occupancy on that individual’s property, and does not remove building-permit, inspection or zoning requirements.8

Who handles building permits and zoning in Village of Reese?

Start zoning questions with the Village of Reese Zoning Administrator at (989) 868-4503; the village zoning page provides a zoning-permit application and warns that the zoning map can change.11 The building-services arrangement identified for Reese covers building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and soil-erosion permitting, inspection and plan review through SAFEbuilt.3 Contact SAFEbuilt at 989-262-4546 or tuscolapermits@safebuilt.com to confirm service for the project address and the required application.12 Obtain applicable local zoning approval before submitting the building-permit application.12 Private well and sewage questions remain with Tuscola County Health Department Environmental Health for addresses in its service area.4

Does Village of Reese have zoning, lot-size and setback rules?

Reese has its own zoning chapter, administered and enforced by the village-designated zoning administrator.2 Reese’s official zoning map is maintained at village hall, and uses not specifically permitted are prohibited unless authorized through the ordinance’s procedures.13 Ask the zoning administrator to identify the parcel’s district and provide the applicable lot-size, setback and lot-coverage schedule before laying out a house.13 We could not confirm the numeric district schedules here; request those dimensions with the village zoning-permit application.11 Covered single-family dwellings must have a heated living-area outline large enough to contain a square 20 feet on a side, with an exception protecting existing houses identified in the ordinance.7

How do sewer and septic approvals work inside Village of Reese?

Reese prohibits private sewage-disposal facilities, including septic tanks and privies, except as otherwise provided in its sewer ordinance.5 Where public sewer is within 100 feet of the property line and official notice is given, Reese requires direct connection.5 Confirm the village sewer requirement before planning an off-grid sewage system.5 Tuscola County Health Department Environmental Health handles private sewage and well applications in its service area; a health application is not itself a permit.414 For an eligible sewage-system proposal, the department requires soil-evaluation test holes and notification when the holes are ready for inspection.15

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Village of Reese?

Reese prohibits using recreational vehicles, tents, trailers, garages, sheds and similar structures as dwelling units.6 Reese also requires a conditional use permit for a temporary dwelling; do not assume that provision authorizes living in an RV while building.6 Ask the village zoning administrator whether the proposed temporary arrangement qualifies before moving onto the lot.2 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule or temporary-camping rule, so request a written determination from the village zoning administrator.2 A proposed small permanent house still faces Reese’s heated living-area outline requirement and Michigan construction codes.710

What are the steps to building a home in Village of Reese?

1. Ask the village zoning administrator to confirm the parcel’s zoning district, allowed dwelling use and applicable dimensional schedule.213 2. Confirm public-sewer obligations with the village before proposing private sewage disposal; for an eligible private system, contact Tuscola County Health Department Environmental Health.54 3. Obtain applicable zoning approval before submitting the building-permit application, and confirm the project address and required drawings with SAFEbuilt.123 4. Arrange required construction inspections with the enforcing agency; ask SAFEbuilt to confirm the occupancy documentation needed before moving in.163 For land outside village limits, use the Tuscola County guide and identify the applicable local zoning administrator before applying for a building permit.12

Watch-outs

  • Reese’s sewer restrictions can rule out a private sewage plan even when Tuscola County Health Department offers a sewage-permit application.54
  • We could not confirm Reese’s building-permit fee schedule or certificate-of-occupancy requirements; ask SAFEbuilt for the project-specific charges and move-in requirements.3
  • RV dwelling use is prohibited in Reese; ask the village zoning administrator how the conditional-use provision for temporary dwellings applies to your proposal.6

Sources

  1. Building Permit Information (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  2. Reese Code of Ordinances, § 36-23—Zoning administrator (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Codes - Tuscola County (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  4. Wells and Septic, quoted and re-checked
  5. Sec. 34-151. Use of public sewers (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sec. 36-219. Prohibited dwellings (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  7. Sec. 36-213. Single-family dwelling regulations (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  8. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. tchd.us, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Permit Information (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  11. Village of Reese Zoning Administrator (villageofreese.net)
  12. SAFEbuilt — Tuscola County building services (tuscolacounty.org)
  13. Zoning | Village of Reese (Village of Reese), quoted and re-checked
  14. Application for Sewage Permit and Water Supply Permit, quoted and re-checked
  15. Directions When Applying for a Sewage Disposal Permit and/or Water Supply Permit, quoted and re-checked
  16. MCL 125.1512, Inspection of construction (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Village of Reese

Village of Reese’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of a building or structure and changes in use or occupancy inside Reese village.

    • Ordinary repairs are exempt, subject to the state page's listed limitations.
    • Applications must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    “Before construction of a building or structure, an owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application in writing”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Reese village limits.

    • The village council designates the zoning administrator; the administrator administers and enforces Chapter 36.
    “The zoning administrator shall be designated by the village council and charged with administering and enforcing this chapter.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Reese village zoning districts, including R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, C-1, I-1, and I-2 districts identified in the adopted uses table.

    • District boundaries are maintained on the official zoning map at village hall and may change.
    • Uses not specifically permitted are prohibited unless authorized through the ordinance's stated procedures.
    “TABLE OF USES Type of Use P = Principle Permitted Uses, A = Accessory Uses, C = Conditional Uses R-1 R-2 R-3 R-4 C-1 I-1 I-2”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    One-family dwellings in Reese village, including additions and alterations, other than mobile home parks.

    • The requirement concerns the plan outline of heated living area.
    • Existing houses at the amendment date are not made nonconforming solely because they cannot meet the size requirement.

    minimum contained square: 20 feet per side (The plan outline must be large enough to contain the square.)

    “The plan outline of the dwelling, including only heated living area, shall be large enough to contain within it a square of 20 feet on a side.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings inside Reese village limits subject to § 36-212(m).

    • Height is measured from grade at the center of the front of the building to the highest roof-surface point between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs.

    building height: <= 23 feet (Measured as specified in § 36-212(m).)

    “Building height being the vertical distance from the grade at the center of the front of the building to tire highest point of the roof surface between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs maximum of 23 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings inside Reese village; the cited general rule defines maximum building height for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs.
      “Building height being the vertical distance from the grade at the center of the front of the building to tire highest point of the roof surface between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs maximum of 23 feet.”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Use of recreational vehicles as dwelling units inside Reese village limits.

    • This claim concerns use as a dwelling unit, not storage or recreational operation.
    “Garages, recreational vehicles, tents, trailers, sheds, and other similar structures shall not be used as dwelling units.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Use of recreational vehicles as dwelling units inside Reese village.
      “Garages, recreational vehicles, tents, trailers, sheds, and other similar structures shall not be used as dwelling units.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping insofar as tents are proposed for use as dwelling units inside Reese village limits.

    • The code's direct restriction is on using tents as dwelling units; it does not establish a separate general recreational-camping rule.
    “Garages, recreational vehicles, tents, trailers, sheds, and other similar structures shall not be used as dwelling units.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    One-family dwellings, including any tiny home that qualifies as a dwelling, inside Reese village limits other than in a mobile-home park.

    • The dwelling must meet all other Chapter 36 regulations.
    • The dimensional rule applies to the heated living-area plan outline.

    heated living-area plan square side: >= 20 feet (The plan outline must contain a square of this size.)

    “The plan outline of the dwelling, including only heated living area, shall be large enough to contain within it a square of 20 feet on a side.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage disposal inside Reese village.

    • The village prohibits construction or maintenance of privies, privy vaults, septic tanks, cesspools, or similar sewage-disposal facilities except as otherwise provided.
    • Where a public sewer is within 100 feet of the property line and official notice is given, direct connection is required.
    “Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault, septic tank, cesspool, or other facilities intended or used for the disposal of sewage.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Properties inside Reese village limits abutting a public-sewer or combined-sewer street, alley, or right-of-way.

    • Connection follows official notice.
    • The public sewer or combined sewer must be within 100 feet of the property line.
    • Connection and toilet facilities are at the owner's expense.
    • The required connection must occur within six months (180 days) after official notice.

    public sewer distance from property line: <= 100 feet (Applies where the owner receives official notice and the property abuts the described public-sewer location.) · connection deadline after official notice: <= 180 days (The ordinance also describes this as six months.)

    “The owner of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes situated within the village and abutting any street, alley, or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public sewer or combined sewer of the village is hereby required at his expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in accordance with the provisions of this division, within six months (180 days) after the date of official notice to do so, provided that said public sewer is within 100 feet of the property line.”
  • Agricultural exemptionNot available

    Agricultural uses inside Reese village limits.

    • This is a zoning-use prohibition; it does not resolve any independent state agricultural-law protection or exemption.
    “Agricultural uses are specifically prohibited within the village.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Zoning permits inside Reese village limits.

    • A zoning permit is required before listed activities or before a building permit is issued for them.
    • The zoning administrator provides the form and required plot-plan information.
    • The code provision does not establish the county building-permit process.
    “The zoning administrator shall provide a form to be filled out by an applicant for a zoning permit and a list of information required for a plot plan of the site for which the zoning permit is being requested.”

Rules another office applies inside Village of Reese

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings inside Reese village under Michigan construction codes.

    “The Michigan Building Code controls all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and soil-erosion permitting, inspecting, and plan review for projects inside Reese village served through Tuscola County's building-services arrangement.

    • The county page states exceptions for Tuscola Township and Arbela Township; Reese village is not one of those exceptions.
    “TUSCOLA COUNTY HAS PARTNERED WITH SAFEbuilt TO PROVIDE BUILDING DEPARTMENT SERVICES TO INCLUDE; BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, PLUMBING, AND SOIL EROSION PERMITTING, INSPECTING AND PLAN REVIEW”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private water and sanitary facilities serving one-family dwellings inside Reese village limits when public connection is not available or required.

    • The code requires private facilities to be approved by the county health department.
    • parameters not applicable.
    “It shall be connected to a public sewer and water supply, if available or if connection is required by the village sewer or water ordinances, otherwise they may be connected to private facilities approved by the county health department.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Reese or Tuscola County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder licensing or permit exemptions applicable to construction inside Reese village.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for land inside Reese village limits.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size inside Reese village zoning districts.
  • Setbacks — Principal-building setbacks inside Reese village zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Reese village zoning districts.
6 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Well permit
  • Subdividing land
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Village of Reese publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Tuscola County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Tuscola County: county rules, score and offices