Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Highland Park, Michigan
Highland Park is a city in Wayne County, Michigan. Highland Park adopts its own zoning, so inside its limits Highland Park’s rules apply, not the county’s. 4 rules below are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked, most recently on October 17, 2026. Rules for unincorporated land are on the Wayne County page.
Answers from the rulebook for Highland Park
Highland Park’s own rules
Building permitRequired
Building construction inside Highland Park city
A permit is also required when use or occupancy changes.
Ordinary repairs do not need a permit, but not if they cut walls, remove structural members, change egress, or alter plumbing, wiring or mechanical work.
Plans required for residential new builds, additions and alterations; building official may waive if code compliance is clear.
Stamped plans not required for one- and two-family dwellings under 3,500 sq ft.
“before construction of a building or structure, an 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.”
Building code adoptedAdopted
Construction inside Highland Park city
Building department FAQ lists 2021 Michigan Building, Residential, Plumbing and Mechanical Codes, NEC 2023, 2021 IFC and IECC.
“the 2021 michigan building code (mbc), based on the 2021 international building code (ibc), which became effective on april 9, 2025.”
Local zoningPresent
Land inside Highland Park city limits
City lists a 'zoning ordinance reformatted 2025' among its ordinances; the zoning PDF itself could not be opened, so district rules were not verified.
“zoning ordinance reformatted 2025 download”
Permit processPublished
Building permit applications inside Highland Park city
Submit in person or by email to building@highlandparkmi.gov with application, contractor registration, ID, contractor license and insurance.
Incomplete applications are returned.
“you can always submit in person during office hours.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Highland Park or Wayne County directly.
Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders inside Highland Park city
Inspections — Inspections inside Highland Park city
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy inside Highland Park city
Zoning districts — Zoning districts inside Highland Park city
Minimum dwelling size — Single-family districts inside Highland Park city
21 more unanswered
Minimum lot size
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Who permits septic
Septic permit
Septic inspection
Off-grid sanitation
Well permit
Mandatory utility hookup
Agricultural exemption
Subdividing land
Driveway access
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 Highland Park publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Wayne County’s page lists the county offices to call.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Highland Park means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
