Bolthole Index

Antrim County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Banks Township, Michigan

Banks Township in Antrim County has its own zoning ordinance and requires a township zoning permit before covered construction, structural changes, changes of use, moving a structure or excavation begins.12 Antrim County issues the building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits, while the Health Department of Northwest Michigan issues septic and well permits.345

At a glance

Zoning
Banks Township administers its own zoning ordinance1
Building permit
Required for covered work; Antrim County is the enforcing agency3
Septic permit
Required through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan6
RV stays
Temporary use is allowed only within the township ordinance's limits7
Private well
A health-department permit and final review are required5

Who to call

Zoning

Banks Township Zoning Administrator

Banks Township zoning permits and zoning questions

(231) 676-2414

[email protected]

6520 Center Street, Ellsworth, Michigan 49729

Building permits

Antrim County Construction Code Department

Building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits and inspections

231-533-8373

[email protected]

203 E. Cayuga St. PO Box 188 Bellaire, MI 49615

Septic permits

Health Department of Northwest Michigan — Antrim County office

Septic site evaluations and permits, final septic review, and well permits

800-432-4121

209 Portage Dr. Bellaire, MI 49615

Roads & driveways

Antrim County Road Commission

Driveway and other permits for work in county road rights-of-way

231-587-8521

[email protected]

319 East Lincoln Street, P.O. Box 308, Mancelona, MI 49659

Online permits →

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Banks Township 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.

Does Banks Township have zoning, and what does it mean for rural land?

Yes. Banks Township has its own zoning ordinance and zoning map, with Agricultural, Conservation/Recreation, Low Density Residential, Mobile Home, Village, Manufacturing and Village Manufacturing districts.8 The rules depend on the parcel's district, so confirm the zoning designation with the Banks Township Zoning Administrator before relying on a listing or planning a site.9

In the Low Density Residential District, the schedule sets a minimum lot area of 20,000 square feet and minimum width of 100 feet.10 The same district generally uses a 50-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback and 35-foot rear setback; waterfront lots have a 50-foot structure setback from the ordinary high-water mark.11

In the Agricultural District, the schedule sets a minimum lot area of 20,000 square feet, minimum width of 150 feet and a density limit of two lots per 20 acres under the applicable footnote.12 Agricultural District setbacks are 35 feet in front, 20 feet on the side and 25 feet in the rear.13

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Banks Township?

Banks Township allows temporary sleeping or cooking in one recreational vehicle for no more than 45 consecutive days, with one additional 45-day period available by written request when the ordinance's violation-history condition is met.7 That temporary rule is not permission for permanent RV living, and sanitary waste disposal must comply with the applicable health rules.14

The ordinance treats a small permanent dwelling as an “economy efficiency unit” when it is less than 20 feet wide and typically 600 square feet or smaller; it must meet building and sanitary codes, qualify for a certificate of occupancy, connect to utilities and sit on a permanent foundation.15 The identified permitted districts are Mobile Home and Village, so ask the Township Zoning Administrator to confirm whether a specific parcel and proposal qualify.15

A newly sited manufactured home on an individual lot must meet its district's lot, setback, floor-area and width rules, use an approved permanent foundation or basement, and meet the ordinance's installation standards.16

Do you need a building permit in Banks Township, Michigan?

Yes, for covered construction. Banks Township is assigned to Antrim County for building-code enforcement, and a building permit is required before constructing a building or structure or changing its use or occupancy; the ordinary-repair exception is limited.3 The Antrim County Construction Code Department retains building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits.17

Michigan's owner-builder licensing exception can cover an individual building a residential structure on that person's property for personal use and occupancy, but it does not waive building permits, inspections, zoning approval or other construction requirements.18 A new or altered building may not be occupied until the code official issues a certificate of occupancy.19

How do septic and well permits work inside Banks Township?

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan serves Antrim County and is the septic authority inside Banks Township.4 A permit is required before a new, replacement, repaired, altered or extended septic system is installed, and the department evaluates the site and performs final review.6

Private water and sewage systems are allowed only subject to health-department sanitary-code requirements, and written health-department approval must accompany the township zoning-permit application.20 Residential wells also require health-department site evaluation, a permit and final review after installation.5

Only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a conventional system will work.21

Building a home in Banks Township: what are the steps?

First, confirm the parcel's zoning district and proposed use with the Banks Township Zoning Administrator.8 Second, arrange the septic and well evaluation with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan because written approval for those facilities must be filed with the zoning-permit application.22

Third, submit the township zoning-permit application with a site sketch showing existing and proposed structures, dimensions, setbacks and road rights-of-way.23 Fourth, obtain any required driveway approval: work on a new driveway, or reconstruction or paving of an existing driveway, in a county road right-of-way requires an Antrim County Road Commission permit.24

Fifth, apply to the Antrim County Construction Code Department for the required building and trade permits before work begins.25 Keep inspections moving because a county building permit is cancelled if no inspection is requested and conducted within six months of issuance or the previous inspection.26 Finally, request the certificate of occupancy after completion and before using the new or altered building.19

What should you check before buying land in Banks Township?

Confirm the exact zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and lot standards with Banks Township rather than applying a countywide zoning assumption; Antrim County does not have a countywide zoning ordinance because zoning authority rests with local governments.27 For a land division, Banks Township requires a perk test before final approval for any newly created parcel under one acre.28

For waterfront property, Antrim County requires elevations and flood certification before back-fill inspections, but we could not confirm a separate Banks Township floodplain-development permit; ask the Antrim County Construction Code Department what applies to the parcel.29 A property fronting US-31 also has township access-spacing and driveway-width standards, and commercial plans involving new or altered highway access require written MDOT consultation before Planning Commission review.30

Watch-outs

  • A Banks Township zoning permit and an Antrim County building permit are separate approvals; obtaining one does not replace the other.23
  • Do not assume an RV can become a permanent residence: the township's identified allowance is temporary and subject to time, sanitation and other conditions.14
  • A general minimum floor area for a conventional single-family home could not be confirmed; the Low Density Residential schedule establishes a 20-foot minimum dwelling-unit width, so ask the Township Zoning Administrator about the proposed design.31
  • Banks Township zoning fees are set by township schedule, paid before processing and non-refundable, with possible additional professional-review costs.32

Sources

  1. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – Permit Administration (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Statewide Jurisdiction List (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Drinking Water and Wells (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sewage Systems (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  11. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  12. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  14. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  15. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Antrim County Construction Code Department (antrimcountymi.gov)
  18. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Certificate of Occupancy Request (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  20. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. 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
  22. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  23. Banks Township Zoning Administrator (bankstownshipmi.gov)
  24. Permits – Antrim County Road Commission, quoted and re-checked
  25. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  26. Statewide Jurisdiction List (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  27. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  28. Application for Land Divisions and Boundary Adjustments (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  29. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  30. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  31. Banks Township Zoning Ordinance – As Amended through December 2024 (Banks Township), quoted and re-checked
  32. Forms/Apps/Ordinances (Banks Township), 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Banks Township

Banks Township’s own rules

  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Banks Township, Antrim County, Michigan.

    • The ordinance states that it is the Banks Township Zoning Ordinance and establishes township zoning districts and a zoning map.
    “This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Banks Township Zoning Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Banks Township land; the township publishes and administers its own zoning ordinance.
      “This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Banks Township Zoning Ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Banks Township's adopted zoning districts and official zoning map.

    • The official zoning map is part of the ordinance and is the final authority in disputes concerning district boundaries.
    • The official map must be kept current with adopted map amendments.
    • The ordinance states that the more restrictive district governs where boundary uncertainty remains unless the Zoning Board of Appeals determines otherwise.
    “For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following Zoning Districts shall be established in Banks Township: A Agricultural District C/R Conservation / Recreation District R-1 Low density Residential District MH Mobile Home District V “Village” District M Manufacturing District VM Village Manufacturing District”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Banks Township zoning districts and official zoning map.
      “For the purpose of this Ordinance, the following Zoning Districts shall be established in Banks Township: A Agricultural District C/R Conservation / Recreation District R-1 Low density Residential District MH Mobile Home District V “Village” District M Manufacturing District VM Village Manufacturing District”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family development in the R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Banks Township.

    • The schedule specifies minimum dwelling-unit width, not a minimum floor-area square footage.
    • The district row lists a 20-foot minimum dwelling-unit width.

    minimum dwelling-unit width: >= 20 feet

    “R-1 Low Density Residential 20,000 (c) (f) 100' 2.5 35’ (i) 50’ (b) (g) 10’ 35’ 20’ 35%”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Agricultural District lots inside Banks Township.

    • The schedule states a 20,000-square-foot minimum lot area and 150-foot minimum width.
    • The agricultural footnote limits density to two lots per twenty acres and addresses lots of record.
    • Waterfront setbacks and other schedule footnotes may apply.

    minimum lot area: >= 20000 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 150 feet · maximum density: 2 lots per 20 acres (schedule footnote a)

    “A Agricultural 20,000 (a) (f) 150’ (m) (n) 2.5 35’ (i) 35’ (b) (g) 20’ 25’ 14’ 20%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-family development in the R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Banks Township.

    • Front, side, and rear setbacks are 50 feet, 10 feet, and 35 feet respectively.
    • Waterfront lots have a 50-foot minimum structure setback on the waterfront side from the ordinary high-water mark.

    front setback: >= 50 feet · side setback: >= 10 feet · rear setback: >= 35 feet · waterfront setback: >= 50 feet (lot borders a lake or stream; measured from ordinary high water mark)

    “R-1 Low Density Residential 20,000 (c) (f) 100' 2.5 35’ (i) 50’ (b) (g) 10’ 35’ 20’ 35% [...] For lots which border a lake or a stream, the minimum structure setback on the waterfront side shall be fifty (50) feet from the ordinary high water mark.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Agricultural District.

    • The schedule lists maximum lot coverage of 20%.
    • Special project provisions may modify dimensional standards with Planning Commission approval.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 20 percent

    “A Agricultural 20,000 (a) (f) 150’ (m) (n) 2.5 35’ (i) 35’ (b) (g) 20’ 25’ 14’ 20%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Agricultural District.

    • The schedule lists maximum height of 2.5 stories and 35 feet.
    • Permitted agricultural accessory structures may be 45 feet; silos, similar agricultural storage structures, and agricultural-related structures may be 100 feet if at least 100 feet from a residential dwelling other than the dwelling on the same lot.

    maximum stories: <= 2.5 stories · maximum height: <= 35 feet · agricultural accessory structure exception: <= 45 feet (essential and customarily used in agricultural operations) · silo or agricultural storage exception: <= 100 feet (must be at least 100 feet from another residential dwelling)

    “The maximum height of permitted agricultural related accessory structures that are essential and customarily used in agricultural operations shall be forty-five (45) feet, except that the maximum height of silos, similar agricultural storage structures and agricultural-related structures shall be one hundred (100) feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Development in the R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Banks Township.
      “R-1 Low Density Residential 20,000 (c) (f) 100' 2.5 35’ (i) 50’ (b) (g) 10’ 35’ 20’ 35% [...] Non-Commercial Wind Turbine Generators and associated anemometer towers shall not be subject to height regulations of this section, but shall be regulated pursuant to section 4.06 of this ordinance.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use or storage of recreational vehicles inside Banks Township.

    • One RV may be stored in a side or rear yard on a lot with an existing single-family dwelling; additional vehicles require enclosure or complete screening.
    • On lots of at least 3 acres without an existing dwelling, one RV may be stored for up to 45 consecutive days, with one additional 45-day period available by written request if no violations occurred in the prior 12 months.
    • RV use for temporary sleeping or cooking is subject to 45-day, 15-day, acreage, vehicle-count, setback, nuisance, and sanitary-code conditions.
    “The use of one (1) Recreational Vehicle for recreational purposes, including temporary sleeping and/or cooking, shall be allowed in any zoning district for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) consecutive days.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary sleeping or cooking in a recreational vehicle inside Banks Township.

    • One RV is allowed for recreational purposes for no more than 45 consecutive days.
    • One additional 45-day period may be granted upon written request if no Township ordinance violations or civil infractions occurred during the prior 12 months.

    temporary RV occupancy: <= 45 consecutive days (one additional 45-day period under the ordinance's written-request and violation-history condition)

    “The use of one (1) Recreational Vehicle for recreational purposes, including temporary sleeping and/or cooking, shall be allowed in any zoning district for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) consecutive days.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary camping using recreational vehicles inside Banks Township.
      “The use of one (1) Recreational Vehicle for recreational purposes, including temporary sleeping and/or cooking, shall be allowed in any zoning district for a period not to exceed forty-five (45) consecutive days.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny or economy-efficiency dwelling units inside Banks Township.

    • The ordinance defines an economy efficiency unit as less than 20 feet in width, typically 600 square feet or smaller.
    • It must meet relevant building and sanitary codes, qualify for a certificate of occupancy, connect to utilities, and be anchored to a permanent foundation.
    • Economy Efficiency Units are listed as permitted uses in the Mobile Home Park and Village districts; other district treatment was not established by the opened source.

    maximum defined width: < 20 feet

    “Economy Efficiency Unit: A dwelling that is less than 20 feet in width (typically 600 square feet or smaller), is built to all relevant building and sanitary codes, qualifies for a certificate of occupancy, is connected to utilities, and is anchored to a permanent foundation.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Newly sited mobile or manufactured homes on individual lots inside Banks Township.

    • The home must meet the district's minimum lot size, yard setbacks, minimum floor area, and minimum dwelling-unit width.
    • It must be attached to an approved permanent foundation or basement and anchored under Michigan Mobile Home Commission requirements.
    • It must be installed according to manufacturer setup requirements and comply with the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.
    • Wheels, axles, towing assembly, exposed undercarriage, and chassis are restricted as stated in the ordinance; mobile homes may not be used as accessory buildings.
    “Newly sited mobile homes sited on individual lots shall meet the standards for minimum lot size, yard set-backs, minimum floor area and minimum dwelling unit width for the district in which they are located and shall meet the following additional standards:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy inside Banks Township.
      “Newly sited mobile homes sited on individual lots shall meet the standards for minimum lot size, yard set-backs, minimum floor area and minimum dwelling unit width for the district in which they are located and shall meet the following additional standards:”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Newly sited mobile or manufactured homes on individual lots inside Banks Township.
      “Newly sited mobile homes sited on individual lots shall meet the standards for minimum lot size, yard set-backs, minimum floor area and minimum dwelling unit width for the district in which they are located and shall meet the following additional standards:”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units inside Banks Township.

    • One ADU per lot, only where an established single-family dwelling is the principal use.
    • Allowed formats include an interior partition, an addition to a detached one-story garage, a garage second floor, or a detached accessory structure no more than one floor high.
    • The owner must live on site.
    • Rented ADU tenants must be permanent residents rather than transients.
    • A detached ADU must be in a rear or side yard and have separate entrance, kitchen, sleeping area, and full bathroom.
    • At least one additional parking space is required.
    • Pre-1976 mobile homes, camper trailers, RVs, and other temporary or non-permanent structures may not be used as ADUs.
    • The ADU must have adequate on-site septic service verified by HDNW and meet building, sanitation, and fire codes.
    • Maximum size is 800 square feet for one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two bedrooms; no more than two bedrooms.

    ADUs per lot: 1 unit · one-bedroom ADU maximum: <= 800 square feet · two-bedroom ADU maximum: <= 1000 square feet · bedrooms: <= 2 bedrooms

    “One (1) accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed per lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Accessory dwelling units or second dwellings on residential parcels inside Banks Township.
      “Accessory Dwelling Units Section 6.03.4 Dimensional Regulations Structures and uses in the Low Density Residential District are subject to the area, height, bulk and placement requirements in Section 6.09 Schedule of Regulations.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private, non-public water and sanitary sewage systems serving buildings inside Banks Township.

    • Private systems are allowed only subject to District Health Department sanitary-code requirements.
    • Plans require approval by responsible agencies and written District Health Department approval must accompany the zoning-permit application.
    “All water supply and sanitary sewage disposal systems either public or private, for any building hereafter erected, altered or moved upon any premises shall be subject to compliance with District Health Department sanitary code requirements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private/off-grid water and sanitary sewage systems for buildings inside Banks Township.
      “All water supply and sanitary sewage disposal systems either public or private, for any building hereafter erected, altered or moved upon any premises shall be subject to compliance with District Health Department sanitary code requirements. Plans must be submitted to and approved by the responsible agencies.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Water supply and sanitary sewage disposal for buildings erected, altered, or moved inside Banks Township.

    • Both public and private systems are contemplated.
    • Plans must be submitted to and approved by the responsible agencies.
    • Written approval by the District Health Department must be filed with the zoning-permit application.
    • The provision does not state a distance-to-public-utility connection mandate.
    “All water supply and sanitary sewage disposal systems either public or private, for any building hereafter erected, altered or moved upon any premises shall be subject to compliance with District Health Department sanitary code requirements. Plans must be submitted to and approved by the responsible agencies. The written approval of such facilities by the District Health Department shall be filed with application for a Zoning Permit.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Customary accessory farm buildings or structures inside Banks Township.

    • The exemption applies to erection, repair, or use of customary accessory farm buildings or structures such as barns, sheds, pens, and fences.
    • Open fences are excepted from the 100-foot highway-right-of-way limitation; other farm accessory buildings or structures may not be erected, moved, or maintained less than 100 feet from an abutting highway right-of-way line.

    minimum distance from abutting highway right-of-way: >= 100 feet (open fences are not subject to this distance limitation)

    “customary accessory farm buildings or structures”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions and boundary adjustments inside Banks Township.

    • A perk test is required for any parcel created under one acre before final approval.
    • Land-division approval does not establish compliance with other township or county ordinances, building code, zoning, water, sewage, wetlands, or road requirements.
    • Approved surveys must be recorded within 90 days under the township land-division ordinance.

    land-division fee: 300 USD (application states see Banks Township Fee Schedule for fee; $300 stated for land divisions and boundary adjustments)

    “A perk test is required for any parcel being created under one (1) Acre prior to any final approval under Section 560.109a of the Land Division Act.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land divisions and subdivisions inside Banks Township.
      “Land Division Ordinance Marihuana Establishments Ordinance Medical Marihuana Land Use”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Properties inside Banks Township with frontage on US-31.

    • No more than one driveway may access US-31 from a lot of record as it existed on the ordinance effective date.
    • The driveway and right-of-way must accommodate future divisions and adjoining landlocked parcels where applicable.
    • Driveways must be at least 70 feet from road intersections, 200 feet from another access drive on the same side, and 50 feet from an opposite-side access drive.
    • Where possible, access should use adjacent local or minor streets instead of US-31.
    • Access-drive width must be 20 to 35 feet.
    • Commercial site plans proposing new or altered US-31 access require written MDOT consultation before Planning Commission review.

    intersection separation: >= 70 feet · same-side access separation: >= 200 feet · opposite-side access separation: >= 50 feet · access drive width: 20-35 feet

    “The following site development standards shall apply to all properties with frontage on US-31.”
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed

    Short-term rentals within single-family dwellings in Banks Township.

    • The ordinance's definition of short-term rental applies.
    • The use is permitted in all zoning districts.
    “Short term rentals, as defined in this Ordinance, shall be a permitted use within any single family dwelling in all zoning districts.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished

    Banks Township zoning and related application fees.

    • The Township's official forms page links a Fee Schedule.
    • The zoning ordinance states that fee amounts are adopted by Township Board resolution and may cover review, hearings, notices, postage, copying, mileage, staff time, and Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals time.
    • Exact current fee amounts were not readable from the opened fee-schedule PDF.
    “Applications Fee Schedule Zoning Permit ZBA Form Site Plan Review SUP Guidelines and Checklist Site Plan Review SUP Application PUD Form Sign-Permit Form”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Banks Township zoning permits and applications.
      “The basic zoning fees shall be paid before any application required under this Ordinance is processed. The basic zoning fees are non-refundable, even when an application or appeal is withdrawn by the applicant.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Banks Township zoning-permit applications and applications requiring Planning Commission review.

    • No covered building, structure, use, movement, structural alteration, reconstruction, or land excavation may begin until a zoning-permit application is filed and a permit issued, except lawful existing uses as stated.
    • Incomplete applications cannot proceed until deficiencies are supplied.
    • Planning Commission applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the scheduled meeting.
    • Applications require site plans or scaled sketches, required agency permits or waivers, sewage-disposal and well locations, and applicable filing fees.
    • A zoning permit expires if no work begins within 12 months and is not transferable.

    minimum lead time for Planning Commission application: >= 30 days · zoning permit inactivity period: 12 months (permit expires if no work is done)

    “No building or structure subject to the provisions of this Ordinance shall hereafter be erected, structurally altered, reconstructed, used, or moved, nor shall any excavation of land commence until a Zoning Permit application has been filed with the Township Zoning Administrator and a Zoning Permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning-permit applications inside Banks Township.
      “No building or structure subject to the provisions of this Ordinance shall hereafter be erected, structurally altered, reconstructed, used, or moved, nor shall any excavation of land commence until a Zoning Permit application has been filed with the Township Zoning Administrator and a Zoning Permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Township zoning-permit and related land-use applications inside Banks Township.
      “No building or structure subject to the provisions of this Ordinance shall hereafter be erected, structurally altered, reconstructed, used, or moved, nor shall any excavation of land commence until a Zoning Permit application has been filed with the Township Zoning Administrator and a Zoning Permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator.”

Rules another office applies inside Banks Township

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

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and changed occupancy inside Banks Township, where the Statewide Jurisdiction List assigns building enforcement to Antrim County.

    • A permit is not required for ordinary repairs.
    • Ordinary repairs do not include structural changes, changes to required means of egress, or work affecting public health or general safety.
    • A permit is also required when use or occupancy changes.
    “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. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building construction, structural work, and changes in use or occupancy in Banks Township, Antrim County, where the Antrim County Building Department is the building-code enforcing agency.
      “shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit.”
    • Required — Construction of a building or structure, and changes in use or occupancy, inside Banks Township.
      “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. A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.”
    • Required — Construction of buildings or structures inside Banks Township, subject to the appropriate enforcing agency's jurisdiction.
      “Before construction of a building or structure, an owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Michigan residential-builder licensing: an individual erecting a residential structure on the individual's property for the individual's own use and occupancy is outside the statutory definition of residential builder. This does not eliminate applicable building permits, inspections, zoning permits, or other construction requirements.

    • The exemption is limited to the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.
    • The exemption concerns residential-builder licensure and should not be treated as a building-permit exemption.
    • Work performed for compensation or for another person may fall within the residential-builder licensing requirement.
    “except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings inside Banks Township are subject to the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code; enforcement for Banks Township is listed at the county level.

    • One- and two-family dwelling provisions are in the Michigan Residential Code.
    • The enforcing agency must be identified through the current Statewide Jurisdiction List.
    “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 and their service equipment. Presently, provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the Michigan Residential Code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction inside Banks Township is governed by the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code through the appropriate enforcing agency.
      “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 and their service equipment. Presently, provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the Michigan Residential Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building-code inspections for permitted construction in Banks Township, administered through the Antrim County building-code enforcement program.

    • Inspections must be requested and conducted to keep the permit valid.
    • If no inspection is requested and conducted within six months of permit issuance or the prior inspection, the permit is cancelled and cannot be refunded or reinstated; a new permit and fees are required.

    inspection activity interval: <= 6 months (The county handout states a permit is cancelled when no inspection is requested and conducted within six months of issuance or the previous inspection.)

    “Your permit remains VALID as long as work is progressing and inspections are requested and conducted.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A new or altered building inside Banks Township subject to the Michigan construction code.

    • The permit holder or authorized agent must request it after completion.
    • All fees must be paid, permits finaled, and work completed in accordance with the permit, code, and applicable laws and ordinances.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage systems inside Banks Township, which is in Antrim County and within the Health Department of Northwest Michigan service area.

    • HDNW serves Antrim County.
    • The District Sanitary Code for Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties applies.
    “We proudly serve the residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New, replacement, repair, alteration, or extension of sewage treatment and disposal systems serving land inside Banks Township.

    • It is unlawful to construct, repair, alter, or extend covered systems until permits are issued.
    • HDNW evaluates the site and performs a final review.
    “It is unlawful to construct, repair, alter, or extend such systems until permit(s) are issued by this agency.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing a new or replacement sewage/septic system inside Banks Township.
      “Prior to installing a sewage (septic) system, HDNW works with the property owner to evaluate the site and issue a permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Wastewater-system final inspections for septic installations inside Banks Township under the District Sanitary Code.

    • The owner or owner's agent must notify the Health Officer when the system is installed and ready for inspection.
    • Notification must be provided at least two working days before anticipated completion and desired final inspection.
    • The system may not be put into use before inspection and approval, except with the Health Officer's permission and submission of a sewage treatment and disposal system affidavit.
    • Engineered systems must also be inspected by the design engineer and have an as-built drawing submitted within thirty working days.

    inspection notification lead time: >= 2 working days · engineered-system as-built submission deadline: 30 working days (after inspection)

    “The wastewater system must be left in a condition that allows for proper inspection and may not be put into use prior to an inspection and approval by the Health Officer, except with the permission of the Health Officer and submittal of a sewage treatment and disposal system affidavit.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Residential wells serving land inside Banks Township.

    • HDNW evaluates the site and performs a final review after installation.
    • Applications must include the applicable fee.
    • Miss Dig utility marking adds four business days to the process.
    “Before a resident or business installs a well, we evaluate the site and issue a permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installing a residential or business water well inside Banks Township.
      “For safety reasons, HDNW regulates residential wells. Before a resident or business installs a well, we evaluate the site and issue a permit, as well as do a final review once the well is installed.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Banks Township or Antrim County directly.

  • Building in a floodplain — Floodplain development inside Banks Township.

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 Banks Township publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Antrim County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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