Bolthole Index

Antrim County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Ellsworth, Michigan

The Village of Ellsworth in Antrim County requires Village zoning approval before covered construction, while Antrim County handles building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits.12 New or replacement septic systems and new residential wells go through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new buildings and structures; Antrim County administers construction-code permits52
Zoning permit
Required before covered construction, alteration, movement or demolition1
Local zoning
Ellsworth has its own zoning ordinance and district rules67
Septic
HDNW requires a permit for a new or replacement system8
Private well
HDNW evaluates the site, issues the permit and performs final review9
RV living
General residential RV occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the Village Zoning Office1011
Tiny home
No separate tiny-home rule was confirmed; the zoning district and construction codes still control712

Who to call

Zoning

Village of Ellsworth Zoning Office

Village zoning questions and zoning-permit applications

231-588-7411

[email protected]

6520 Center St., P.O. Box 265, Ellsworth, Michigan 49729

Online permits →

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 reviews, and private-well permits

800-432-4121

[email protected]

209 Portage Dr. Bellaire, MI 49615

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 Village of Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth, Michigan?

Yes. Before constructing a building or structure in the Village of Ellsworth, the owner or the owner's representative must apply to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit; a change in use or occupancy also requires one.5 Antrim County's Construction Code Department retains the building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits for the village.2 Ordinary repairs are exempt only when they do not cross the state's structural, egress, utility, electrical, mechanical, public-health or safety limits.13

A county building permit does not replace Village zoning approval. Ellsworth requires a zoning permit before a structure is erected, moved, enlarged, altered or razed, including a new structure larger than 100 square feet and demolition at or above 400 square feet of ground-floor area.1

Who issues building and zoning permits in Ellsworth?

The Village of Ellsworth Zoning Office handles zoning questions and accepts the Village zoning-permit application.11 The application calls for a detailed site sketch showing existing and proposed structures, their dimensions and heights, parcel dimensions, setbacks and road rights-of-way.14 Village zoning-permit fees are paid before issuance, and the Village Council sets the fee schedule.15

Antrim County's Construction Code Department handles the separate building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits and publishes permit requirements, fee schedules and inspection information.2 Construction under the Michigan codes is subject to inspections, and the Ellsworth development guide directs building-permit applicants to Antrim County.16 Contact both offices early so the site plan satisfies the zoning district before construction-code review advances.72

Does Ellsworth have zoning for lots, setbacks and homes?

Yes. Ellsworth has its own zoning ordinance, with residential, commercial, recreation and overlay districts.67 Rules depend on the parcel's district: an R-1 single-family lot requires at least 32,000 square feet and 100 feet of width, while an R-4 one-family lot requires at least 9,600 square feet.1718

R-1 structures have 30-foot front, 20-foot side and 20-foot rear setbacks; a waterfront-side structure setback is 50 feet from the ordinary high-water mark where applicable.19 R-4 structures generally have 25-foot front, 10-foot side and 15-foot rear setbacks.20 The ordinance states minimum dwelling width rather than a general principal-home floor-area minimum: 24 feet in R-1 and 14 feet in R-4.2122

How do septic and well permits work inside Ellsworth?

Ellsworth has no public sewage-disposal system, so residents rely on private on-site septic systems regulated through the county health authority.23 The Health Department of Northwest Michigan requires a permit before a new or replacement septic system is installed, evaluates the site and conducts a final review.8 Applications and questions for Antrim County properties can go to the department's Bellaire office.24

A vacant parcel without municipal wastewater service should begin with a residential site evaluation to determine whether the proposed location meets sanitary-code requirements.25 Only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so septic feasibility deserves early attention before choosing a house location.26 A new residential well likewise requires HDNW site evaluation, a permit and final review.4

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Ellsworth?

Ellsworth's campground and travel-trailer-park standards do not establish a general right to occupy an RV as a residence on an ordinary private lot. Campgrounds and travel-trailer parks require the applicable district authorization, at least 5 acres and direct access to a public road.10 Ask the Village Zoning Office about the proposed parcel, duration and utility arrangement before treating an RV as temporary housing.11

We could not confirm a separate tiny-home category for Ellsworth. A small dwelling still has to fit an allowed residential use, the dimensional rules for its zoning district and Michigan construction codes.712 Ellsworth does expressly regulate accessory dwelling units: where allowed, the owner must live on site, and the unit must be 300 to 800 square feet with one off-street parking space.27

Building a home in Ellsworth: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm the parcel's Ellsworth zoning district and the allowed use, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building dimensions with the Village Zoning Office.711
  2. Arrange HDNW review for a septic system and, if needed, a private well; written health-department approval accompanies the Village zoning-permit application.283
  3. Prepare the scaled site layout required for Village zoning review, including structures, uses, yards, parking and road rights-of-way.14
  4. Obtain the applicable driveway permit from the Antrim County Road Commission or MDOT, depending on the road.29
  5. Secure the Village zoning permit and then the Antrim County building and trade permits before work begins.12
  6. Schedule required construction inspections with Antrim County and complete final septic and well reviews with HDNW.169

What should you check before buying land in Ellsworth?

Start with the Village zoning district because Ellsworth—not Antrim County—sets local land-use and dimensional rules inside the village.6 Confirm whether the intended house, accessory dwelling, manufactured home or other use is allowed, then measure the parcel against its district's lot, setback and coverage standards.2730

Check septic feasibility before fixing the building envelope because most Antrim County soils have severe limitations for a conventional drain field.26 Ask HDNW to evaluate private sewage disposal and any planned well.84 For access, determine whether the road calls for an Antrim County Road Commission or MDOT driveway permit.31 If the property is near a floodway or floodplain, ask the Village which additional approval applies because site-plan review must account for those areas, but a separate Ellsworth floodplain-permit rule was not confirmed.32

Watch-outs

  • A county construction-code permit does not replace the Village of Ellsworth zoning permit.12
  • The published time-of-transfer septic list names other Antrim County communities but not Ellsworth; ask HDNW whether any parcel-specific evaluation is needed.3324
  • Ellsworth recognizes public or private water and sewage systems, but we could not confirm a universal connection rule for every new home; ask the Village and HDNW before designing utilities.281124

Sources

  1. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  2. Antrim County Construction Code Department (antrimcountymi.gov)
  3. Zoning Permit Application (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  4. Drinking Water and Wells - Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permit Information (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  6. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  7. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  8. On-Site Sewage Systems - Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  9. Drinking Water and Wells (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  10. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  11. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Office (villageofellsworthmi.com)
  12. Building Permit Information (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Permit Information (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  14. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  15. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  16. Ellsworth Guide to Development (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  17. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  18. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  19. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  20. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  21. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  22. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  23. Village of Ellsworth Master Plan (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  24. Health Department of Northwest Michigan — Antrim County office (nwhealth.org)
  25. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  26. 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
  27. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  28. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  29. Zoning Permit Application - Village of Ellsworth (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  30. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  31. Zoning Permit Application (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  32. Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance (Village of Ellsworth), quoted and re-checked
  33. District Sanitary Code (Village of Ellsworth), 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 Village of Ellsworth

Village of Ellsworth’s own rules

  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential construction inside Ellsworth village, with building-permit administration directed to Antrim County.

    • The Village development guide directs applicants for developments requiring a building permit to contact Antrim County.
    • The county handout states that permits remain valid only while work progresses and inspections are requested and conducted.
    • A permit is cancelled when no inspection is requested and conducted within six months of issuance or the previous inspection; cancelled permits cannot be refunded or reinstated and a new permit with fees is required.
    “For specific requirements regarding new home construction, accessory structures and other developments requiring a building permit, please contact Antrim County.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Residential construction inside Ellsworth village under the Antrim County building-code process.

    • A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued only if inspections disclose the listed bathroom, bedroom-door, kitchen-sink, safety, ventilation, sanitary, insulation, and wall-covering conditions.
    “A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued provided Inspections disclose that a full bathroom is operational”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside the Village of Ellsworth.

    • The ordinance applies to land use and building location within the Village; lawful existing uses are addressed by Section 1.5.
    • The ordinance states that a zoning permit is required before structures are erected, moved, enlarged, altered, or razed.
    “This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance, as amended and is referred to herein as the “Ordinance.””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Land inside Ellsworth village.
      “This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Village of Ellsworth Zoning Ordinance, as amended and is referred to herein as the “Ordinance.””
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Ellsworth village.

    • The ordinance identifies R-1 Low Density Residential, R-2 General Residential, R-3 Village Residential, R-4 Mixed Residential, C-1 Village Commercial, C-2 General Commercial, and REC Recreation districts.
    • It also identifies the BCOD Breezeway Commercial Overlay District, whose dimensional regulations and uses are subject to the underlying zoning district.
    “For the purpose of this ordinance, the following Zoning Districts shall be established in the Village of Ellsworth:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Zoning districts inside Ellsworth village.
      “The Regulated Uses table in this section lists by land use category (e.g. residential, commercial, etc.) where a particular land use is allowed in a respective zoning district.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds or travel-trailer parks inside Ellsworth village.

    • The campground or travel-trailer park must satisfy applicable district authorization.
    • Minimum lot size is five acres.
    • Direct vehicular access to a public street or road is required.

    minimum lot size: >= 5 acres

    “A minimum lot size shall be five (5) acres. The lot shall provide direct vehicular access to a public street or road. The term "lot" shall mean the entire campground or travel trailer park.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home parks and manufactured or mobile homes on individual lots inside Ellsworth village.

    • Manufactured-home parks are permitted only in the R-4 Mixed Residential District after Planning Commission hearing and subject to Section 5.4 standards.
    • Parks require at least 20 acres, at least 20 sites, no more than 100 sites, and a Village permit.
    • Individual-lot mobile homes must meet district minimum lot size, setbacks, and ground-floor-space requirements and must be attached to an approved permanent foundation or basement.

    manufactured-home park minimum site area: >= 20 acres · manufactured-home park minimum sites: >= 20 sites · manufactured-home park maximum sites: <= 100 sites

    “Manufactured Home Parks may be permitted in the Mixed Residential District, R-4, after a hearing by the Planning Commission, provided the following conditions are satisfied”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Manufactured homes sited on individual lots inside Ellsworth village.
      “Mobile homes sited on individual lots shall meet the standards for minimum lot size, yard set- backs, and ground floor space for the district in which they are located and shall meet the following additional standards: A. Mobile homes shall be attached to an approved permanent foundation or basement and shall be anchored using a system that meets the Michigan Mobile Home Commission requirements. B. Mobile homes shall be installed according to manufacturer's set up requirements, and the construction of the unit shall comply with the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwelling units inside Ellsworth village.

    • ADUs are permitted in limited permitted districts on properties where a single-family dwelling is the principal use.
    • The owner must live on site in either dwelling.
    • The ADU must have separate entrance, kitchen, sleeping area, and full bathroom facilities; detached units must meet district setbacks and height requirements; applicable building and fire codes apply.

    ADU minimum living size: >= 300 square feet · ADU maximum size: <= 800 square feet (or the size of the principal dwelling, whichever is less) · ADU off-street parking: 1 space

    “The owner of the property shall live on site, either in the principle dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or replacement septic systems inside Ellsworth village, administered by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan for Antrim County properties.

    • The Village zoning application identifies the Health Department of Northwest Michigan as the applicable well/septic agency.
    • The permit application must use the application and fee schedule for the county where the property is located.
    • HDNW evaluates the proposed site before issuing the permit and conducts a final review.
    “Prior to installing a sewage (septic) system, HDNW works with the property owner to evaluate the site and issue a permit.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater (with conditions)

    Connection of buildings inside Ellsworth village to the Village waterworks system when a connection is sought and system capacity is available.

    • Written Village permits are required for water-main or service-pipe connections.
    • Approval is contingent on available waterworks capacity.
    • Plans may be required.
    • Final inspection and approval are required.
    • Costs are borne by the property owner, subject to ordinance exceptions.
    “All connections with any water main or service pipe in the service area shall be made only pursuant to written permits issued by the Village.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Water supply and sanitary sewage disposal for buildings erected, altered, or moved inside Ellsworth village.
      “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 local, and where appropriate, County and State Board of Health requirements.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Preliminary plats and land divisions inside Ellsworth village.

    • Preliminary plats are submitted to the Village Clerk under the Michigan Subdivision Control Act of 1967, PA 288.
    • The Planning Commission reviews consistency with minimum lot and other ordinance requirements.
    • The Planning Commission forwards recommendations to the Village Council.
    “All preliminary plats submitted to the Village Clerk pursuant to Subdivision Control Act of 1967,PA 288 shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission for review to determine whether said plat is consistent with the minimum lot requirements and other applicable requirements of this Ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and preliminary plats inside Ellsworth village.
      “All preliminary plats submitted to the Village Clerk pursuant to Subdivision Control Act of 1967,PA 288 shall be forwarded to the Planning Commission for review to determine whether said plat is consistent with the minimum lot requirements and other applicable requirements of this Ordinance.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Development requiring a driveway permit inside Ellsworth village.

    • The Village zoning application requires a driveway permit as applicable.
    • The permit is issued by the Antrim County Road Commission or Michigan Department of Transportation, depending on the road.
    “Driveway Permit (Antrim County Road Commission or M-DOT)”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development reviewed through Village site-plan procedures inside Ellsworth village.

    • Site-plan approval must respect floodways and flood plains on or in the vicinity of the property.
    • The located sources do not establish a separate floodplain permit or numeric floodway standard.
    “That the proposed development property respects floodways and flood plains on or [...] in the vicinity of the subject property.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Village zoning-permit fees inside Ellsworth village.

    • Fees are collected in advance of zoning-permit issuance.
    • The Village Council determines fee schedules, which cover ordinance-administration costs.
    • The Village planning page states the fee schedule was reviewed in 2025 and links a 2025 fee schedule.
    “Fees for the inspection and issuance of zoning permits required under this Ordinance shall be collected by the Zoning Administrator in advance of issuance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Village zoning-permit inspection and issuance fees inside Ellsworth village.
      “Fee schedules will be determined by the Village Council”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Village zoning permits for structures and land uses inside Ellsworth village.

    • A zoning permit is required before erection, movement, enlargement, alteration, or razing of structures.
    • A zoning permit is required for demolition of structures with ground-floor area of 400 square feet or more.
    • A zoning permit is required for structures larger than 100 square feet.
    • Two copies of a scaled site layout or plot plan are required.
    • Construction must start within one year or the zoning permit is void.

    demolition threshold: >= 400 square feet ground-floor area · new-structure threshold: > 100 square feet floor area · permit validity to commencement: 1 year

    “No structure within the limits of the Village of Ellsworth shall hereafter be erected, moved, enlarged, altered, or razed nor shall any work be started on such structures until a zoning permit shall have been obtained from the Zoning Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Village zoning-permit applications inside Ellsworth village.
      “There shall be submitted with all applications for zoning permits two (2) copies of a site layout or plot plan drawn to scale showing”

Rules another office applies inside Village of Ellsworth

Village of Ellsworth 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 of buildings and structures inside Ellsworth village; the Village guide directs applicants for building-permit requirements to Antrim County.

    • A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
    • Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, subject to the listed structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and public-safety exceptions.
    • The application must go 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 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of buildings or structures and changes of use or occupancy inside Ellsworth village.
      “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 a building or structure, and changes in use or occupancy, inside Ellsworth village.
      “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.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings inside Ellsworth village, subject to the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.

    • One- and two-family dwelling provisions are included in the Michigan Residential Code.
    • Enforcement is by the appropriate enforcing agency, which may be state, county, or local.
    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Buildings and structures inside Ellsworth village, subject to the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code administered by 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.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction inside Ellsworth village is governed by the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code, administered by the appropriate enforcing agency.
      “The Michigan Building Code controls all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Ellsworth village.

    • The schedule states a minimum dwelling-unit width, not a general minimum floor-area requirement.

    minimum dwelling unit width: >= 24 feet

    “R-1 Low Density Residential 32,000 100 2 30 (a) 20 (b) 20 24 20”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family residential development in the R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Ellsworth village.

    • The dimensional schedule also requires 100 feet minimum lot width.
    • Waterfront lots require a 50-foot minimum structure setback from the ordinary high-water mark.
    • Irregular lots may have reduced street-line frontage only if building-line width meets the district requirement.

    minimum lot area: >= 32000 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 100 feet

    “R-1 Low Density Residential 32,000 100 2 30 (a) 20 (b) 20 24 20”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family residential development in the R-4 Mixed Residential District inside Ellsworth village.
      “One Family 9,600 square feet for each dwelling unit.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures in the R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Ellsworth village.

    • For lots bordering a lake or stream, the waterfront-side minimum structure setback is 50 feet from the ordinary high-water mark.
    • Irregular curvilinear lots may have reduced street-line frontage only if building-line width meets the district width.

    front setback: >= 30 feet (waterfront note applies where relevant) · side setback: >= 20 feet · rear setback: >= 20 feet · waterfront-side setback: >= 50 feet (from ordinary high-water mark)

    “R-1 Low Density Residential 32,000 100 2 30 (a) 20 (b) 20 24 20”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Structures in the R-4 Mixed Residential District inside Ellsworth village.
      “R-4 Mixed Residential 15,000 (c) 100 3 25 (a) 10 (b) 15 14 35”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Single-family residential lots in the R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Ellsworth village.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 20 percent

    “R-1 Low Density Residential 32,000 100 2 30 (a) 20 (b) 20 24 20”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family residential lots in the R-4 Mixed Residential District inside Ellsworth village.
      “R-4 Mixed Residential 15,000 (c) 100 3 25 (a) 10 (b) 15 14 35”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in the R-1 Low Density Residential District inside Ellsworth village.

    • The dimensional schedule expresses height as maximum stories.
    • The ordinance notes that Article height restrictions do not apply to telecommunications towers and related facilities regulated under the ordinance.

    maximum structure height: <= 2 stories (telecommunication towers and facilities are separately regulated)

    “R-1 Low Density Residential 32,000 100 2 30 (a) 20 (b) 20 24 20”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Structures in the R-4 Mixed Residential District inside Ellsworth village.
      “R-4 Mixed Residential 15,000 (c) 100 3 25 (a) 10 (b) 15 14 35”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage regulation inside Ellsworth village.

    • The District Sanitary Code is administered by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and expressly covers all cities, villages, and townships in Antrim County.
    • The municipality may adopt more restrictive ordinances.
    “The Health Officer shall have jurisdiction throughout Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego Counties, including all cities, villages and townships, in the administration and enforcement of these regulations”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — On-site septic systems inside Ellsworth village.
      “There is no public sewage disposal in the Village. The residents rely on private, on-site septic systems, which are regulated by the Antrim County Health Department.”
    • Local — Septic and onsite sewage regulation inside Ellsworth village, located in Antrim County.
      “HDNW is organized as a district health department for the counties of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Premises and septic systems subject to the District Sanitary Code inside Ellsworth village.

    • The Health Officer may inspect affected premises for enforcement.
    • Time-of-transfer evaluations are not generally identified for Ellsworth village on the HDNW page; the page lists Milton Township, Torch Lake Township, Village of Elk Rapids, and Elk Rapids Township.
    “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”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Private on-site sewage disposal inside Ellsworth village where no municipal wastewater service is used.

    • The Village ordinance recognizes public or private sanitary sewage systems, subject to approval by responsible agencies.
    • HDNW performs site evaluation and permitting for parcels without municipal wastewater services.
    • The private system must satisfy the District Sanitary Code and applicable Village requirements.
    “A site evaluation (previously called "perk test") is the first step in determining if an existing or proposed land parcel without municipal wastewater services (city sewer) can be considered for an onsite sewage system.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New residential wells inside Ellsworth village where municipal water service is not used.

    • HDNW evaluates the site before installation and conducts a final review after installation.
    • A permit application and applicable fee are required.
    • The source describes residential wells and does not establish a separate rule for every nonresidential well type.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to install a water supply within Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet or Otsego County unless a well construction permit has been issued by the Health Officer.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential or business well installation inside Ellsworth village where on-site wells are used.
      “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 Village of Ellsworth or Antrim County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders constructing residential structures inside Ellsworth village.
  • Living in an RV — Occupancy of recreational vehicles on land inside Ellsworth village.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Ellsworth village.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural structures or uses inside Ellsworth village.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals inside Ellsworth village.

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

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