Bolthole Index

Antrim County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Forest Home Township, Michigan

Forest Home Township in Antrim County requires a building permit for new construction, while the township separately administers zoning and land-use requests.12 Antrim County Construction Code handles building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits, and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan handles septic and well permits.345

At a glance

Building permit
Required for new construction and changes in use or occupancy; ordinary repairs are generally excluded1
Zoning
Administered by Forest Home Township2
Land-use requests
Township online request system is available6
Septic permit
Required through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan7
Private well
Permit required before installation5
Owner-builder
Licensing exemption may apply for a home built for the owner's own use and occupancy, but permits still apply8
RV or tiny home
Township parcel-occupancy rules were not confirmed; ask the zoning office before relying on either use2
County-road driveway
Road Commission permit required for a new, reconstructed or paved driveway in county road right-of-way9

Who to call

Zoning

Forest Home Township Zoning Office

Township zoning, land-use applications, subdivision plats, site plans and rezoning requests

231-533-8003

321 North Bridge Street in the Village of Bellaire

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, construction permits, final reviews and well permits

800-432-4121

209 Portage Dr. Bellaire, MI 49615

Roads & driveways

Antrim County Road Commission

Driveway and other work permits in Antrim County road rights-of-way

231-587-8521

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 Forest Home Township means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Forest Home Township, MI?

Yes. New building construction in Forest Home Township requires an application to the appropriate enforcing agency before work begins, and a permit is also required when a building's use or occupancy changes; ordinary repairs generally do not require one.1 Antrim County's Construction Code Department retains the building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits, so a township land-use approval is not a substitute for the county construction permits.3

Michigan's construction codes apply to buildings in Forest Home Township, including the Michigan Residential Code provisions for one- and two-family dwellings.10 Permitted residential work must keep progressing through requested inspections; the county handout says a permit is cancelled after six months without a requested and completed inspection following issuance or the previous inspection.11

Who handles building permits in Forest Home Township?

The Antrim County Construction Code Department is the building office for Forest Home Township and handles building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits and inspections.3 Reach the department at 231-533-8373 or [email protected], or visit 203 E. Cayuga St. PO Box 188 Bellaire, MI 49615.3

Forest Home Township separately handles zoning and land-use applications through its zoning office and online request system.6 The township zoning office can be reached at 231-533-8003 at 321 North Bridge Street in the Village of Bellaire.12 For an owner building a home for personal use and occupancy on the owner's property, Michigan provides a residential-builder licensing exemption, but that exemption does not remove building-permit, inspection, code or zoning requirements.8

Does Forest Home Township have zoning?

Forest Home Township has its own zoning ordinance, and the township zoning administrator administers it with the Planning Commission.2 The township reviews land-use and development matters such as rezoning requests, subdivision plats and site plans, and it offers an online permit-request system.12 Forest Home Township also publishes separate land-use application fees for fences, accessory structures or additions, new homes, and hearings.13

The current parcel-level rules for RV occupancy, tiny homes, manufactured homes, accessory dwellings, minimum dwelling size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building height could not be confirmed. Ask the Forest Home Township zoning office for the parcel's zoning district and the current standards before buying land or choosing a house plan. The township publishes a zoning map, but district boundaries and standards should be confirmed for the specific parcel.14

How do septic and well permits work in Forest Home Township?

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan administers septic and private-well permitting inside Forest Home Township.4 Before a new or replacement septic system is installed, the department evaluates the site, issues a septic permit and performs a final review.15 Construction, repair, alteration, extension or operation of a sewage-disposal system requires both a Health Officer construction permit and final approval.7

A residential well also needs a health-department construction permit before installation, along with a site evaluation, plan and fee.5 Only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a conventional layout will work.16 The Bellaire health office is at 209 Portage Dr. Bellaire, MI 49615 and can be reached at 800-432-4121.15

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Forest Home Township?

We could not confirm a Forest Home Township rule allowing an RV or tiny home to be occupied as a residence on a private parcel. Because Forest Home Township administers its own zoning ordinance, ask the township zoning office about the parcel's district, the proposed duration of occupancy, and whether the unit is treated as a dwelling, recreational vehicle or temporary use before moving it onto the land.2

Michigan campground rules do not answer the private-parcel question: the state campground framework applies when five or more recreational units are offered for temporary living quarters, and local zoning still applies.17 Off-grid sanitation is also regulated. A privy must use a Health Officer-approved watertight vault, cannot serve premises with pressurized water or plumbing, and must meet the health code's site criteria.18

Building a home in Forest Home Township: what are the steps?

  1. Ask the Forest Home Township zoning office to identify the parcel's district and confirm the proposed home, setbacks, access and any required land-use approval; the township administers zoning and offers an online request system.26
  1. Have the Health Department of Northwest Michigan evaluate the site and issue the required septic and well permits before those systems are installed.195
  1. Apply to the Antrim County Construction Code Department for the building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits that apply to the project.3
  1. If the driveway enters an Antrim County road right-of-way, apply through the Road Commission's online permitting system before building, reconstructing or paving it.920
  1. Request construction and septic inspections as work progresses, then obtain the required certificate of occupancy before using the completed home.112122

What should you check before buying land in Forest Home Township?

Start with zoning, septic feasibility, well placement and legal road access because different offices decide each issue. Forest Home Township decides zoning and land use, the Health Department of Northwest Michigan decides onsite sewage and well permits, and the Antrim County Road Commission permits new or altered driveways in county road rights-of-way.2459

Waterfront property needs extra diligence: Antrim County requires elevations for waterfront building work and flood certification before back-fill inspections.23 Michigan also regulates alteration or occupation of qualifying river, stream and drain floodplains, and new residential construction is prohibited in a floodway.24 For budget context, Antrim County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the county's median annual property-tax bill is about $2,033.2526

Watch-outs

  • A township land-use approval does not replace Antrim County building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical permits.36
  • Do not assume an RV, tiny home or accessory dwelling may be occupied on a parcel; the Forest Home Township zoning office should confirm the current district rule first.2
  • Only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before committing to a building site.16
  • A new, reconstructed or paved driveway in an Antrim County road right-of-way requires a Road Commission permit.9

Sources

  1. Building Permit Information (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Services 1 — Forest Home Township (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Antrim County Construction Code Department (antrimcountymi.gov)
  4. About Us – Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Drinking Water and Wells (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Services 1 — Forest Home Township (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Final District Sanitary Code (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Permits – Antrim County Road Commission (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Permit Information (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  11. Michigan Residential Code 2015 Residential Plan Review Compliance List (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  12. Forest Home Township Zoning Office (foresthometwp.com)
  13. Services 1 — Forest Home Township (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  14. Services 1 — Forest Home Township (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  15. Health Department of Northwest Michigan — Antrim County office (nwhealth.org)
  16. 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
  17. Temporary campgrounds (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. nwhealth.org (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Sewage Systems – Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  20. Antrim County Road Commission (antrimcrc.org)
  21. Final District Sanitary Code (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  22. Certificate of Occupancy Request (Forest Home Township), quoted and re-checked
  23. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  24. Floodplains (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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 Forest Home Township

Forest Home Township’s own rules

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Forest Home Township, Michigan.

    • The Township Planning Commission reviews applications pursuant to the Township Zoning Ordinance.
    “reviewing applications pursuant to the Township Zoning Ordinance and other matters.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Land inside Forest Home township; the township administers its own zoning ordinance.
      “The Zoning Administrator is also responsible for the administration of the Zoning Ordinance and aids in the development of the Township Master Plan.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Forest Home Township zoning districts.

    • The Township resource page links both a 2025 Zoning Ordinance and a Forest Home Township Zoning Map - 2018.
    • The specific current district names and map boundaries could not be verified because the ordinance PDF was inaccessible through the permitted reader.
    “AG, Agricultural WFC, Waterfront Commercial WFR Waterfront Residential RR, Rural Residential VR, Village Residential”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and land-development requests inside Forest Home township.

    • The township zoning administrator reviews subdivision plats and related land-use and development requests.
    “The Zoning Administrator works with the Township Planning Commission to reviewing various requests relative to land use and development, such as rezoning requests; subdivision plats, site plans, and others.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Township land-use applications inside Forest Home Township.

    • The Township states the fee changes are effective January 1, 2024.
    • These are stated land-use application fees and do not establish all construction-code or health-department fees.

    fence land-use application fee: 45 USD · accessory structures or additions land-use application fee: 75 USD · new-home land-use application fee: 100 USD · ZBA, public and special hearing fee: 750 USD

    “Land Use Application Fees Fences: $45 Accessory Structures, Additions: $75 New Homes: $100”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Forest Home township land-use application fees.
      “THE FOLLOWING ARE FEE CHANGES AFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2024 Land Use Application Fees Fences: $45 Accessory Structures, Additions: $75 New Homes: $100 ZBA, Public and Special Hearings: $750”
  • Permit processPartial

    Township zoning and land-use permit requests inside Forest Home Township.

    • The Township provides an online permit-request system.
    • This does not establish the complete review sequence or requirements for each permit type.
    “we have launched the “Online Permit Request System””
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Land-use permit applications inside Forest Home township.
      “In order to make it easy for citizens to access various Permit Applications, we have launched the “Online Permit Request System””

Rules another office applies inside Forest Home Township

Forest Home 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 of a building or structure inside Forest Home Township, including new residential construction.

    • Before construction, the owner or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent must submit a written application to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    • A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
    • A permit is not required for ordinary repairs.
    • The source states that the appropriate enforcing agency may be state, county, or local unit of government and directs applicants to identify the applicable agency.
    “shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building construction and changes in use or occupancy inside Forest Home Township, through the appropriate enforcing agency.
      “Before construction of a building or structure, [...] shall submit an application [...] for a building permit.”
    • Required — Construction of a building or structure, and changes in use or occupancy, inside Forest Home 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.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction inside Forest Home Township subject to Michigan's applicable construction-code enforcement jurisdiction.

    • One- and two-family dwelling provisions are included in the Michigan Residential Code.
    • The enforcing agency may be state, county, or local government.
    “The Michigan Building Code controls all matters concerning the construction”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures inside Forest Home Township, Michigan, including one- and two-family dwellings through the Michigan Residential Code.
      “provides for statewide application of the Act and the State Construction Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings inside Forest Home township under the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.
      “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

    Permitted residential construction inside Forest Home Township.

    • The permit remains valid only while work progresses and inspections are requested and conducted; a permit is cancelled if 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.

    inspection inactivity period: 6 months (from permit issuance or previous inspection)

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

    New or altered buildings inside Forest Home Township subject to Michigan construction-code enforcement.

    • The permit holder or authorized agent must make a written request upon project completion.
    • All fees must be paid, permits finaled, and permitted work completed in accordance with applicable requirements before issuance.
    “shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the code official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Residential construction inside Forest Home Township for which the Antrim County Building Department issues a temporary certificate of occupancy.
      “A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued provided Inspections disclose that a full bathroom is operational with privacy doors installed, doors installed for all bedrooms, a kitchen sink of nonabsorbant material is installed with hot and cold water running water, and all safety, ventilation and sanitary requirements of the Code are met”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-site sewage systems inside Forest Home Township, which is in Antrim County.

    • The Health Department of Northwest Michigan serves Antrim County.
    “We proudly serve the residents of Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site sewage systems inside Forest Home township, which is in Antrim County; the Health Department of Northwest Michigan administers the district sanitary program.
      “Prior to installing a sewage (septic) system, HDNW works with the property owner to evaluate the site and issue a permit. A final review provides assurance that the system will operate as intended.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, repair, alteration, extension, or operation of sewage treatment and disposal facilities inside Forest Home township.

    • A Health Officer construction permit and final approval are required.
    • The permit includes conditions contained within the permit.
    • Incomplete applications expire after one year and associated fees are forfeited.
    • A completed application and fee are required; the Health Officer generally acts within fifteen working days, subject to stated delays.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, repair, alter, extend or operate any sewage treatment and disposal facility within Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet or Otsego Counties unless they have a construction permit issued by the Health Officer and for which a final approval has been granted pursuant to this Code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, repair, alteration, extension, operation, or installation of sewage treatment and disposal facilities inside Forest Home Township.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, repair, alter, extend or operate any sewage treatment and disposal facility within Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet or Otsego Counties unless they have a construction permit issued by the Health Officer and for which a final approval has been granted pursuant to this Code.”
    • Required — Installation of a sewage (septic) system inside Forest Home Township.
      “Prior to installing a sewage (septic) system, [...] issue a permit.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Septic systems and septic-related evaluations inside Forest Home Township, which is within Antrim County and the service area of the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

    • Before installing a new or replacement septic system, HDNW evaluates the site, issues a permit, and performs a final review.
    • A residential site evaluation is used to determine whether a parcel without municipal wastewater service can be considered for an onsite sewage system; an HDNW sanitarian evaluates whether site conditions meet Sanitary Code requirements.
    • For remodeling, additions, or replacing an existing home, the application is only necessary when an existing system's demands will be changing.
    • A time-of-transfer evaluation is currently required only in Milton Township, Torch Lake Township, Village of Elk Rapids, and Elk Rapids Township; Forest Home Township is not listed.
    • The source states that HDNW serves Antrim County and is organized as a district health department for Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties.
    “evaluation will only be required if you decide to sell property in Milton Township, Torch Lake Township, Village of Elk Rapids, and Elk Rapids Township.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted sewage treatment and disposal systems inside Forest Home township.
      “The Health Officer shall make such inspections at the premises as deemed necessary to assure that the wastewater system was installed in compliance with the Code and with any conditions required on the permit. The owner or the owner’s agent shall notify the Health Officer when the wastewater system is installed and the project is ready for inspection.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privies and other off-grid wastewater disposal inside Forest Home township.

    • Privies must not create a public-health nuisance.
    • Where a privy is permitted, the premises may not have water under pressure or plumbing for wastewater disposal.
    • A watertight vault approved by the Health Officer is required.
    • The site must meet the sewage-system site-approval criteria in §4-9.
    “All privies shall be constructed and maintained in a manner that does not create a public health nuisance. All premises are restricted from having water under pressure or plumbing where privies are permitted for wastewater disposal. All privies must be constructed using a watertight vault approved by the Health Officer.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private sewage disposal where municipal wastewater is unavailable inside Forest Home Township.
      “The intent of this article is to provide regulations to control the installation and maintenance of private, semi-private and public sewage treatment and disposal systems where no municipal sewage facility is available”
  • Well permitRequired

    Installation of a water supply or residential well inside Forest Home township.

    • A site evaluation and permit are required before installation.
    • A final review occurs after installation.
    • The permit application must include the required plan and fee.
    • The well permit is subject to District Sanitary Code conditions.
    “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
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New drives and reconstruction or paving of existing driveways connecting to Antrim County road rights-of-way within Forest Home township.

    • Any activity or use of county road right-of-way other than highway travel requires a Road Commission permit.
    • Applications use the Oxcart online permitting system.
    • Standard mailboxes are allowed without a permit in the road right-of-way.
    “In Accordance with Act 200 of 1969, any activity or use of county road right of way other than for highway travel purposes does require a permit from the Road Commission. A permit is required to build a new drive and/or reconstruct or pave an existing driveway.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders constructing residential structures inside Forest Home township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Residential zoning districts inside Forest Home Township.
  • Minimum lot size — Residential zoning districts inside Forest Home Township.
  • Setbacks — Residential zoning districts inside Forest Home Township.
  • Lot coverage — Zoning districts inside Forest Home Township.
10 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

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

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Forest Home 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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