Bolthole Index

Antrim County, Michigan

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

Helena Township in Antrim County has its own zoning ordinance, and a township Land Use Permit comes before the county building or health permit applications.12 Antrim County handles building-code permits, while the Health Department of Northwest Michigan handles septic and well permits.345

At a glance

Zoning
Helena Township administers its own zoning ordinance1
Building permit
Required for covered work through Antrim County3
Septic permit
Required through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan6
RV living
Temporary only, with township approval and conditions7
Tiny home
No specific rule confirmed; district size and occupancy rules still apply89
Private well
Health-department site evaluation and permit required5
Owner-builder
A licensing exception may apply, but permits still do10

Who to call

Zoning

Helena Township Zoning Administrator

Helena Township zoning permits, districts, land uses, setbacks and land-use questions

(231) 331-4643

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, septic permits and Antrim County permit applications

800-432-4121

[email protected]

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 Helena 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.

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

Yes, for covered construction. Antrim County requires the owner or authorized agent to apply to the building official and obtain a building permit before regulated construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, or covered electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work begins.3 The Antrim County Construction Code Department retains the building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits.11

Helena Township approval is separate: a Land Use Permit must be secured before excavation, construction, a structural change or addition, or relocation of a building or structure.2 The township ordinance says not to apply for the Antrim County building or health permits until that Land Use Permit is secured.2

Michigan's owner-builder licensing exception can apply when a person builds a residential structure on that person's own property for personal use and occupancy, but the exception does not remove building-permit requirements.10

Who issues building and zoning permits in Helena Township?

Start with the Helena Township Zoning Administrator for the township zoning permit, zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and land-use questions.12 The township also provides an online zoning-permit application that requests the parcel number, project description, measurements, setbacks, site plan and building plans when applicable.12

After township land-use approval, contact the Antrim County Construction Code Department for building and trade permits.211 County building permits remain valid while work progresses and required inspections are requested and conducted; a permit can be cancelled after six months without a requested and completed inspection.13

Current township zoning-fee amounts could not be confirmed, although the ordinance allows the Township Board to establish fees for zoning permits and other zoning applications; ask the Zoning Administrator for the current schedule.14

Does Helena Township have zoning, lot-size and setback rules?

Yes. Helena Township's zoning ordinance divides land into Agricultural, Residential One-Family, Residential One- and Two-Family, Village, Environmental and Commercial districts, and the ordinance includes a zoning map.15 Rules depend on the parcel's district and platting status.16

In the Agricultural District, the minimum lot area is two acres, minimum lot width is 200 feet, and the minimum dwelling floor area is 800 square feet per unit.178 Principal-structure setbacks there are 35 feet in front, 10 feet on the side and 25 feet in the rear.18

In the R-1 district, platted lots require 20,000 square feet while unplatted lots require 25,000 square feet; both have a 100-foot minimum width and a 960-square-foot minimum floor area per unit.19209 R-1 principal-structure setbacks are 50 feet in front, 10 feet on the side and 35 feet in the rear.21

How do septic and well permits work inside Helena Township?

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan administers septic rules throughout Antrim County, including Helena Township.4 A health-department permit is required before installing, repairing, altering or extending a covered sewage treatment and disposal system.6 The department describes a site evaluation, formerly called a perk test, as the first step for land without municipal sewer service.22

Helena Township's ordinance also requires health-department approval for water and septic service when an accessory structure contains living quarters.23 A conventional onsite system may be permitted only when sewer is unavailable and the site meets the sanitary code's conditions.24

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.25 Before a new residential or business well is installed, the health department evaluates the site and issues a well permit.26

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

Helena Township does not allow unrestricted RV living. A motor home, camper-type trailer or other temporary structure may be used as a temporary dwelling for no more than six months only after the Zoning Administrator approves an occupancy permit.7 A separate R-1 provision allows a property owner with a permanent Helena Township residence to use a sanitary, movable and legally registered RV or trailer temporarily for camping, but not as a rental.27

We could not confirm a rule specifically defining or authorizing tiny homes, so ask the Zoning Administrator how the proposed structure is classified and which district rules apply. Helena Township does set district-specific minimum floor areas, including 800 square feet per unit in Agricultural and 960 square feet per unit in R-1.89

Manufactured homes are allowed conditionally and must meet installation standards, applicable codes and a minimum width of 20 feet.28

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

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district, use, lot size and setbacks with the Helena Township Zoning Administrator.16
  1. Arrange an early septic site evaluation and well review with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.225
  1. Obtain the Helena Township Land Use Permit before excavation or construction and before applying for county building or health permits.2
  1. If access uses a county road right-of-way, obtain an Antrim County Road Commission driveway permit for a new driveway or for reconstruction or paving of an existing driveway.29
  1. Apply to the Antrim County Construction Code Department for the required building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits, then request inspections as work progresses.3013
  1. Before occupancy, obtain the required Helena Township certificate for the land, building, structure or use covered by the Land Use Permit, along with the construction-code certificate of occupancy for a new or altered building.3132

What should you check before buying land in Helena Township?

Confirm the parcel's actual township zoning district and do not rely on Antrim County's lack of countywide zoning; Helena Township has its own ordinance and local zoning administrator.33 Ask the township how any proposed tiny home, accessory dwelling, land division or lot-coverage calculation will be treated because complete rules for those questions could not be confirmed.

For waterfront property, Antrim County requires elevations and flood certification before back-fill inspections, but the complete township floodplain and wetland requirements were not confirmed; ask the township and county construction office before closing.34 A newly constructed private road generally needs an emergency-services easement at least 22 feet wide, but the requirement excludes seasonal access roads and a driveway serving no more than one lot or home.35

Finally, treat septic suitability as a parcel-level question because most Antrim County soils carry severe conventional-drain-field limitations.25

Watch-outs

  • A Helena Township Land Use Permit comes before applications for Antrim County building permits or health-department permits.2
  • An RV occupancy permit is temporary and capped at six months; the separate residential-property camping rule also requires a permanent township residence and prohibits rental use.727
  • A certificate of occupancy is required before a new or different land use begins or a structure covered by a township Land Use Permit is occupied.31
  • Waterfront building work requires county elevations and flood certification before back-fill inspections.34

Sources

  1. Planning Commission (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  4. District Sanitary Code (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. Drinking Water and Wells (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. 2024 Permit Application - Septic System/Water Well (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder, quoted and re-checked
  11. Antrim County Construction Code Department (antrimcountymi.gov)
  12. Helena Township Zoning Administrator (helenatownshipmichigan.gov)
  13. Michigan Residential Code 2015 Residential Plan Review Compliance List, quoted and re-checked
  14. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  15. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  20. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  22. Health Department of Northwest Michigan — Antrim County office (nwhealth.org)
  23. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  24. nwhealth.org (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  25. 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
  26. Drinking Water and Wells – Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  27. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  28. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  29. Permits – Antrim County Road Commission, quoted and re-checked
  30. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  31. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena Township), quoted and re-checked
  32. Certificate of Occupancy Request (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  33. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  34. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  35. Helena Township Zoning Ordinance (Helena 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 Helena Township

Helena Township’s own rules

  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Use or occupancy of land, buildings, structures, or uses inside Helena Township subject to the Township Zoning Ordinance.

    • Required before vacant or occupied land is used or occupied by a new or different use.
    • Required before a building, structure, or use for which a Land Use Permit has been issued is used or occupied.
    • The certificate does not waive any ordinance requirement.
    “A Certificate of Occupancy shall be required before”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Any new or different use of land, or any building, structure, or use for which a Helena Township Land Use Permit has been issued.
      “A Certificate of Occupancy shall be required before (1) any vacant or occupied land may be used or occupied by a new or different use or (2) any building or structure or use for which a Land Use Permit has been issued is used or occupied. A Certificate of Occupancy shall in no case be construed as waiving any requirements of this Ordinance.”
    • Limited — Developments requiring a final site plan under the Helena Township Zoning Ordinance.
      “Once those persons have approved the as built plans the Zoning Administrator may make the final inspection and issue the occupancy permit.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Helena Township, Antrim County, Michigan.

    • The township zoning ordinance is identified by the township as effective July 28, 2024.
    “Township Zoning Ordinance Effective July 28, 2024”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Helena Township.

    • The district boundaries are defined on the attached Zoning District Map incorporated into the ordinance.
    • Districts listed are A Agricultural, R-1 Residential One-Family, R-2 Residential One- and Two-Family, V Village, E Environmental, and C Commercial.
    “To carry out the purpose of this ordinance, Helena Township shall be divided into the following districts:”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Zoning districts inside Helena Township.
      “To carry out the purpose of this ordinance, Helena Township shall be divided into the following districts: “A” -Agricultural “R-1” -Residential – One-Family Zone “R-2” -Residential – One- and Two-Family Zone “V” -Village District “E” -Environmental District”
    • Published — Helena Township zoning districts and the official zoning district map.
      “The boundaries of these Zoning Districts are defined as shown on an attached map”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Principal residential structures in Helena Township’s A: Agricultural District.

    • The ordinance states that all lots, buildings, and structures must comply with the Schedule of Regulations and its notes unless otherwise provided.
    • The listed minimum floor area is per unit.

    minimum floor area: >= 800 sq ft per unit

    “A: Agricultural 2 acres 200 ft 2.5 35 (a) 35 ft(b) 10 ft 25 ft (b) 800 sq ft”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Principal residential structures on platted lots in Helena Township’s R-1: Residential, One Family District.
      “R-1: Residential, One Family Platted 20,000 sq ft 100 ft (c) 2.5 35 50 ft (b) 10 ft 35 ft (b) 960 sq ft”
    • Specified — Principal residential structures on unplatted lots in Helena Township’s R-1: Residential, One Family District.
      “Unplatted 25,000 sq ft 100 ft (c) 2.5 35 50 ft (b) 10 ft 35 ft 960 sq ft”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in Helena Township’s A: Agricultural District.

    • The ordinance states that all lots, buildings, and structures must comply with the Schedule of Regulations and its notes unless otherwise provided.
    • The minimum lot width must be read with the schedule’s width and setback-line note where applicable.

    minimum lot area: >= 2 acres · minimum lot width: >= 200 ft

    “A: Agricultural 2 acres 200 ft 2.5 35 (a) 35 ft(b) 10 ft 25 ft (b) 800 sq ft”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Platted lots in Helena Township’s R-1: Residential, One Family District.
      “Must be required minimum width at front yard setback line.”
    • Specified — Unplatted lots in Helena Township’s R-1: Residential, One Family District.
      “Must be required minimum width at front yard setback line.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal structures in Helena Township’s A: Agricultural District.

    • Front setback is 35 feet, side setback is 10 feet, and rear setback is 25 feet.
    • In the Agricultural and R-1 Districts, the front and rear yard setbacks must be maintained across the entire width of the lot.

    front setback: >= 35 ft · side setback: >= 10 ft · rear setback: >= 25 ft

    “In the Agricultural and R-1 Districts, the front and rear yard setbacks shall be maintained across the entire width of the lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Principal structures in Helena Township’s R-1: Residential, One Family District, for both platted and unplatted lots.
      “In the Agricultural and R-1 Districts, the front and rear yard setbacks shall be maintained across the entire width of the lot.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in Helena Township’s A: Agricultural District.

    • Maximum building height is the lesser of 2.5 stories and 35 feet for the schedule row.
    • Barns, silos, and similar agricultural-related accessory buildings may not exceed 90 feet in height.

    maximum stories: <= 2.5 stories (whichever is lesser) · maximum height: <= 35 ft (whichever is lesser for the schedule row) · agricultural accessory-building height: <= 90 ft (barns, silos, and similar agricultural-related accessory buildings)

    “(a) Barns, silos and similar agricultural related accessory buildings shall not exceed 90 feet in height.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in Helena Township’s R-1: Residential, One Family District.
      “Maximum Building Height (whichever is lesser)”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use of recreational vehicles or trailers for camping on residentially occupied property inside Helena Township.

    • The property owner must have a permanent residence in Helena Township.
    • Use must be temporary.
    • The vehicle must be sanitary, movable, and legally registered.
    • The vehicle cannot be used as a rental.
    “Property owners with a permanent residence in Helena Township may use recreational vehicles or trailers for camping purposes on a temporary basis”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational-vehicle or trailer camping on property in the R-1 district inside Helena Township.
      “Property owners with a permanent residence in Helena Township may use recreational vehicles or trailers for camping purposes on a temporary basis, provided such trailer or recreational vehicle is maintained in a sanitary, moveable, and legally registered condition. Such vehicles cannot be used as a rental.”
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Use of a motor home or camper-type trailer as a dwelling inside Helena Township.
      “Except as expressly authorized in this Ordinance, no cabin, garage, basement, tent, motor home, camper-type trailer, or other temporary structure shall be used in whole or in part for dwelling purposes in any zone provided that such structure may be used for a temporary dwelling for a period not to exceed six months upon application to and approval of a permit for occupancy by the Zoning Administrator”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping in recreational vehicles or trailers inside Helena Township.

    • Permanent residence in Helena Township is required.
    • The vehicle must be sanitary, movable, and legally registered.
    • Rental use is prohibited.
    “Such vehicles cannot be used as a rental.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Temporary camping or temporary dwelling use of tents, motor homes, and camper-type trailers inside Helena Township.
      “Except as expressly authorized in this Ordinance, no cabin, garage, basement, tent, motor home, camper-type trailer, or other temporary structure shall be used in whole or in part for dwelling purposes in any zone provided that such structure may be used for a temporary dwelling for a period not to exceed six months upon application to and approval of a permit for occupancy by the Zoning Administrator”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes in Helena Township, including manufactured homes permitted in the R-1 district.

    • Manufactured homes must comply with applicable state and federal law and building and fire codes.
    • They must bear the required federal label, follow manufacturer setup instructions, be anchored under Michigan Mobile Home Commission rules, have towing mechanisms removed within ten days, have no exposed undercarriage, have a permanent perimeter wall, comply with HUD Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards, and be at least 20 feet wide.
    • The standards do not apply to homes in a licensed mobile home park except as required or permitted by state or federal law or another township ordinance.
    • Conflicting or impermissibly more restrictive provisions yield to the Mobile Home Commission Act or rules as applied to a manufactured home in a residential neighborhood.

    minimum manufactured-home width: >= 20 feet (Licensed mobile home park and statutory exceptions apply)

    “All manufactured homes are subject to the following conditions:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured-home occupancy inside Helena Township.
      “All manufactured homes are subject to the following conditions: A. Each home shall comply with all applicable state and federal law, including all pertinent building and fire codes. [...] H. Each home shall have a minimum width of twenty (20) feet.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, alteration, or extension of sewage treatment and disposal systems inside Helena Township.

    • The cited permit form covers Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties.
    • It is unlawful to construct, repair, alter, or extend covered systems until permits are issued by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.
    • Listed residential fees include $485 for new or replacement septic and $262 for septic tank only.

    new residential septic permit fee: 485 USD (The form also lists a $356 septic fee option; confirm the applicable current fee.) · septic tank only fee: 262 USD

    “It is unlawful to construct, repair, alter, or extend such systems until permit(s) are issued by this agency.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid water and sanitation arrangements for accessory living quarters or temporary dwellings inside Helena Township.

    • Accessory structures with living quarters require Health Department approval for water and septic service.
    • Temporary dwellings require adequate temporary public or private water supply and sewage disposal.
    • HDNW permitting applies before installing septic systems.
    “May contain living quarters; provided that proper Health Department approval is secured for water and septic service.”
  • Well permitRequired

    New residential well installation inside Helena Township.

    • HDNW evaluates the site before installation and performs a final review after installation.
    • The HDNW page links to an application for Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet Counties.
    “Before a resident or business installs a well, we evaluate the site and issue a permit”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Commercial farm products produced on specific property inside Helena Township.

    • The ordinance’s Right to Farm provision applies to a specific property on which commercial farm products are produced; the complete subsection’s conditions and exceptions require further review.
    “As to any specific property on which commercial farm products are produced within the meaning of MCL 286.472(a), if any applicable Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practice (GAAMP) approved by the Michigan Department of Agriculture conflicts with any provision, the GAAMP shall control.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Newly constructed private roads and emergency access serving property inside Helena Township.

    • A newly constructed private road must have an easement at least 22 feet wide for emergency services.
    • The requirement does not apply to seasonal access roads or a driveway serving no more than one lot or home.

    private-road emergency-services easement width: >= 22 feet (Seasonal access roads and driveways serving no more than one lot or home are exempt.)

    “Every newly constructed private road in the Township shall have an easement of a width of at least 22 feet for the purposes of providing emergency services. This provision shall not apply to seasonal access roads or a driveway that does not provide access to more than one lot or home.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Newly constructed private roads and access serving development inside Helena Township.
      “Every newly constructed private road in the Township shall have an easement of a width of at least 22 feet”
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed

    Short-term vacation rentals in the R-1 and R-2 residential districts.

    • The ordinance defines a short-term vacation rental as rental of a dwelling for at least seven days.
    • The cited provisions list short-term vacation rentals as permitted by right in R-1 and R-2.

    minimum rental period: >= 7 days

    “Short Term Vacation Rental The rental of a dwelling for a period of at least 7 days.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed — Short-term vacation rentals in the R-1 Residential One-Family District.
      “Short Term Vacation Rental The rental of a dwelling for a period of at least 7 days. [...] E. Short term vacation rentals.”
    • Allowed — Short-term vacation rentals in the R-2 Residential Two-Family District.
      “Short Term Vacation Rental The rental of a dwelling for a period of at least 7 days. [...] D. Short term vacation rentals”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Helena Township zoning permits and related zoning applications.

    • The Township Board may adopt fee schedules by resolution.
    • The ordinance identifies zoning permits, special-use permits, appeals, interpretations, unlisted uses, variances, and owner-requested rezonings as fee categories.
    • The opened source did not provide the current fee amounts.
    “To assist in defraying the costs of investigating, reviewing, and administering zoning applications, appeals, rezoning requests from individual property owners, and other types of decisions which result in extra costs to the Township, the Township Board may from time to time adopt by resolution a fee schedule establishing basic zoning fees”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Land Use Permit applications inside Helena Township.

    • A Land Use Permit is required before excavation, construction, structural changes, additions, or relocation.
    • Special-use approval must precede issuance when required.
    • County building or health permit applications must wait until the Township Land Use Permit is secured.
    • Permits expire if excavation or construction does not begin within 12 months or exterior work is not completed within 18 months, subject to a justified extension.

    permit commencement deadline: 12 months (extension may be granted by the Zoning Administrator if justified) · exterior completion deadline: 18 months (extension may be granted by the Zoning Administrator if justified)

    “A Land Use Permit shall be secured prior to the commencement of excavation for, or construction of; any building, structure, or to make a structural change, alteration, or addition in any existing building or structure, or to relocate any building or structure. [...] No application shall be made to the Antrim County Building Department of Department of Health for appropriate permits until the Land Use Permit has been secured.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Helena Township site-plan and zoning approval process.
      “The final Site Plan shall expire unless construction of an approved Site Plan improvement has begun within 365 days of approval.”

Rules another office applies inside Helena Township

Helena 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, and changes in use or occupancy, inside Helena Township.

    • The application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    • Licensing-law exceptions may apply.
    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building construction and changes of use or occupancy inside Helena 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 — Building construction and occupancy changes inside Helena 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. A permit is not required for ordinary repairs.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Helena Township under Michigan’s statewide construction-code system.

    • One- and two-family dwelling provisions are included in the 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings inside Helena 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

    County-administered residential building permits inside Helena Township.

    • A permit becomes invalid if authorized work is not commenced within six months or is suspended or abandoned for six months.
    • 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; a new permit with fees is required.
    • The handout states a five-year permit life span.

    inspection-request deadline: 6 months (from permit issuance or the date of a previous inspection) · permit life span: 5 years

    “Your permit remains VALID as long as work is progressing and inspections are requested and conducted.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic and sewage-system regulation inside Helena Township, which is in Antrim County.

    • The District Sanitary Code applies throughout Antrim County, including all townships.
    • Municipalities 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, including all amendments hereafter adopted unless otherwise specifically stated. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to restrict or abrogate the authority of any municipality to adopt more restrictive ordinances.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Wastewater systems installed inside Helena Township.

    • The owner or agent must notify the Health Officer at least two working days before anticipated completion and desired final inspection.
    • The system may not be used before inspection and approval unless the Health Officer permits it and a sewage-system affidavit is submitted.
    • Engineered systems require design-engineer inspection and an as-built drawing.
    “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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential plumbing and sewage disposal inside Helena Township.

    • All plumbing fixtures must connect either to a sanitary sewer or to an approved private sewage disposal system.
    • The source does not establish a mandatory public sewer-connection distance or availability threshold.
    “All Plumbing Fixtures shall be connected to a Sanitary Sewer or to an approved Private Sewage Disposal System.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions, subdivisions, and condominium developments inside Helena Township that rely on individual or private water or wastewater systems.

    • Proposed developments using individual or private water or sewage systems must be submitted to the Health Officer for review and approval.
    • The District Sanitary Code contains additional development criteria, environmental approval, deed restrictions, advisories, and final approval requirements.
    “Developments which propose the use of individual water supply and/or sewage treatment and disposal systems, privately owned public water supply and/or privately owned community wastewater treatment and disposal systems or the use of existing water supply and/or sewage treatment and disposal systems shall be submitted to the Health Officer for review and approval.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder licensing or permit exemptions for construction inside Helena Township.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Helena Township.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Helena Township.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Helena Township.
  • Building in a floodplain — Development in floodplain or wetland areas inside Helena 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 Helena 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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