Bolthole Index

Antrim County, Michigan

Building permits and land rules in Jordan Township, Michigan

Jordan Township in Antrim County, Michigan requires building permits for covered construction, and Antrim County is the listed enforcing agency.1 The Health Department of Northwest Michigan evaluates septic sites and issues septic permits.2 Jordan Township zoning and private-parcel RV rules could not be confirmed, so ask the township about land-use limits before buying or siting a dwelling.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered construction through Antrim County1
Zoning
No countywide ordinance; confirm Jordan Township rules directly3
Septic permit
Required through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan2
RV or tiny home
Private-parcel occupancy rules could not be confirmed3
Owner-builder
A state licensing exception may apply, but building permits still do4
County-road driveway
Permit required for a new, reconstructed or paved driveway in the right-of-way5

Who to call

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 final inspections

800-432-4121

209 Portage Dr. Bellaire, MI 49615

Roads & driveways

Antrim County Road Commission

Driveway and other work permits 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 Jordan 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 Jordan Township, Michigan?

Yes. Before covered construction begins in Jordan Township, the owner or the owner's agent must submit a written building-permit application, and Antrim County is the listed enforcing agency.1 A building permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure changes.6 Ordinary repairs do not require a building permit, but structural work, changes to required exits, and work affecting public health or general safety are not ordinary repairs.7

Michigan construction codes apply in Jordan Township, with residential requirements contained in the Michigan Residential Code.8 Construction documents ordinarily accompany the application, although the building official may waive them when the application description is enough to determine code compliance.9 A new or altered building cannot be occupied until the code official issues a certificate of occupancy, and Antrim County requires a blower-door test first on new residential homes.1011 The county's building handout lists a 70 psf ground snow load for Jordan Township, so plans must be designed for it.12

Who issues building permits in Jordan Township?

The Antrim County Construction Code Department handles building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits and inspections for covered work in Jordan Township.13 Reach the department at 231-533-8373 or [email protected], or visit 203 E. Cayuga St. PO Box 188 Bellaire, MI 49615.13 The county publishes permit requirements, permit-fee schedules, inspection information and code-compliance checklists online.14

A Michigan owner who builds a residential structure on the owner's property for the owner's own use and occupancy may qualify for an exception from residential-builder licensing.4 That licensing exception does not eliminate the separate building-permit requirement.4 Ask the county department which building and trade applications apply before ordering plans or beginning site work.

Does Jordan Township have zoning?

We could not confirm a current Jordan Township zoning ordinance or zoning-district schedule. Antrim County does not administer a countywide zoning ordinance; local units hold zoning authority, and the county's published list of locally zoned townships does not include Jordan Township.15 The county list is not enough to prove that no current township land-use rule exists, so ask Jordan Township about setbacks, minimum dwelling size, lot coverage, building height, accessory dwellings and manufactured homes before relying on a site plan.

Parcels within the Jordan River natural river district have separate state rules. A new lot there must satisfy applicable access, width or river-frontage, and parcel-area requirements.16 Short-term rental facilities in that district require a zoning permit and are subject to river setbacks and floodplain or wetland restrictions.17

How do septic permits work inside Jordan Township?

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan evaluates the site and issues a septic permit before a new or replacement system is installed in Jordan Township.2 The permit application must include the fee for the county where the property lies, and the department conducts a final review after installation.218 The district's rules give 15 working days to respond to an application and require 2 working days' notice before the final inspection.1920 The Antrim County office is at 209 Portage Dr. Bellaire, MI 49615 and can be reached at 800-432-4121.21

Only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the health-department site evaluation an early purchase contingency.22 Michigan requires sanitary sewage from household fixtures to go to a municipal sewer or an onsite septic system.23 We could not confirm Jordan Township rules for composting toilets, privies or graywater, so ask the health department before designing an off-grid sanitation system. A privy requires a watertight vault the Health Officer approves.24 The same health department issues the well construction permit before a well is installed.25

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

We could not confirm a Jordan Township rule that allows residential or long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping, or tiny-home occupancy on a private parcel. Ask Jordan Township about the specific parcel and proposed use before buying or moving a unit onto the land. Antrim County's lack of countywide zoning is not a blanket approval because township, construction-code, sanitation, floodplain and natural-river requirements may still apply.3

Michigan's campground rules do not answer whether one owner may occupy one RV on private land; the cited state framework concerns qualifying campground operations.26 A tiny home intended as a dwelling still needs applicable building, electrical, plumbing, sanitation and local land-use approvals.27 For land in the Jordan River natural river district, a short-term rental facility requires a zoning permit and must satisfy the district's site restrictions.17

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

  1. Ask Jordan Township whether the parcel has a current land-use rule and whether it lies in the Jordan River natural river district before fixing the site plan.16
  1. Arrange a septic-site evaluation with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and obtain the septic permit before installation.2
  1. Apply to the Antrim County Construction Code Department for required building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits before regulated work begins.2813
  1. Obtain a Road Commission permit for a new, reconstructed or paved driveway in a county-road right-of-way, or an MDOT permit for work in a state-highway right-of-way.529
  1. Complete required building and septic inspections, then obtain the certificate of occupancy before using a new or altered building; the county cancels a permit when no inspection is requested within 6 months.30311810

What should you check before buying land in Jordan Township?

Confirm land-use limits, sanitation, flood exposure and legal access with the office responsible for each issue. Septic approval goes through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan, and a new or changed county-road driveway goes through the Antrim County Road Commission.25 Riverfront or natural-river-district land deserves extra review because state subdivision, setback, floodplain and wetland controls may apply.1617

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency because only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.22 Waterfront building work administered by Antrim County requires elevations and flood certification before back-fill inspections, while qualifying floodplain work can also require a state permit.3233 For budget context, Antrim County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $2,033; an individual parcel's bill can differ.3435

Watch-outs

  • Jordan Township zoning, RV living, temporary camping, tiny homes, accessory dwellings, setbacks and general minimum-home-size rules could not be confirmed; Antrim County has no countywide zoning answer to substitute, so ask the township before purchase or occupancy.3
  • Only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before choosing a house location.22
  • Land in the Jordan River natural river district can face separate lot, setback, floodplain, wetland and zoning-permit requirements.1617
  • A new, reconstructed or paved driveway in an Antrim County road right-of-way requires a Road Commission permit.5

Sources

  1. Statewide Jurisdiction List (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Sewage Systems (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  3. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. Permits – Antrim County Road Commission, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permit Information (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Permit Information (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Permit Information (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Permit Information (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  10. Certificate of Occupancy Request (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  13. Antrim County Construction Code Department (antrimcountymi.gov)
  14. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  15. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  16. Michigan Administrative Rules, Natural River Zoning Rules (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  17. Michigan Administrative Rules, Natural River Zoning Rules (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. Sewage Systems – Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. District Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  20. District Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  21. Health Department of Northwest Michigan — Antrim County office (nwhealth.org)
  22. 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
  23. Disposal of residential wastewater such as swimming pool water (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. District Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  25. District Sanitary Code, quoted and re-checked
  26. Legislation governing campgrounds in Michigan (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. michigan.gov (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  29. Commonly asked MDOT questions (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  30. Michigan Residential Code 2015 Residential Plan Review Compliance List, quoted and re-checked
  31. courts.michigan.gov (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  33. Floodplains (Jordan Township), quoted and re-checked
  34. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  35. 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 Jordan Township

Rules another office applies inside Jordan Township

Jordan 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

    Building construction inside Jordan Township, where Antrim County is the listed enforcing agency.

    • The application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency before construction.
    • The state page also says a permit is required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
    “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 — Construction or a change in use or occupancy inside Jordan township, subject 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. A permit is not required for ordinary repairs.”
    • Required — New construction and changes of use or occupancy inside Jordan Township, through 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”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction inside Jordan Township is subject to the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code, administered by the appropriate enforcing agency.

    • The official page states that one- and two-family dwelling provisions are included in the Michigan Residential Code.
    • The enforcing agency may be state, county, or local government; the source directs applicants to the statewide jurisdiction list.
    “The Michigan Building Code controls all matters concerning the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of all buildings and structures”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — Construction inside Jordan township is subject to Michigan's statewide construction codes, including the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.
      “2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025 NOTE: Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A new or altered building inside Jordan township subject to the Michigan construction code.

    • The permit holder or authorized agent must request the certificate upon completion.
    • All fees must be paid, permits finaled, and the work completed in accordance with the permit, code, and applicable laws and ordinances.
    • The source provides an exception process for permits or reviews that are not required: write 'not applicable' on the request form.
    “A new building or a building that is altered shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the code official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — A new or altered building inside Jordan Township, where the Michigan construction code applies.
      “A new building or a building that is altered shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the code official.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site septic systems inside Jordan township are governed by Michigan's EGLE program in coordination with the applicable local health department.

    • Local health departments administer permitting and inspection for on-site sanitary wastewater systems.
    • Some communities may impose additional local ordinance requirements.
    • The cited source does not identify the specific Antrim County local-health-department office.
    “EGLE’s Onsite Wastewater Program oversees the discharge and permitting of sanitary wastewaters to on-site septic systems. This program is administered in coordination with local health departments who permit and inspect on-site sanitary wastewaters systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site septic systems serving land inside Jordan Township are administered primarily by the applicable local health department, with EGLE providing statewide oversight, assistance, and training.
      “Local health departments have primary regulatory authority over on-site septic systems”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or replacement sewage (septic) systems on land inside Jordan township; HDNW serves Antrim County.

    • Before installing a sewage (septic) system, the property owner must have the site evaluated and obtain an HDNW permit.
    • The permit application must be accompanied by the correct fee for the county in which the property is located.
    • HDNW identifies Antrim County applications and directs permit applications for Antrim County to its Antrim contact.
    • Miss Dig underground utility marking adds an additional 4 business days for septic, well, existing-system, and site-evaluation applications.
    “It shall be unlawful [...] unless they have a construction permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or replacement septic systems inside Jordan Township.
      “Prior to installing a sewage (septic) system, HDNW works with the property owner to evaluate the site and issue a permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final review/inspection of new or replacement septic systems on land inside Jordan township; HDNW serves Antrim County.

    • The requirement is tied to installation of a new or replacement sewage (septic) system.
    • HDNW evaluates the site before issuing the permit and conducts a final review after installation.
    • A separate existing-system application is only necessary when an existing system's demands will be changing.
    • The HDNW page states that time-of-transfer evaluations are currently required only in Milton Township, Torch Lake Township, Village of Elk Rapids, and Elk Rapids Township; it does not list Jordan township.
    “may not be put into use prior to an inspection and approval”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land divisions within the Jordan River natural river district inside Jordan Township.

    • The district includes the listed Jordan River and tributary segments and land within 400 feet of the river's edge.
    • Each lot created after September 25, 1974 must meet the stated access, frontage or width, and area requirements.

    minimum river frontage or width: >= 150 feet (A riverfront common area subject to a conservation easement or a parcel without river frontage is treated as provided in the rule.) · minimum area within natural river district: >= 50000 square feet (Common area and bottomlands are excluded from minimum parcel-area calculations.)

    “(h) A land division, if any lot created after September 25, 1974, with the following provisions: (i) Is accessible by a public road or legal easement on at least 1 side of the stream. (ii) Has at least 150 feet of river frontage, unless a riverfront “common area” subject to a conservation easement is established, or a parcel does not have river frontage,”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways connecting to a state highway right-of-way inside Jordan Township.

    • The rule applies to work in state highway right-of-way; local roads are handled by the applicable local road agency or county road commission.
    “Yes, all work in state highway right of way, including driveways, requires an MDOT permit.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Alteration, occupation, construction, filling, or grade changes in applicable floodplains inside Jordan Township.

    • The state authority applies to the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream, or drain with a drainage area of 2 square miles or greater.
    • New residential construction is specifically prohibited in the floodway.
    • Non-floodway construction may be permitted if local ordinances and building standards are met and compensating excavation is provided where required.
    • The lowest residential floor must be one foot above the 100-year flood elevation; other state reviews may apply.

    minimum drainage area: >= 2 square miles (EGLE Part 31 floodplain authority)

    “requires that a permit be obtained prior to any alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream or drain.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental facilities within the Jordan River natural river district inside Jordan Township.

    • A short-term rental facility is included as a principal use but requires a zoning permit.
    • The 200-foot mainstream and 100-foot designated-tributary setbacks and floodplain/wetland prohibition apply.
    • The rule does not establish a township-wide short-term-rental rule outside the natural river district.
    “A principal use is allowed by right, but requires the issuance of a zoning permit by the zoning administrator. A principal use includes all of the following: (a) A single-family dwelling or short-term rental facility, including accessory buildings and appurtenances, with the following provisions:”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    State building-permit process applicable to construction inside Jordan township; the actual enforcing agency and local fees remain unresolved.

    • The state page links to a Building Permit Fee Schedule.
    • The state page says the appropriate enforcing agency may be state, county, or local; local fees may therefore differ.
    “Permits can be checked and obtained expeditiously online at: https://aca-prod.accela.com/lara/. Additionally, permits can be obtained via mail; however, applying by mail may cause delays in the application process. Building Permit Application * Building Permit Fee Schedule”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit process inside Jordan Township through Antrim County as the listed enforcing agency.

    • The applicant must submit a written application to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    • Construction documents are required with each application unless the building official waives them when code compliance can be determined from the application description.
    • The state recommends reviewing the Statewide Jurisdiction List before applying.
    “A set of construction documents is required with each application for a permit. The submission of construction documents may be waived by the building official when code compliance can be determined based on the description in the application.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Building-permit process for applicable construction inside Jordan township through the appropriate enforcing agency.
      “Permits can be checked and obtained expeditiously online at: https://aca-prod.accela.com/lara/. Additionally, permits can be obtained via mail; however, applying by mail may cause delays in the application process.”
    • Partial — Michigan building-permit process applicable to construction inside Jordan Township.
      “A set of construction documents is required with each application for a permit.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from building or builder-licensing requirements inside Jordan Township.
  • Inspections — Building inspections for construction inside Jordan township, Michigan.
  • Local zoning — Land inside Jordan township.
  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts and zoning map inside Jordan township.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Jordan township.
13 more unanswered
  • Minimum lot size
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Well permit
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Agricultural exemption

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 Jordan 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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