Bolthole Index

Antrim County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Kearney Township, Michigan

Kearney Township in Antrim County, Michigan requires a township zoning permit before covered construction or excavation begins and a building permit through Antrim County for regulated construction work.12 The Health Department of Northwest Michigan handles septic and residential-well permits throughout the township.34

At a glance

Building permit
Required through Antrim County for covered construction2
Zoning permit
Required through Kearney Township before covered work begins1
Septic permit
Required through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan5
RV living
Temporary dwelling use is limited to qualifying circumstances6
Tiny home
No special tiny-home rule confirmed; district dwelling standards still matter7
R1 home size
At least 720 square feet of qualifying floor area7
Private well
Site review, permit and final review required through the health department4

Who to call

Zoning

Kearney Township Zoning Administrator

Kearney Township zoning permits, district standards and zoning questions

(231) 533-5719, Ext. 5

P. O. Box 51, Bellaire, MI 49615

Building permits

Antrim County Construction Code Department

Building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits and inspections in Antrim County

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 permitting and residential-well regulation in Kearney Township

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 Kearney 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 Kearney Township, Michigan?

Yes. Antrim County requires a building permit before regulated construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, occupancy changes, or covered electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing work begins in Kearney Township.2 Ordinary repairs are excluded under Michigan guidance, but the exception does not cover structural work, changes to required exits, or work affecting public health or safety.8

A county building permit is separate from Kearney Township's zoning permit. The township requires its zoning application and approval before a covered building, substantial alteration, reconstruction, move, use or excavation begins.1 Start with the Kearney Township Zoning Administrator, then take the approved project information to the Antrim County Construction Code Department, which retains building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits.910

Who issues building and zoning permits in Kearney Township?

Kearney Township's Zoning Administrator handles local zoning permits and parcel-specific district questions; the township publishes a permit fee schedule and applications for rezoning, site-plan review, special uses, variances and zoning permits.911 The zoning application must go to the Zoning Administrator or another township-designated official with the applicable fee and required information.12

Antrim County's Construction Code Department handles the separate construction-code side, including building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical permits and inspections.10 County permit and inspection fee schedules are published online, although the amount for a particular project must be confirmed with the department.13 A Michigan owner building a residence for personal use and occupancy may qualify for an exemption from residential-builder licensing, but that exemption does not remove building-permit requirements.14

Does Kearney Township have zoning, and what are the main lot rules?

Kearney Township has its own zoning ordinance even though Antrim County has no countywide zoning ordinance.1516 The township map includes Agricultural, Residential, Multiple Family, Commercial, Manufacturing, Planned Development, Airport and Resort Residential districts, so confirm the parcel's district before designing a home.17

In the A Agricultural District, the ordinance lists a minimum lot area of 2 acres, a minimum width of 200 feet, and front, side and rear setbacks of 50, 15 and 35 feet.18 In the R1 Residential District, the corresponding standards are 20,000 square feet, 100 feet of width, and setbacks of 50, 15 and 35 feet.19 An R1 single-family dwelling needs at least 720 square feet of qualifying floor area, excluding areas such as basements, open porches and garages that are not regularly used for living, eating or sleeping.7

How do septic and well permits work inside Kearney Township?

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has sewage-regulation jurisdiction throughout Antrim County, including Kearney Township.3 A health-department construction permit and final approval are required before a sewage-treatment and disposal facility is constructed, repaired, altered, extended or operated.5 The system must remain accessible for inspection and generally cannot be used before the Health Officer approves it.20

For a new residential well, the same health department evaluates the site, issues the well permit and performs a final review after installation.4 Only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard drain field will work.21 The department's Bellaire office is the local contact for environmental-health questions.22

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

Kearney Township does not treat an RV as an unrestricted dwelling. A zoning permit for a travel trailer or recreational vehicle used as a temporary dwelling is limited to the same parcel as a permanent dwelling and to qualifying damage, permanent-home construction or documented medical-care circumstances.6 The initial use is limited to 1 year or until the qualifying circumstance ends, whichever comes first, with extension rules in the ordinance.6

A separate general rule for recreational camping on private land could not be confirmed; ask the Kearney Township Zoning Administrator before camping on a parcel.9 The ordinance does not create a category called a tiny home, but an R1 single-family dwelling must have at least 720 square feet of qualifying floor area.7 Any occupied home also remains subject to zoning approval, building permits and compliant sewage disposal.1223

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

  1. Ask the Kearney Township Zoning Administrator to confirm the parcel's district, allowed use, lot size and setbacks.179
  2. Arrange the septic site evaluation and residential-well review with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan before fixing the house location.54
  3. File the township zoning-permit application with the required project information and applicable fee.12
  4. Apply to the Antrim County Construction Code Department for the required building and trade permits before regulated work starts.2410
  5. Keep work available for required county and health-department inspections; the septic system cannot ordinarily be used until final approval.2520
  6. For a new county-road driveway, obtain the Antrim County Road Commission right-of-way permit; access to a state highway instead requires the applicable state driveway permit.2627

What should you check before buying land in Kearney Township?

Confirm the zoning district and legal access before relying on a listing's description.17 A subdivision or comparable arrangement with 4 or more building lots or dwelling units must have its ingress and egress road approved by the Antrim County Road Commission.28

Check soils and wastewater feasibility early because only 8% of Antrim County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field.21 Waterfront building work in Antrim County requires elevations and flood certification before back-fill inspections, while alteration or occupation of a regulated river, stream or drain floodplain can also require a state permit.2930 Finally, Antrim County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,033; parcel-specific taxes can differ.3132

Watch-outs

  • A county building permit does not replace Kearney Township zoning approval; plan for both reviews before construction.12
  • General private-land camping, accessory-dwelling and short-term-rental rules could not be confirmed; ask the Kearney Township Zoning Administrator before purchase or occupancy.9
  • Off-grid does not mean sanitation-free: each premises needs a code-compliant sewage system unless the Health Officer approves otherwise.23

Sources

  1. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  3. District Sanitary Code – Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego Counties (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  4. Drinking Water and Wells (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  5. District Sanitary Code – Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego Counties (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  6. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  7. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  9. Kearney Township Zoning Administrator (kearneytownship.org)
  10. Antrim County Construction Code Department (antrimcountymi.gov)
  11. Forms – Kearney Township (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  12. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  14. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder, quoted and re-checked
  15. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  16. Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  17. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance, Article IV, Section 4.01 (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  18. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  19. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  20. nwhealth.org (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Health Department of Northwest Michigan — Antrim County office (nwhealth.org)
  23. District Sanitary Code – Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Otsego Counties (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  24. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  25. Michigan Residential Code 2015 Residential Plan Review Compliance List, quoted and re-checked
  26. Permits – Antrim County Road Commission, quoted and re-checked
  27. Infrastructure permits (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance (Kearney Township), quoted and re-checked
  29. Building Information, quoted and re-checked
  30. Floodplains (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  32. 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 Kearney Township

Kearney Township’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Buildings, structures, uses, moves, substantial alterations, reconstructions, and excavations governed by the Kearney Township Zoning Ordinance inside Kearney Township.

    • The requirement does not apply to a lawful use of land, building, or structure in existence on the effective date of the zoning ordinance or applicable amendment.
    • A variance may permit issuance where otherwise allowed by the ordinance.
    • The zoning permit application requires the applicable fee and supporting information, and the Zoning Administrator must conduct a site inspection before issuance.

    zoning permit expiration: 1 year (Unless substantial construction has begun or an extension of no more than one year is granted for good cause and unchanged zoning regulations.)

    “No building or structure subject to the provisions of this Ordinance shall be erected, substantially altered, reconstructed, used, or moved, nor shall any excavation of land commenced until a zoning permit application has been filed with the Zoning Administrator, or other official designated by the township board, and a zoning permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator, or other official designated by the township board.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Kearney Township.

    “AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS IN KEARNEY TOWNSHIP OF ANTRIM COUNTY, MICHIGAN”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    All land inside Kearney Township subject to the township zoning ordinance.

    • The ordinance states that district boundaries are shown on the Kearney Township Zoning Districts Map.
    • The map is part of the ordinance and is on file in the Township Clerk's office.
    “Section 4.01 ZONING DISTRICTS. The Township is hereby divided into the following districts: A Agricultural R1 Residential R2 Residential R3 Multiple Family C Commercial M Manufacturing PD Planned Development AP Airport RR Resort Residential”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in the R1 Residential District.

    • The ordinance states that every dwelling erected in a district permitting that use must comply with Appendix Table I.
    • The minimum-floor-area computation excludes cellars, basements, open porches, garages, and other areas not used frequently or for extended living, eating, or sleeping.

    minimum floor area: >= 720 square feet

    “R1 35' (5) 720 SF 20' R2 35' (5) 720 SF (6) 20'”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings and other uses in the A Agricultural District.

    • The district table also specifies a 200-foot minimum lot width.

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

    “A 2 acres 200' 50' 15' 35' R1 20,000 SF 100' 50' 15' 35'”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwellings in the R1 Residential District.
      “R1 20,000 SF 100' 50' 15' 35' R2 40,000 SF 200' 50' 15' 35'”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family dwellings in the Kearney Township R1 Residential District.

    • The table identifies the listed setbacks as parcel requirements; other ordinance provisions may impose additional setbacks, including shoreline and highway setbacks.
    • The R1 minimum dwelling floor area is 720 square feet and maximum height is 35 feet.

    minimum lot area: 20000 square feet · minimum lot width: 100 feet · front setback: 50 feet · side setback: 15 feet · rear setback: 35 feet · minimum dwelling floor area: >= 720 square feet · maximum dwelling height: 35 feet (Or two and one-half stories.)

    “R1 20,000 SF 100' 50' 15' 35' [...] R1 35' (5) 720 SF 20' [...] The height shall be no greater than thirty-five (35) feet or two and one half (2 ½) stories for dwellings in the A, R1, R2, and R3 Zoning Districts”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings in the A Agricultural District.
      “A 2 acres 200' 50' 15' 35' R1 20,000 SF 100' 50' 15' 35'”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family dwellings and other structures in the Kearney Township A Agricultural District.
      “A 2 acres 200' 50' 15' 35' [...] A 35' (4) (5) 720 SF [...] (3) Farm structures limited to 80 feet in height. (4) The height shall be no greater than thirty-five (35) feet or two and one half (2 ½) stories for dwellings in the A, R1, R2, and R3 Zoning Districts”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Dwellings in the A Agricultural District.

    • The height limit is no greater than thirty-five feet or two and one-half stories, whichever is lesser.
    • The ordinance separately notes farm structures may be limited to 80 feet in height.

    maximum dwelling height: <= 35 feet (or 2.5 stories, whichever is lesser)

    “The height shall be no greater than thirty-five (35) feet or two and one half (2 ½) stories for dwellings in the A, R1, R2, and R3 Zoning Districts, and thirty-five (35) feet in the RR Zoning District.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Dwellings in the R1 Residential District.
      “The height shall be no greater than thirty-five (35) feet or two and one half (2 ½) stories for dwellings in the A, R1, R2, and R3 Zoning Districts, and thirty-five (35) feet in the RR Zoning District.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle as a temporary dwelling inside Kearney Township.

    • A zoning permit may be issued only on the same lot or parcel as a permanent dwelling.
    • The qualifying circumstances are fire, wind, or other natural damage; construction of a permanent dwelling; or a documented medical-care need.
    • A valid Antrim County Building Department permit is required for repair or construction cases.
    • The unit must meet district height and setback requirements, have safe potable water and sewage disposal, and have adequate off-street parking.
    • Use is limited to one year or the end of the qualifying circumstance, with stated extension rules.
    • After expiration, the unit must stop being used as a temporary dwelling; a travel trailer or recreational vehicle need not be removed.

    maximum initial use period: 1 year (Extensions are available under Section 3.24(5).)

    “The use of a temporary dwelling shall be limited to one (1) year, or the completion of repairs to or construction of the permanent dwelling or the termination of the medical condition that gave rise to the need for the temporary dwelling under subsection 1 above, whichever comes first.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy in a mobile-home park inside Kearney Township.

    • Mobile-home parks require a Special Use Permit.
    • They may be established only in the A Agricultural and R2 Residential districts.
    • The project area must be at least fifteen acres.
    • The site must be adjacent to and served by a major arterial or county primary street and served by specified public facilities.
    • Mobile-home parks are subject to current Michigan Mobile Home Commission General Rules.

    minimum mobile-home-park project area: >= 15 acres

    “The Township Board may, by the issuance of a Special Use Permit, authorize the establishment of a mobile home park in the "A” Agricultural and "R2" Residential districts or such authorization shall be granted only when all the applicable procedures and requirements stated herein are complied with.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Ingress and egress for a platted subdivision or comparable arrangement containing four or more building lots or dwelling units inside Kearney Township.

    • The access road must be approved by the Antrim County Road Commission.
    • Natural-contour disturbance must be seeded, sodded, or otherwise protected against washing or erosion into nearby water, with advance approval by the Zoning Administrator.
    “Any parcel of land under this definition shall have its ingress and egress road approved by the Antrim County Road Commission.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Kearney Township zoning and land-use applications.

    • The official forms page lists a Permit Fee Schedule; the schedule itself was not separately extracted here.
    “Parcel Combination Application Parcel Division Application Permit Fee Schedule Rezoning Application Sign Permit Application Site Plan Review Application Special Use Permit Application Variance Application Zoning Permit Application”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Kearney Township zoning permits.

    • The application must be filed with the Zoning Administrator or designated official.
    • The application must be signed by the owner or authorized agent and accompanied by the applicable fee and required information.
    • A zoning permit is generally required before covered construction, alteration, use, movement, or excavation begins.
    • Existing lawful uses and structures on the effective date of the ordinance or amendment are exempt from a zoning permit requirement.
    “No building or structure subject to the provisions of this Ordinance shall be erected, substantially altered, reconstructed, used, or moved, nor shall any excavation of land commenced until a zoning permit application has been filed with the Zoning Administrator, or other official designated by the township board, and a zoning permit has been issued by the Zoning Administrator, or other official designated by the township board.”

Rules another office applies inside Kearney Township

Kearney 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 code adoptedAdopted

    Building construction inside Kearney Township through Michigan's statewide construction-code system.

    • The applicable enforcing agency may be the state, county, or local unit of government.
    “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.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    Septic and sewage-treatment regulation inside Kearney Township through the Health Department of Northwest Michigan district.

    • The district code applies throughout Antrim County, including townships.
    • More restrictive local ordinances, state rules, or regulations prevail.
    “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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, repair, alteration, extension, or operation of sewage-treatment and disposal facilities inside Kearney Township.

    • A Health Officer construction permit and final approval are required.
    • The application must be complete and accompanied by the required fee.
    • Completed applications are generally acted on within fifteen working days, subject to the stated weather, seasonal, or other material reasons for delay.
    “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New or altered sewage-treatment systems inside Kearney 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 put into use before inspection and approval, unless the Health Officer permits it and an affidavit is submitted.
    “The wastewater system must be left in a condition that allows for proper inspection and may not be put into use prior to an inspection and approval by the Health Officer, except with the permission of the Health Officer and submittal of a sewage treatment and disposal system affidavit.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation inside Kearney Township.

    • A premises must have a sewage-treatment and disposal system complying with the Code unless the Health Officer approves otherwise.
    • Privies may be approved only on sites meeting the Section 4-9 site-approval criteria.
    • Privies cannot be used where water is under pressure or plumbing is present.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to construct or alter any premise which is not equipped with a sewage treatment and disposal system that complies with this Code, unless granted approval by the Health Officer.”
  • Well permitRequired

    A new on-site residential well serving a single-family residence inside Kearney Township, within the Health Department of Northwest Michigan service area.

    • The Health Department of Northwest Michigan evaluates the site before installation, issues the permit, and performs a final review after installation.
    • The source identifies Antrim County as one of the counties for which the permit application is provided.
    “On-site wells that serve a single-family residence are called residential wells. For safety reasons, HDNW regulates residential wells. Before a resident or business installs a well, we evaluate the site and issue a permit, as well as do a final review once the well is installed. To obtain a well permit, click on your county below.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats and land divisions affecting land inside Kearney Township.

    • The Michigan Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation conducts final reviews of plat maps and authorizes final plats for recording.
    “The Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers the applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288 in order to ensure the orderly development of subdivisions in the State of Michigan.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream, or drain inside Kearney Township.

    • New residential construction is specifically prohibited in the floodway.
    • Construction and fill in non-floodway portions may be permitted if local ordinance and building standards are met and compensating excavation equals the fill volume.
    • The lowest residential floor must be one foot above the 100-year flood elevation.

    minimum lowest-floor elevation: >= 1 foot above 100-year flood elevation

    “The State of Michigan's Floodplain Regulatory Authority, found in Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), 1994 PA 451, as amended, requires that a permit be obtained prior to any alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream or drain.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption for residential construction inside Kearney Township.
  • Inspections — Building inspections inside Kearney Township.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy inside Kearney Township.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Kearney Township.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping inside Kearney Township.
4 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Agricultural exemption
  • 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 Kearney 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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