Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Baraga County, Michigan
81Index Score / 100 #17 of 83 in Michigan
Baraga County, Michigan requires a building permit before construction or a change of use, but the enforcing agency depends on the township12. Local zoning also varies: several townships and the Village of L'Anse have zoning, while the Village of Baraga does not34567.
At a glance
Building permit
Required before construction or a change of use; consult the Statewide Jurisdiction List because the enforcing agency varies2
Zoning
Local: confirmed in Arvon, Baraga and Covington townships and the Village of L'Anse; the Village of Baraga has no zoning ordinance34567
Septic permits
Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, Environmental Health Division; approval required before a building permit for a building needing sewage service8
Owner-builder
An individual who erects a residential structure for their own use and occupancy is exempt from residential-builder licensing (does not waive the permit itself)9
RV living, Baraga Township
Temporary residential use is limited to 180 days per year in the AR, LR and MU districts, with an approved well and septic connection10
Tiny homes, Baraga Township
A year-round or seasonal tiny dwelling below the usual minimum size is a special land use in the AR District11
Water well permit
WUPHD approval is required before constructing a residential well; the listed residential permit fee is $33012
Septic soil difficulty
Only 0.1% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field13
Issues state building and electrical permits for Baraga Township; use the Statewide Jurisdiction List to identify the enforcing agency for parcels elsewhere in Baraga County
Zoning Compliance Permits, special use permits, rezoning applications, site plan review, and the Zoning Board of Appeals for Baraga Township; other townships and the City of L'Anse in Baraga County each set their own zoning separately
Building-site and raw-land evaluations, new construction and replacement sewage-system permits, existing-system inspections for real estate transactions, and installer licensing for Baraga County
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Baraga County, Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires a written application to the appropriate enforcing agency before construction or a change of use or occupancy; ordinary repairs are exempt, but structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and safety work are not ordinary repairs12. Check the Statewide Jurisdiction List because the enforcing agency varies by local unit and discipline214. Baraga Township property owners must obtain township zoning approval before the state building permit15. Michigan's owner-builder exemption removes residential-builder licensing for a person building a home for their own use and occupancy on their own property, but it does not waive permits or construction codes916. The agricultural exemption is narrow: it covers shade-cloth structures for nursery or agricultural purposes, excludes service systems, and does not override other laws or ordinances17.
Who issues building permits in Baraga County, and how do you reach them?
For a parcel in Baraga Township, the State of Michigan Permit Division is the building-permit office; its published numbers are 517-241-9317 for building permits and 517-241-9313 for electrical permits18. Baraga Township's page also lists local inspection contacts at 906-235-2592 for building and 906-450-3688 for electrical18. Baraga Township's Zoning Administrator must sign off first and can be reached at 906-399-1808 or [email protected]19. Elsewhere, use Michigan's Statewide Jurisdiction List to identify the building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing enforcing agencies for the parcel's local unit214.
Does Baraga County have zoning?
Zoning is local in Baraga County. Arvon, Baraga, and Covington townships have zoning, as does the Village of L'Anse; the Village of Baraga states that it has no zoning ordinance, although building, floodplain, utility, health, and nuisance rules can still apply34567. Baraga Township requires zoning compliance for additions, alterations, decks, porches, and new structures over 200 square feet, with a listed $50 fee4. Most Baraga Township districts cap building height at 40 feet, while the industrial district allows 45 feet; height at any point also cannot exceed the horizontal distance to a lot line20. Lot-coverage rules are district-specific, so use the ordinance and map for the parcel rather than assuming one countywide dimensional schedule2122.
How do septic permits work in Baraga County?
Septic systems in Baraga County are permitted by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department's Environmental Health Division, a multi-county health department covering Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties, not a Baraga County office823. This matters for sequencing: no municipality or township in the district may issue a building permit for a building that needs a sewage system until the Health Officer signs off first24. The process starts with a raw-land or building-site evaluation to determine whether the parcel can support an on-site system, followed by a sewage-system permit once a site is approved; roughly 10% of build sites in the western Upper Peninsula don't meet standard code requirements and need alternative technology instead24. Soils bear that out in Baraga County specifically: only 0.1% of the county's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, among the toughest ratios in the state, so plan on a real site evaluation and likely an alternative system13. The residential permit runs $300, is valid for 24 months, with a 30-day grace period to request an extension and one possible 12-month extension after a site re-evaluation25. Once installed, the department must inspect within three working days of being notified the system is complete, and a deficient system can be red-tagged pending correction26.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Baraga County?
In Baraga Township, temporary residential use of an RV is limited to 180 days per year in the AR, LR, and MU districts and requires an approved well and septic connection10. We could not confirm an RV-occupancy rule for every other township or village, so ask the local zoning authority before relying on Baraga Township's allowance10. Baraga Township lists a year-round or seasonal tiny dwelling below the otherwise required minimum square footage as a special land use in the AR District11. Manufactured homes have different rules: Baraga Township lists mobile homes as a permitted principal use only in mobile-home parks in the MFR District and requires approved water and sewer or private facilities27. A privy cannot replace septic for a dwelling with pressurized plumbing, and a privy-served structure is limited to an outdoor hand-pump water supply2829.
Building a home in Baraga County: the steps, in order
Identify the local unit, zoning district, and enforcing agencies; Baraga Township requires its zoning approval before the state permit1915.
Ask the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department for a site evaluation before designing septic or a well2412.
After site approval, obtain the sewage-system permit; the listed residential fee is $300 and only 0.1% of county soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limits2513.
Submit the application and construction documents to the agency identified in the Statewide Jurisdiction List2.
Obtain any EGLE floodplain approval that applies to the site30.
Arrange required inspections and request the Certificate of Occupancy after completion and final approvals3132.
What to check before you buy land in Baraga County
Septic soils are the headline issue here: just 0.1% of Baraga County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department before making a build plan1324. Confirm the local unit and zoning district because rules differ across townships and villages34567. Ask whether the property touches a regulated floodplain before altering the site30. A proposed plat receives state review under the Land Division Act, and local or other agency approvals may also apply33. Baraga County is 84.4% gentle land and 86.8% forested, so clearing and septic suitability can matter even where slopes are manageable3435.
Watch-outs
Zoning differs by local unit: the Village of Baraga has no zoning ordinance, while Arvon, Baraga, and Covington townships and the Village of L'Anse have zoning34567.
We could not confirm countywide minimum dwelling size, lot size, setbacks, driveway rules, or RV rules outside Baraga Township; ask the local unit serving the parcel before designing or occupying a site36.
Written September 29, 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.
Baraga County highlighted among the Michigan counties · colored by Index score
How Baraga County scores
Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness47100% ev.
Durability74100% ev.
Property Autonomy77100% ev.
Carry Cost75100% ev.
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Answers from the rulebook for Baraga County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Baraga County rules
Who permits septicMixed
On-site sewage regulation and permitting in Baraga County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.
WUPHD administers environmental-health sewage rules across its five-county district; municipalities may adopt more restrictive rules or enforce existing rules.
“serves the 71,000 residents of Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw and Ontonagon counties.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, extension, or replacement of a residential or commercial onsite sewage treatment and disposal system on land not served by an available sewer in Baraga County.
A complete application is required.
A building permit or construction commencement for a habitable building is barred until the OSTDS permit is obtained and proof received.
For additions or alterations increasing bedrooms or sewage flows, an OSTDS permit or Department acceptance of continued existing-system use is required.
The permit is valid for 24 months; a 30-day grace period exists for an extension request, and one 12-month extension may follow a site evaluation showing unchanged conditions.
Construction before permit issuance doubles fees under the February 1, 2024 fee schedule.
residential conventional sewage-system permit fee: 300 USD · permit validity: 24 months (30-day grace period for extension request; one 12-month extension may be available)
“without first having been issued a construction permit”
Septic inspectionRequired
Final inspection of newly installed onsite sewage systems in Baraga County before covering or placing the system into operation.
Installer must notify the Department at least three working days before completion.
The Department inspects within three working days, subject to extension for weekends and legal holidays.
A full final inspection requires the septic tank, aggregate, sand fill if required, drainfield piping network, and five-foot sand extensions if required.
A deficient system may be red-tagged and require correction and follow-up inspection.
advance inspection notice: >= 3 department working days (before completion) · department inspection timing: 3 working days (Department may extend for weekends and legal holidays)
“The department shall inspect the installation within three working days”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Privies, outhouses, and composting toilets serving remote structures or other premises in Baraga County.
Privies may not replace septic systems for dwellings or structures served by pressurized plumbing or generating water-carried sewage.
A vaulted or earth-pit privy may be permitted only where no sewer is available for connection.
Privies are prohibited within a 100-year floodplain.
A privy-served dwelling or structure is limited to an outdoor hand-pump water supply.
Earth-pit privies require soil permeability of 3 to 45 minutes per inch and effective soil depth of at least 60 inches.
Vault privies require a watertight tank of at least 1,000 gallons and must be located to facilitate pumping.
Composting toilets may substitute for a privy only if no drains emanate, capacity is adequate, and NSF/ANSI Standard 41 is met.
earth-pit privy isolation above limiting zone: >= 48 inches · vault privy tank capacity: >= 1000 gallons · privy distance from other habitable buildings: >= 50 feet (other than the building served) · earth-pit soil permeability: 3-45 minutes per inch · earth-pit effective soil depth: >= 60 inches (from natural grade)
“Vaulted or earth pit privies may be permitted”
Well permitRequired
Construction of a residential water well or water supply system in Baraga County, within the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department service area.
The property owner or authorized representative must submit a complete application provided by the Department.
No person may begin construction of a well or water supply, or make an extensive change to an existing water supply, without first obtaining a water supply construction permit from the Department.
The permit is valid for 24 months from issuance; after expiration there is a 30-day grace period to request an extension, and the permit may be renewed or extended one time for 12 months.
The permit is not transferable.
A site evaluation may be required before issuance; the permit may impose limitations or special construction practices, and an on-site inspection may be required.
The well driller or contractor must have a valid permit in possession on site during construction; the Health Officer may require a separate permit for each well on the premises.
A permit is not required for listed minor repairs, including replacing or changing a screen, deepening or plugging back a bedrock well, installing a liner pipe, replacing a pump or pressure tank, or chemical treatment or disinfection.
A Department permit is not required for wells under Michigan's Mineral Well Act, Part 625, or when a permit must instead be obtained directly from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
In an undue-hardship emergency when the Department is closed, repair work or construction of a new well may begin without prior notification or permit, but the Department must be contacted the next working day to obtain a permit.
The residential well construction permit fee is $330 under the fee schedule effective February 1, 2024, including site evaluation, final inspection, laboratory fees, and postage; fees are doubled if installation occurs before permit issuance.
permit term: 24 months (After expiration, a 30-day grace period exists for an extension request; one 12-month renewal or extension is allowed.) · residential well construction permit fee: 330 USD (Includes site evaluation, final inspection, laboratory fees, and postage; doubled if installation occurs before permit issuance; fee schedule effective February 1, 2024.)
“No person shall begin construction of a well or water supply [...] without first obtaining a water supply construction permit from the department.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Pressurized domestic water connections to buildings using onsite sewage treatment in Baraga County.
Pressurized water may not be plumbed to a building without an approved OSTDS connection or available sewer.
Where municipal water is unavailable, construction generally requires a water-supply construction permit, accepted water-supply provisions, or Department determination that no water-supply system is required.
The code does not apply to community-water-supply wells, mains, or service lines.
“Pressurized water shall not be plumbed to a building”
County-wide zoningPresent
Zoning in Michigan is administered locally; townships such as Baraga Township have adopted zoning ordinances requiring a zoning-compliance permit before building.
Construction of a building or structure, and changes in use or occupancy, in Baraga County under the Michigan Building Code or Michigan Residential Code.
The application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency; enforcement may be conducted by the state, county, or local unit of government.
Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but ordinary repairs exclude structural work, changes to required means of egress, and work affecting public health or general safety.
“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”
Michigan residential-builder licensing for an individual who erects a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property, including in Baraga County.
The exemption concerns the residential-builder licensing definition and does not by itself waive a building permit or construction-code requirements.
The source does not establish an exemption for work performed for another person or property.
“or a person who erects a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures in Michigan, including Baraga County, subject to the code-specific residential and ordinary-repair provisions.
The Michigan Building Code is current effective April 9, 2025.
Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code, which the official code-books page identifies as the current 2015 Michigan Residential Code effective February 8, 2016.
Before construction of a building or structure, an application must be submitted 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, subject to the page's exclusions for structural work, required means of egress, and work affecting public health or general safety.
A building permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency; enforcement may be conducted by the state, county, or local unit of government.
Michigan Building Code current version: 2021 (Current code effective April 9, 2025) · Michigan Residential Code current version: 2015 (Current code effective February 8, 2016)
“2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025”
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures in Baraga County to the extent governed by the Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code.
“The rules adopt by reference the 2021 edition of the International Building Code, with amendments, deletions, and additions deemed appropriate for use in Michigan.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction governed by Michigan's State Construction Code throughout Baraga County, subject to the applicable code provisions and enforcement arrangements.
“which provides for statewide application of the Act and the State Construction Code.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction subject to Michigan’s statewide construction-code system, including Baraga County.
“2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025 [...] Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code.”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures throughout Michigan, including Baraga County.
“2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025”
Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures statewide in Michigan, including residential requirements administered under the Michigan Residential Code.
“The provisions of the international building code, 2021 edition, including appendices F, G, and H, except for [...] govern the construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures, and, with exceptions noted, the international building code is adopted by reference in these rules.”
InspectionsRequired
Building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections for permitted construction governed by the Michigan Residential Code in Baraga County.
The permit holder or contractor must obtain the required permits and arrange the required inspections through the applicable enforcing agency.
The enforcing agency may be the state, county, or local unit of government.
“no required Inspections for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical were conducted by the Rochester Hills, Building Department, as required by Section R109”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
A new building or altered building subject to the Michigan construction code.
The building or altered building may not be used or occupied until the code official issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
The permit holder or authorized agent must submit a written request after project completion.
The request must include applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, and school fire-services project numbers.
The certificate cannot be issued until all fees are paid, permits are finaled, and permitted work is completed in accordance with the permit, code, and applicable laws and ordinances.
If an electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, or Fire Services project is not required, the request must state “not applicable.”
“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 — New or altered buildings in Baraga County governed by the Michigan construction codes.
“A new building or a building that is altered shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued”
Zoning districtsPartial
Michigan's statutory zoning framework for counties, townships, cities, and villages; this does not identify the actual zoning districts adopted by each local government.
Actual zoning districts and district regulations are local and must be checked in the applicable county, township, city, or village ordinance.
The cited act's stated effective date is July 1, 2006.
“to provide for the establishment in counties, townships, cities, and villages of zoning districts;”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Building-permit exemption for shade-cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes in Baraga County, subject to Michigan construction-code limitations.
The exemption is limited to shade-cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes.
Service systems are excluded.
The exemption does not authorize work violating the construction code or other laws or ordinances.
“Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes in Baraga County and elsewhere in Michigan.
“Exemptions from permit requirements of the code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the code or other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following: (a) Building permits shall not be required for the following: [...] (x) Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats and the orderly development of subdivisions in Michigan.
The Michigan Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288.
Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps for compliance with the Act.
Final plats are authorized for submission to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.
“Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats and subdivision development affecting property in Baraga County under Michigan's Land Division Act.
“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. Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream, or drain in Baraga County, where the watercourse has a drainage area of 2 square miles or greater.
An EGLE Part 31 permit is required before alteration or occupation of the covered 100-year floodplain.
EGLE Part 31 does not require a permit for alterations within floodplains of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, or watercourses with drainage areas less than 2 square miles, although other State statutes may still apply.
Construction and fill may be permitted in non-floodway portions if local ordinance and building standards are met and compensating excavation equals the volume of fill placed.
New residential construction is prohibited in the floodway.
The lowest floor of residential construction within the 100-year floodplain must be elevated one foot above the 100-year flood elevation; a below-grade floor is a basement and must be at or above the 100-year flood elevation.
Review is performed by the district floodplain engineer responsible for that portion of the state.
covered watercourse drainage area: >= 2 square miles (EGLE Part 31 floodplain regulatory authority) · minimum lowest-floor elevation above 100-year flood elevation: 1 foot (Some communities and counties may require a higher elevation standard) · compensating excavation: equal to volume of fill placed in floodplain (Applies to construction and fill in non-floodway portions)
“requires that a permit be obtained prior to any alteration or occupation of the 100-year floodplain of a river, stream or drain.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building construction and changes of use or occupancy in Baraga County, subject to the appropriate enforcing agency.
A written application must be submitted before construction.
A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
Ordinary repairs are exempt, but not structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other work affecting public health or general safety.
Construction documents are generally required; the building official may waive them when code compliance can be determined from the application description.
Sealed and signed construction documents are not required for one- and two-family dwellings under 3,500 square feet of calculated floor area and public works under $15,000 in total construction cost.
The applicant should review the Statewide Jurisdiction List because enforcement may be by the state, county, or local government.
one- and two-family dwelling calculated floor area threshold for seal/signature exception: < 3500 square feet · public works construction-cost threshold for seal/signature exception: < 15000 USD
“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”
Campground & park staysLimited
Tiny houses, including tiny houses built on wheels, proposed as resort cabins or similar occupancy in Michigan.
The source distinguishes tiny houses from recreational units and states they cannot be treated as recreational units even if built on wheels.
The tiny house must be built as a resort rather than a campground.
Local health department permitting for wells, septic tanks, and drainfields is required as applicable.
Local zoning, building, electrical, and plumbing permits and final approvals are required under local authorities.
The source does not establish statewide zoning permission or a statewide right to occupy a tiny house.
“Local zoning, building, electrical, plumbing permits and final approvals under local authorities.”
county building authorityGeneral
Michigan counties serving as building-code enforcing agencies for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the Statewide Jurisdiction List and local/state jurisdiction assignments.
Before construction, a written building-permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
A permit is also required when use or occupancy changes.
Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but the stated structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and public-health/safety limitations apply.
The Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code govern construction; county enforcement applies only where the Statewide Jurisdiction List designates county jurisdiction.
“If COUNTY is indicated, that unit of government receives code enforcement services from a county enforcing agency.”
Inside cities and towns in Baraga County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Development and land use within Baraga Township, including its unincorporated area.
The Township states that its zoning ordinance establishes zoning districts and regulates development and land use.
A zoning-compliance permit is required for new structures over 200 square feet, additions or alterations, and decks or porches.
The Township lists a $50 zoning-compliance permit fee for each of those categories.
The Township lists additional fees of $400 for special-use permits, $400 for rezoning applications, $200 for site-plan review, and $400 for zoning text-amendment applications.
The Township states that an administrative enforcement cost-recovery surcharge of $50 plus attorney and court costs applies to construction and sign activities erected or completed without a proper zoning permit.
“The Zoning Ordinance is a law that must be followed by the Township and its residents.”
7 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Development and land use within Baraga Township, including its zoning districts and unincorporated township area covered by the township ordinance.
“The Land Use Plan is not a binding, legal regulation; the Zoning Ordinance is a law that must be followed by the Township and its residents.”
Present (with conditions) — Land use and development within Baraga Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The Land Use Plan is a guide for land use for the future; the Zoning Ordinance regulates the use of land in the present. The Land Use Plan is not a binding, legal regulation; the Zoning Ordinance is a law that must be followed by the Township and its residents.”
Present (with conditions) — Development and use of land within Baraga Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the “Baraga Township Zoning Ordinance.””
Present (with conditions) — Land use and structures in the unincorporated parts of Arvon Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“Zoning Ordinance Effective December 5, 2024”
Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in Covington Township, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The provisions of this Zoning Ordinance are hereby declared to be immediately necessary for the preservation of the public health, peace and safety and are hereby ordered to take immediate effect, after final passage”
Present (with conditions) — Land-use zoning within the Village of L'Anse, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The boundaries of the respective zoning districts are defined and established as depicted on the official map entitled "Village of L‘Anse Zoning Map," which is an integral part of this Ordinance”
Absent — Village-wide land-use zoning in the Village of Baraga, Baraga County, Michigan.
“The Village of Baraga does not have a zoning ordinance.”
Zoning districtsPublished
Zoning districts and land-use regulations within Baraga Township, Baraga County.
The township publishes a zoning ordinance and zoning ordinance map.
The ordinance, rather than the nonbinding land use plan, regulates present land use.
This claim does not establish zoning districts for the rest of Baraga County.
“The Zoning Ordinance regulates the use of land in the present.”
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Ground coverage and floor-area-ratio limits in Baraga Township districts MFR, C, and I.
Ground-mounted solar energy systems are not classified as lot coverage and are not subject to maximum lot coverage standards.
maximum floor area ratio: MFR: 25%; C and I: 80% percent · maximum ground coverage ratio: MFR: 30%; C and I: 40% percent · minimum landscaped open space: MFR: 30%; C and I: 10%; at least 2.5% within the front yard setback percent
“There shall be a maximum ground coverage ratio of 30 percent in District MFR and 40 percent in Districts C and I.”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Structures in Baraga Township zoning districts R-1, MFR, LR, MU, AR, C, I, FR, and PUD.
Height at any point on a structure may not exceed the horizontal distance to any lot line.
Detached accessory buildings have additional height and size restrictions; a detached accessory building may be exempt if less than 100 square feet and outside the front-yard setback.
PUD modifications require final approval of the Final Development Plan.
“R-1 25’ 10’ 35’ 40’ MFR 35’ 30’ 30’ 40’ LR 25’ 10’ 30’ 40’ MU 25’ 5’ 20’ 40’”
Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)
Recreational vehicles, including camping trailers and motorized camping vehicles, used as dwelling units in Baraga Township.
Allowed only in the Agricultural/Residential (AR), Lakeshore Residential/Recreational (LR), and Mixed Use (MU) zoning districts.
The RV may be used as a dwelling unit for no more than 180 days per year.
The RV must be connected to an approved well and septic tank system.
maximum occupancy period: 180 days per year
“up to 180 days per year”
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary residential use of an RV in Baraga Township.
The use is limited to 180 days per year.
The use is restricted to the AR, LR, and MU zoning districts.
An approved well and septic tank connection is required.
maximum temporary use: 180 days per year
“approved well and septic tank system.”
Tiny homesLimited
Year-round or seasonal tiny houses or dwelling units below the otherwise required minimum square footage in Baraga Township's Agriculture/Residential (AR) District.
The use is listed as a special land use in the AR District and therefore requires special-land-use approval.
The ordinance states that the use is for a year-round or seasonal tiny house or dwelling unit of less than the minimum square footage required.
All other applicable zoning, building, health, septic, and utility requirements remain applicable.
minimum square footage: less than the minimum square footage otherwise required
“11. Year-round or seasonal tiny house or dwelling unit of less than the minimum square footage required.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured-home occupancy in Baraga Township, including mobile homes in the Multi-Family Residential (MFR) District and mobile-home parks.
Mobile homes are listed as a permitted principal use only in mobile home parks within the MFR District.
A dwelling must comply with the State Building Code and applicable federal or state construction standards.
A mobile home must be installed according to the manufacturer's setup instructions and secured with an anchoring system complying with Michigan Mobile Home Commission rules.
Wheels and undercarriage must be removed, and no towing mechanism, undercarriage, or chassis may be exposed.
The dwelling must connect to public sewer and water or private facilities approved by the local health department.
The dwelling must comply with applicable building and fire codes, HUD Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards, and roof snow-load and strength requirements.
The general standards do not apply to mobile homes in a licensed mobile home park or zoning district R-2 except as required by state or federal law or specifically required by township ordinance.
minimum floor area: no minimum floor area for every single-family dwelling (Subject to Section 5.3 conditions.)
“2. Mobile homes in mobile home parks [...] Every single-family dwelling shall have no minimum floor area, provided:”
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwelling units in Baraga Township.
Accessory dwelling units are special land uses in the R-1, Lakeshore Residential/Recreational (LR), and Agriculture/Residential (AR) Districts.
Only owner-occupiers may install or maintain an accessory dwelling unit.
Units may be attached or detached.
An attached unit may not increase the single-family dwelling's floor area by more than 30%.
No accessory dwelling unit may exceed 1,000 square feet.
Exterior-elevation drawings, architectural renderings, and floor plans are required with the conditional-use application.
Construction must meet applicable codes, including Health Department approval for needed on-site septic improvements; Health Department permits must be provided to the Township.
Separate sale or ownership from the primary dwelling is prohibited.
Required additional parking must be off-street.
The Planning Commission may impose reasonable conditions to protect adjoining properties, retain residential character, and protect public health, safety, and welfare.
Accessory dwelling units may not be used as short-term rentals.
maximum floor-area increase for attached unit: <= 30 percent · maximum accessory dwelling unit size: <= 1000 square feet
“1. Only owner-occupiers are permitted to install and/or maintain accessory dwelling units. 2. Accessory dwelling units may be attached or detached. Units attached to a single-family dwelling shall not increase the floor area of the single-family dwelling by over 30%, and in no case shall any accessory dwelling unit exceed 1,000 square feet.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Site condominiums and subdivision-equivalent development in Baraga Township.
Site condominiums must comply with the zoning district regulations.
Applicants must obtain approvals from all County and State agencies having jurisdiction over improvements in the site condominium development.
A preliminary site plan must be approved before a final site plan may be filed or reviewed.
“The standards and requirements of these sections that are intended to apply to lots in a subdivision shall apply instead to site condominium units.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Planning, zoning, and zoning-compliance applications in Baraga Township, within Baraga County.
These are township zoning-related fees, not a complete schedule of State of Michigan building-permit fees.
An administrative enforcement cost recovery surcharge applies to construction and sign activities erected or completed without a proper zoning permit.
special use permit fee: 400 USD · rezoning application fee: 400 USD · site plan review application fee: 200 USD · planning commission special meeting fee: 250 USD · zoning ordinance text amendment application fee: 400 USD · additions/alterations zoning compliance permit: 50 USD · deck/porch zoning compliance permit: 50 USD · new structure over 200 square feet zoning compliance permit: 50 USD · administrative enforcement cost recovery surcharge: 50 USD (plus attorney and court costs)
New building permits issued in Baraga Township, Baraga County.
The State of Michigan enforces the building code for new permits in Baraga Township.
The property owner must first apply for a Baraga Township Zoning Compliance Permit to establish zoning compliance.
state building-code enforcement effective date: 2023-07-01
“Before a building permit is issued by the State, the property owner must apply for a Zoning Compliance Permit from the Township of Baraga”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size rules in Baraga County, including incorporated municipalities and townships where local zoning may apply.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size rules in Baraga County, including incorporated municipalities and townships where local zoning may apply.
Setbacks — Building and structure setbacks in Baraga County, including local zoning jurisdictions.
Driveway access — Driveway access requirements for property in Baraga County.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rental use in Baraga County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated or township jurisdictions.
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.
Living off-grid in Baraga County, Michigan
Is Baraga County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Baraga County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,638 people within a 30-minute drive and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop.
Do you need a building permit in Baraga County, Michigan?
Baraga County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (Environmental Health Division). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Baraga County, Michigan?
Land in Baraga County runs about $6,098 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Baraga County?
Baraga County gets about 32.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.6% of years.
How remote is Baraga County?
A representative private-land location has about 3,638 people within a 30-minute drive and 171,389 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Baraga County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
