Bolthole Index

Charlevoix County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in East Jordan, Michigan

East Jordan, Michigan requires zoning approval before a building permit for covered construction; the city accepts zoning applications, and building applications go to Charlevoix County.12 East Jordan sets district-specific land-use rules, while the Health Department of Northwest Michigan handles septic site evaluations and permits where public sanitary sewer is unavailable.34

At a glance

Building permits
Required for covered construction; apply at Charlevoix County12
Zoning approval
City approval before the building permit15
Septic permits
HDNW site evaluation and permit where public sewer is unavailable4
Visitor RV occupancy
Temporary permit; maximum 30 days per calendar year, no extensions6
Minimum dwelling size
RA and R-1: 960 sq ft for a one-story dwelling; different first-floor rule for two-story homes78
Accessory dwelling
R-3 allows qualifying ADUs up to 800 sq ft, no larger than the principal home9

Who to call

Zoning

City of East Jordan Planning & Zoning

City zoning applications and zoning administrator inquiries

231-536-3381 ext.3023

[email protected]

201 Main Street, PO Box 499, East Jordan, MI 49727

Online permits →

Building permits

City of East Jordan online zoning application portal

Zoning applications and referral to the county for building applications

Online permits →

Building permits

Charlevoix County Department of Building Safety

Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, soil-erosion and storm-water permits, application review, and inspections

231-547-7236

[email protected]

13513 Division St. Charlevoix, MI 49720

Septic permits

Health Department of Northwest Michigan, Charlevoix office

Septic and well permits for sites without municipal sewer or water

(231) 547-6523

220 W. Garfield St., Charlevoix MI, 49720

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in East Jordan means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in East Jordan, MI?

East Jordan requires zoning approval before a building permit for construction, enlargement, alteration or moving of covered buildings and structures.1 East Jordan’s online portal accepts zoning applications and expressly directs all building-permit applications to Charlevoix County.2 The practical sequence is city zoning approval, then the county building application, rather than treating the city zoning permit as permission to begin construction.12

Minor repairs or alterations that do not change use, occupancy, area, structural strength, fire hazard, fire protection, exits, light or ventilation do not require a city zoning permit; that exception does not establish an exemption from construction-code permits.1

Who handles East Jordan zoning and building applications?

East Jordan Planning & Zoning accepts zoning applications through BS&A Online; reach the city/zoning administrator at 231-536-3381 ext.3023 or [email protected].5 For building applications, the city directs applicants to Charlevoix County Department of Building Safety, reachable at 231-547-7236 or [email protected].210 Charlevoix County reviews applications before issuing building permits.10

Keep the health approval separate: the Health Department of Northwest Michigan evaluates septic sites and issues septic permits, rather than the city zoning counter.4 Ask the city for the current zoning fee schedule and the county for the construction-permit charges for your project.

Does East Jordan have zoning, minimum lot sizes and home-size rules?

East Jordan has zoning districts with different use and dimensional rules, so identify the parcel’s district before choosing a house plan.3 With public sewer and water accessible, minimum lot area per dwelling is 12,500 square feet in RA, 9,420 square feet in R-1 and 7,500 square feet in R-2A.111213

In East Jordan’s RA and R-1 districts, a one-story dwelling needs at least 960 square feet on the first floor; a two-story dwelling needs at least 700 square feet on the first floor and 960 square feet total.78 Ask the city zoning administrator to confirm setbacks and the current district map for the specific parcel; the city cautions that zoning-code updates are not posted regularly.5

How do septic permits and sewer connections work in East Jordan?

For East Jordan property without public sanitary sewer, the city requires a written district-health-department permit, and the Health Department of Northwest Michigan evaluates the site and issues the septic permit before installation.4 HDNW also performs a final review of the sewage system.4 Reach the health department’s Charlevoix office at (231) 547-6523.14

East Jordan requires covered occupied buildings abutting a street, alley or right-of-way with public sewer to connect at the owner’s expense within 90 days of official notice when the sewer is within 200 feet of the property line.15 Determine sewer availability before budgeting for septic: a private system is the alternative where public sanitary sewer is unavailable, not an automatic choice for every city lot.15

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

East Jordan’s visitor RV rule allows temporary occupancy without charge in a dwelling owner’s or lessee’s side or rear yard, with an application or temporary zoning permit and approved sanitary facilities.6 Apply within 7 days after arrival; only 1 RV is permitted at a location at a time, for no more than 30 days in a calendar year, with no extensions.6 That visitor provision does not establish permission to live in an RV on a vacant lot while building.6

We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule; ask the city zoning administrator about your proposed structure. East Jordan’s conventional and manufactured single-family dwelling requirements generally include a 24-foot cross-section, a 24-by-24-foot ground-floor portion and perimeter foundations, except in state-licensed mobile-home parks and R-2A.16 In R-3, qualifying accessory dwellings may be up to 800 square feet, cannot exceed the principal dwelling’s size, and require an owner of record to occupy either unit.9

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

Start with East Jordan Planning & Zoning to establish the district and obtain zoning approval before the building permit.31 Confirm public sewer availability; if unavailable, arrange the septic site evaluation and permit with HDNW before installation.154 Submit the building application to Charlevoix County and allow for application review before issuance.210

Notify the city zoning administrator when construction is ready for the zoning inspections at staking out and completion; construction must stop if identified defects or noncompliance remain uncorrected.17 Michigan’s enforcing agency also periodically inspects work undertaken under its building permit.18 For land outside city limits, use the Charlevoix County guide and confirm the applicable local zoning administrator; zoning administration varies across the county’s cities and townships.19

Watch-outs

  • East Jordan’s temporary visitor RV permit does not establish permission for year-round RV occupancy or occupancy on vacant land while building.6
  • We could not confirm East Jordan’s certificate-of-occupancy procedure; ask Charlevoix County Building Safety what approval is required before moving in.2
  • Michigan prohibits new residential construction in the regulated floodway; ask the city zoning administrator and EGLE about the parcel before choosing a building site.20

Sources

  1. Sec. 46-38. Zoning permit (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  2. City of East Jordan online zoning application portal (bsaonline.com)
  3. Sec. 46-233. Dimensional requirements (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  4. Sewage Systems – Health Department of Northwest Michigan (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  5. City of East Jordan Planning & Zoning (eastjordancity.org)
  6. Sec. 46-725. Use of recreation vehicles as temporary dwellings by visitors (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  7. Sec. 46-233. Dimensional requirements (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  8. Sec. 46-265. Dimensional requirements (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  9. Sec. 46-355. Permitted accessory uses (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  10. Charlevoix County Department of Building Safety (charlevoixcounty.org)
  11. library.municode.com (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  12. library.municode.com (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  13. library.municode.com (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  14. Health Department of Northwest Michigan, Charlevoix office (charlevoixcounty.org)
  15. Sec. 44-141. Use of public sewers required (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  16. Sec. 46-730. Conventional dwelling unit requirements (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  17. Sec. 46-38. Zoning permit (East Jordan), quoted and re-checked
  18. MCL 125.1512, Inspection of construction (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Charlevoix County Directory, quoted and re-checked
  20. Floodplains (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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 East Jordan

East Jordan’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, enlargement, alteration, or moving of a dwelling, building, or structure inside East Jordan city limits.

    • Minor repairs or minor alterations that do not change use, occupancy, area, structural strength, fire hazard, fire protection, exits, light, or ventilation do not require a zoning permit.
    • A zoning permit must be obtained before a city building permit.
    • A state building permit is also required before construction 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 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.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or usage affected by a city zoning permit inside East Jordan city limits.

    • Inspection is required at staking out of the building foundation or structure/activity area and upon completion.
    • The permit holder must notify the zoning administrator when construction is ready for inspection.
    • Further construction must stop if defects or noncompliance are found until corrected and approved.
    “The construction or usage affected by any zoning permit shall be subject to the following inspections: (1) At time of staking out of building foundation or location of structure or activity area. (2) Upon completion of the construction authorized by the permit. (3) It shall be the duty of the holder of every permit to notify the zoning administrator when construction is ready for inspection.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    East Jordan city zoning districts, including RA, R-1, R-2A, R-3, and R-4.

    • District-specific dimensional and use rules vary by district.
    “The purpose of the R-2A Single-Family Residential District is to provide for small lot single-family conventional, manufactured or mobile home housing neighborhoods free from other uses, except those which are normally accessory and compatible, supportive and convenient to the residents living within such a district.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    RA Single-Family Residential District.

    • One-story dwellings require at least 960 square feet on the first floor.
    • Two-story dwellings require at least 700 square feet on the first floor and 960 square feet total.
    • Accessory structures may not exceed 60 percent of principal-structure floor area.

    one-story first-floor area: >= 960 square feet · two-story first-floor area: >= 700 square feet · two-story total floor area: >= 960 square feet

    “The minimum first floor area of a one story dwelling 960 square feet, and for a two-story dwelling 700 square feet on the first floor, with a minimum total of 960 square feet for both stories. The total floor area of all accessory structures shall not exceed 60 percent of the floor area of the principal structure.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Single-Family Residential District.
      “The minimum first floor area of a one story dwelling 960 square feet, and for a two-story dwelling 700 square feet and a minimum total of 960 square feet for both stories. The total floor area of all accessory structures shall not exceed 60 percent of the floor area of the principal structure.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    • The minimum is per dwelling unit and requires public sewer and water accessible from the lot or parcel.

    minimum lot area: >= 9420 square feet per dwelling unit (Public sewer and water accessible)

    “Minimum of 9,420 square feet per dwelling unit with public sewer and water accessible from each lot or parcel.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — RA Single-Family Residential District.
      “Minimum of 12,500 square feet per dwelling unit with public sewer and water accessible to each lot or parcel.”
    • Specified — R-2A Single-Family Residential District.
      “Minimum of 7,500 square feet per dwelling unit with public sewer and water accessible to each lot or parcel.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residential District.

    maximum residential-structure height: <= 30 feet · maximum residential-accessory-structure height: <= 15 feet

    “Height limitations. Maximum of 30 feet for residential structures; a maximum of 15 feet for all residential related accessory structures.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RA Single-Family Residential District.
      “Height limitations. Maximum of 30 feet for residential structures; a maximum of 15 feet for all residential related accessory structures.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Visitor occupancy of travel trailers, motor homes, and recreational vehicles on private property inside East Jordan city limits.

    • The RV must be parked in a side or rear yard of a permitting dwelling owner or lessee.
    • The stay requires owner application or a temporary permit from the zoning administrator.
    • Application must be made within seven days after arrival.
    • The owner or lessee must provide a written agreement to furnish sanitary facilities approved by the zoning administrator.
    • Only one RV may be permitted at one location at a time.
    • The permit lasts no more than 30 days in one calendar year; extensions are not permitted.

    application deadline after arrival: 7 days · maximum permit duration: <= 30 days per calendar year (Extensions are not permitted) · maximum RVs at one location: 1 vehicle

    “Travel trailers, motor homes and recreation vehicles shall be permitted when parked by visitors in a side or rear yard of a permitting dwelling owner or lessee without charge, upon application by the owner or the issuance of a temporary permit by the zoning administrator. Application shall be made within seven days after the date of arrival. The property owner or lessee shall present a written agreement to furnish the occupants of the travel trailer, motor home or recreation vehicle with sanitary facilities approved by the zoning administrator. A temporary permit may only be issued to one travel trailer, motor home or recreation vehicle at a time in any one location and shall be valid for a maximum period of 30 days in any one calendar year. Extensions of time shall not be permitted and the travel trailer, motor home or recreation vehicle shall be removed from the property on or before the 30th day of the permit period.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured or mobile-home occupancy inside East Jordan city limits, including RA, R-1, R-2A, R-3, and R-4 contexts.

    • Single-family manufactured construction must meet the conventional-dwelling cross-section and foundation requirements except in state-licensed mobile-home parks and R-2A.
    • R-4 mobile-home lots require public sewer and water connections.
    • R-4 outside-park mobile homes require at least 480 square feet of usable floor area.
    • Mobile homes, trailers, motor homes, and RVs placed outside a park are otherwise unlawful except as specifically permitted.

    minimum R-4 outside-park mobile-home floor area: >= 480 square feet

    “All dwelling units in order to locate in all single-family zoning districts, except in mobile home parks licensed by the state and the R-2A zoning district, shall meet the following requirements: Single-family dwellings of conventional or manufactured construction having at least one cross section width of at least 24 feet, and one portion of the ground floor shall have a dimension of at least 24 feet by 24 feet. All single-family dwellings are required to have perimeter foundations.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in the R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District.

    • The ADU must be clearly incidental to the principal dwelling and appear externally as single-family.
    • Exterior stairs are prohibited.
    • The ADU cannot exceed 800 square feet or exceed the principal dwelling's size.
    • At least one owner of record must occupy either unit.
    • Leases under 30 days require a current city short-term-rental license.

    maximum ADU floor area: <= 800 square feet (Also may not exceed principal dwelling size) · minimum rental period without STR license: >= 30 days

    “Accessory dwelling units that are clearly incidental to the principle dwelling unit and the structures' exterior appear to be single family. a. Exterior stairs shall not be allowed. b. An accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 800 square feet or exceed the size of the principle dwelling unit. c. At least one owner of record shall occupy either principle or accessory dwelling unit. d. The principle or accessory dwelling unit shall not be leased for less than 30 days at a time unless the owner has a current city short term rental license.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Buildings used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes inside East Jordan city limits.

    • Connection is required within 90 days of official notice.
    • The public sewer must be within 200 feet of the property line.
    • Where public sanitary sewer is unavailable, private sewage disposal is allowed subject to Sec. 44-142.

    connection deadline after official notice: 90 days · public sewer distance from property line: <= 200 feet

    “The owner of any houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes, situated within the city and abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way in which there is now located or may in the future be located a public sanitary sewer or storm sewer of the city, is hereby required at his expense to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer, and also to make such connections to storm sewers as are necessary in accordance with the provisions of this article, within 90 days of official notice to do so, provided that the public sewer is within 200 feet of the property line.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rental use in the R-3 Multiple-Family Residential District.

    • A current city short-term-rental license is required for leases shorter than 30 days.
    • The R-3 accessory-use provision also requires the applicable accessory-dwelling standards where an ADU is used.

    minimum rental period without STR license: >= 30 days (Shorter rentals require a current city STR license)

    “The principle or accessory dwelling unit shall not be leased for less than 30 days at a time unless the owner has a current city short term rental license. (3) Short term rentals maintaining a city STR license.”

Rules another office applies inside East Jordan

East Jordan does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic permitting and site evaluation for property inside East Jordan city limits, which is in Charlevoix County and served by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

    • East Jordan city code separately requires a written permit signed by a district health department officer where public sanitary sewer is unavailable.
    • HDNW serves Charlevoix County.
    “Prior to installing a sewage (septic) system, HDNW works with the property owner to evaluate the site and issue a permit. A final review provides assurance that the system will operate as intended.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from building-licensing or permit requirements inside East Jordan city limits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for buildings inside East Jordan city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside East Jordan city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Inspection of septic installations inside East Jordan city limits.
  • Well permit — Private well permits inside East Jordan city limits.
3 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Permit fees

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 East Jordan publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Charlevoix County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Charlevoix County: county rules, score and offices