Bolthole Index

Eaton County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and septic in the Village of Dimondale, Michigan

The Village of Dimondale, Michigan requires building permits for construction and qualifying additions; applications go to Eaton County Department of Construction Codes.1 Dimondale has its own zoning code, so Eaton County’s zoning repeal does not remove village zoning.23 Private septic systems go through Barry-Eaton District Health Department, while public sewer connection questions go to the village or sewer provider.4

At a glance

Building permits
Required for construction and qualifying additions; Eaton County handles applications1
Zoning
Village zoning code and district map apply2
Private septic
Barry-Eaton District Health Department site evaluation, permit and final review5
Water and sewer
Safe potable water and effective wastewater disposal required6
Occupancy
Certificate required before permanent occupancy, except utility buildings7
Owner-builder
Own-use licensing exemption; building permits and inspections still apply8

Who to call

Zoning

Village of Dimondale Village Office

Village zoning applications, zoning transmittals and site-plan review

517.646.0230

136 N. Bridge St., P.O. Box 26, Dimondale, MI 48821

Building permits

Eaton County Department of Construction Codes

Building permits and construction-code inspections for Dimondale; village zoning approval remains separate

517-543-3004

[email protected]

1045 Independence Boulevard Room 150 Charlotte, MI 48813

Septic permits

Barry-Eaton District Health Department — Eaton County Office

Private septic site evaluations, construction permits and final reviews

517-543-2430

[email protected]

1033 Health Care Dr. Charlotte, Michigan 48813

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in the Village of Dimondale, MI?

Dimondale requires building permits for building construction and qualifying additions, with a local zoning referral for village projects.1 The village’s zoning application directs applicants to Eaton County Development & Construction for the building permit.9 Do not begin permitted construction before the building permit is issued.1

Michigan’s owner-builder exemption applies to residential-builder licensing when an individual builds for personal use and occupancy on that individual’s property; the exemption does not remove building-permit, inspection or zoning requirements.8 Ask Construction Codes which homeowner application documents your project requires.

Who handles building permits and zoning approval in Dimondale?

For Dimondale zoning applications and zoning transmittals, contact the Village Office at 517.646.0230.9 The village application requests a sketch showing lot dimensions, buildings and setbacks, with street names and a north arrow, or an attached engineer/architect site plan or survey.9

For Dimondale building permits, contact Eaton County Department of Construction Codes at 517-543-3004 or [email protected].10 The department inspects work for code compliance; the same telephone number accepts inspection requests.10 Private septic approval remains with Barry-Eaton District Health Department rather than the village zoning office.4

Does Dimondale have zoning, and what does it mean for your lot?

The Village of Dimondale has a zoning code and an official zoning map, including rural, low-density and medium-density one-family residential districts.2 Eaton County’s repeal of county zoning did not repeal municipal or township zoning authority.3 A Dimondale address therefore needs the village zoning answer rather than the county’s unincorporated-land answer.23

Ask the Village Office to identify the parcel’s district and confirm permitted uses, minimum lot size, home size and setbacks before committing to a design. The posted code carries a warning that current legislation may differ, so confirm the current district requirements with the village.2 For land outside village limits, use the Eaton County guide to understand the county zoning repeal.3

How do septic permits and wells work inside Dimondale?

Private septic systems inside Dimondale fall under Barry-Eaton District Health Department; public sewer connection matters belong with the village or the sewer provider.4 Before installing an on-site sewage system, the health department evaluates the site, issues a septic permit and performs a final review.5 Construction authorization follows a successful site evaluation, application and payment of the appropriate fee.11

For new buildings and qualifying additions without public water and sewer, the building application requires a septic/well permit or sanitary-facility review issued within the preceding 12 months; public utility commitment letters substitute where those services exist.12 A private well also needs health-department evaluation, a well permit and final review.13 Dimondale requires safe potable water and effective wastewater disposal even for private or off-grid installations.14

Can you live in an RV, tiny home or mobile home in Dimondale?

We could not confirm Dimondale’s rules for living in an RV, temporary camping, tiny-home occupancy or accessory dwelling units; ask the Village Office about the proposed use and parcel before buying or moving a unit onto the land. Dimondale’s mobile-home rule allows dwelling occupancy only where the zoning code permits it or under temporary-dwelling provisions approved by the Board of Appeals.15 That mobile-home provision does not establish an RV-specific permission.

A dwelling proposal still needs safe potable water and effective wastewater collection, treatment and disposal under Dimondale’s zoning code.6 Permanent building occupancy requires an occupancy certificate, except for utility buildings.7 Ask the village to classify a proposed tiny home before choosing a foundation or utility arrangement.

What are the steps for building a home in Dimondale?

  • Start with the Village Office: identify the zoning district and prepare the zoning referral and site plan for the building application.216
  • Establish water and wastewater arrangements: obtain public-provider commitment documentation or the applicable Barry-Eaton septic/well approval or sanitary review.12
  • Confirm road authority for a new driveway or change in driveway use; the village, county or state right-of-way authority issues the applicable driveway permit.17
  • Submit the building application, plans and parcel documentation to Eaton County Construction Codes; wait for issuance before starting work.161
  • Request inspections before concealing work and obtain final inspection approval.18
  • Obtain the occupancy certificate before permanently occupying the home; private wells and septic systems need documented health-department approval.7

Watch-outs

  • Eaton County’s zoning repeal leaves Dimondale’s village zoning authority in place.3
  • We could not confirm current Dimondale building-permit fees or a local agricultural-building exemption; ask Eaton County Construction Codes about building requirements and the Village Office about zoning.109
  • Dimondale requires documented private-well and septic approval before an occupancy certificate can issue for a building using those systems.7

Sources

  1. Construction Booklet (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  2. TITLE SIX - Zoning Code (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  3. Resolution to Repeal the Eaton County Land Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  4. 1294.04 Required Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Facilities (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  5. On-Site Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. 1294.04 Required Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Facilities (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  7. Construction Booklet (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  8. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Village of Dimondale Village Office (villageofdimondale.org)
  10. Eaton County Department of Construction Codes (eatoncounty.org)
  11. On-Site Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  12. Construction Booklet (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  13. On-Site Drinking Water Wells, quoted and re-checked
  14. 1294.04 Required Water Supply and Sanitary Sewerage Facilities (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  15. 1294.03 Mobile Homes (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  16. Construction Booklet (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  17. eatoncounty.org (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked
  18. Construction Booklet (Village of Dimondale), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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 Village of Dimondale

Village of Dimondale’s own rules

  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and the official zoning map inside Dimondale village.

    • The code states that the zoning map accompanies the Zoning Code and was adopted April 11, 2011.
    • The publisher warns that the posted code may not reflect the most current legislation.

    zoning map adoption date: 2011-04-11

    “Chap. 1268. R-1A One-Family Rural Residential District. Chap. 1270. R-1B One-Family Low Density Residential District. Chap. 1272. R-1C One-Family Medium Density Residential District.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile/manufactured-home dwelling occupancy inside Dimondale village.

    • Occupancy is allowed only if permitted under the Zoning Code or under temporary-dwelling provisions approved by the Board of Appeals.
    • The cited provision does not identify every district-specific allowance.
    “No mobile home shall be occupied as a dwelling within the Village”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private or off-grid water and sanitation systems inside Dimondale village.

    • A safe, sanitary and potable water supply and effective waste collection, treatment and disposal are mandatory.
    • Installations must meet Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Michigan Department of Public Health minimum requirements.
    “All such installations and facilities shall conform with the minimum requirements of the Barry- Eaton District Health Department and the Michigan Department of Public Health.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Structures used for dwelling, business, industrial or recreational purposes inside Dimondale village.

    • The code requires safe potable water and effective wastewater collection, treatment and disposal.
    • The cited provision does not expressly state that public water or public sewer must be used when available; private systems must comply with Barry-Eaton and state health requirements.
    “After the effective date of this Zoning Code, no structure shall be erected, altered or moved upon a lot or premises and used in whole or in part for dwelling, business, industrial or recreational purposes unless it shall be provided with a safe, sanitary and potable water supply and with a safe and effective means of collection, treatment and disposal of human excreta and domestic, commercial and industrial wastes.”

Rules another office applies inside Village of Dimondale

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

  • Building permitRequired

    Building construction and qualifying additions inside Dimondale village.

    • Applications are generally made at the Eaton County Department of Construction Codes office.
    • A local-unit zoning referral is required for projects inside a city, village or Windsor Township.
    • A permit should not be started before issuance; site inspection and other requirements can delay issuance.
    “Building permit applications, under most circumstances must be made in person Monday through Friday (except legal holidays) at the Department of Construction Codes office in the Eaton County Courthouse at 1045 Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, Michigan 48813 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. & 5:00 P.M.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted building work inside Dimondale village.

    • The permit holder must request inspections.
    • Required inspections vary by project, and concealed work must be inspected before covering.
    • Re-inspection fees may apply.
    “It is your responsibility as the permit holder to schedule your inspections and make sure that they have been approved as you schedule the work, and obtain a final inspection after the project has been completed.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Permanent occupancy of buildings inside Dimondale village, except utility buildings.

    • If the building has a well and/or septic system, documented approval by the Barry-Eaton Health Department is required beginning June 1, 2004.
    • All required Eaton County inspections must be approved before the certificate can issue.

    effective date for well/septic approval condition: 2004-06-01

    “The Occupancy Certificate is required before you permanently occupy a building (except utility buildings). Beginning June 1, 2004, if the building has a well and/or septic system, documented approval of the well and septic system by the Barry-Eaton Health Department will be required.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Private septic systems and drain fields inside Dimondale village.

    • Dimondale's zoning code also requires compliance with Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Michigan Department of Public Health minimum requirements.
    • Public sewer connection matters are directed to the local village or other public sewer provider.
    “Contact Barry-Eaton District Health Department”
  • Septic permitLimited

    New buildings, bedroom additions, qualifying additions and other structures inside Dimondale village when public water/sewer documentation is not available.

    • A septic/well permit or sanitary-facility review issued within the preceding twelve months is required when public water and sewer are not available.
    • Where public water and/or sanitary sewers exist, a municipal or private-provider commitment letter is required instead.

    permit/review validity: 12 months (unless replaced by a municipal or private-provider commitment letter)

    “If public water and sewer is not available all new buildings, buildings that are adding bedrooms, or other additions (including porches), accessory buildings over 200 square feet in floor area (pole barns, garages, sheds, etc.), swimming pools (above and below ground) or other structures that occupy additional land area must have a review of the existing sanitary facilities, and/or a permit for a septic system and/or well, issued within the last twelve months, from the Barry-Eaton District Health Department.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Buildings inside Dimondale village that use a well and/or septic system.

    • Documented final approval of the well and septic system is required before an occupancy certificate.
    • The condition applies to buildings with well and/or septic systems, not necessarily buildings connected to public utilities.

    approval effective date: 2004-06-01

    “Beginning June 1, 2004, if the building has a well and/or septic system, documented approval of the well and septic system by the Barry-Eaton Health Department will be required.”
  • Well permitLimited

    New buildings and qualifying additions inside Dimondale village relying on private wells.

    • A well permit or sanitary-facility review issued within the last twelve months is required where public water and sewer are unavailable.
    • Where public water is available, a provider commitment letter may substitute for the private-well documentation.

    permit/review validity: 12 months (public utility commitment letter may substitute)

    “If public water and sewer is not available all new buildings, buildings that are adding bedrooms, or other additions (including porches), accessory buildings over 200 square feet in floor area (pole barns, garages, sheds, etc.), swimming pools (above and below ground) or other structures that occupy additional land area must have a review of the existing sanitary facilities, and/or a permit for a septic system and/or well, issued within the last twelve months, from the Barry-Eaton District Health Department.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    A new driveway or a planned change in use inside Dimondale village, where the road-right-of-way authority has jurisdiction.

    • The permit must be issued within the preceding twelve months.
    • The issuing authority may be the village, county or state authority having jurisdiction over the road right-of-way.
    • Private roads must comply with Article 14.28 of the Eaton County Land Development Code.

    permit validity: 12 months

    “If a change in use is planned or a new driveway is being installed, a driveway permit is required from the city, village, County or State authority having jurisdiction over the road right-of-way where the driveway is, or will be located. This permit must have been issued within the last 12 months.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building permit applications and inspections inside Dimondale village.

    • Application, zoning referral, utility/septic documentation, driveway permit where applicable, site plan, building plans and parcel documentation may be required.
    • Applications are generally submitted in person at the Eaton County Courthouse; the checklist also identifies an online BSA application route.
    • Inspection requests must include the permit number, permit holder, site address, municipality, permit type and inspection type.

    large-paper archive fee: 3 USD per sheet (unless an electronic copy is supplied)

    “A properly and completely filled out application, provided by this department. EVERYONE making application for a building permit for new residential housing units must complete a Michigan Energy Code/New Home Affidavit form provided by this Department.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Dimondale or Eaton County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder permit exemptions inside Dimondale village.
  • Living in an RV — Recreational-vehicle occupancy inside Dimondale village limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping inside Dimondale village limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Dimondale village limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Dimondale village limits.
3 more unanswered
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Short-term rentals
  • 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 Village of Dimondale publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Eaton County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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