Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Ironwood Township, Michigan

Rules another office applies inside Ironwood Township

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

• Building permitRequired

  Construction of a building or structure inside Ironwood Charter Township, through the appropriate enforcing agency.

  • A permit is also required for a change in use or occupancy.
  • Ordinary repairs are exempt only as described by the state page.

  “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.”

• Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

  Building work inside Ironwood Charter Township subject to the applicable enforcing agency.

  • One- and two-family dwelling provisions are included in the Michigan Residential Code.

  “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. Presently, provisions for one- and two-family dwellings are included in the Michigan Residential Code.”

• Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

  On-site sewage systems inside Ironwood Charter Township, Gogebic County.

  • The health department's jurisdiction includes Gogebic County and all incorporated and unincorporated areas, including townships.

  “The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and its duly appointed employees shall have jurisdiction throughout Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties in all areas incorporated and unincorporated, which includes cities, villages, and townships for the administration and enforcement of these regulations.”

• Septic permitRequired

  Construction, alteration, extension, or replacement of a residential or commercial on-site sewage treatment and disposal system inside Ironwood Charter Township.

  • The construction permit is issued by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.
  • The permit is valid for 24 months unless voided; after expiration, a 30-day grace period applies to an extension request.

  permit validity: 24 months (Unless declared void under the code.)

  “No person shall construct, alter, extend, or replace a residential or commercial OSTDS without first having been issued a construction permit from the Department.”

• Septic inspectionRequired

  Newly installed on-site sewage treatment and disposal systems inside Ironwood Charter Township.

  • The installation contractor must notify the department three working days before completion to schedule final inspection.
  • If unforeseen circumstances prevent final inspection, the Health Officer may accept a construction affidavit instead.

  advance notice: >= 3 working days (Before completion of installation.)

  “Installation contractors shall notify the department 3 working days in advance of the date of completion of the OSTDS to schedule the final construction inspection. The Department shall perform the final inspection of the OSTDS within 3 working days of completion of installation, if advanced notification is provided as required.”

• Well permitRequired

  Construction of a well or water supply, or extensive change to an existing water supply, inside Ironwood Charter Township.

  • A direct EGLE permit can replace the local permit where required under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
  • The local construction permit is generally valid for 24 months unless voided.

  permit validity: 24 months (Unless declared void under the code.)

  “No person shall 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.”

• Permit processPartial

  On-site sewage permit applications inside Ironwood Charter Township.

  • A site evaluation must be completed and the proposed building site approved before the landowner may apply for a sewage-system permit.
  • The reported typical appointment wait is 4 to 6 weeks after complete application and payment.

  typical appointment wait: 4-6 weeks (From receipt of a complete application and payment.)

  “Once a site evaluation has been completed and a proposed build site approved, land or homeowners may apply for a sewage system permit.”

Still unanswered

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

• Inspections — Building construction inside Ironwood Charter Township.
• Certificate of occupancy — New or altered buildings inside Ironwood Charter Township.
• Zoning districts — Zoning districts inside Ironwood Charter Township.
• Minimum dwelling size — Residential zoning districts inside Ironwood Charter Township.
• Minimum lot size — Residential zoning districts inside Ironwood Charter Township.

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.