Zoning, building permits and septic rules in New Haven Township, Michigan

Rules another office applies inside New Haven Township

New Haven 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

  Residential building permits issued through the Gratiot County permits office, applicable inside New Haven township only if the county issues permits there; New Haven-specific confirmation was not found

  • Residential structures (one- and two-family under 3,500 square feet of calculated floor area) require a building permit application (BCC-324), an energy compliance statement and at least two sets of plans.
  • A township zoning permit or letter of township approval is required before a building permit can be issued.
  • A septic and well permit is also required when applicable.
  • The permit holder is responsible for all necessary inspections.

  “township zoning permit (a copy of zoning permit or letter of township approval is required before a building permit can be issued.)”

• InspectionsRequired

  Building inspections on permitted construction in Gratiot County, applicable inside New Haven township only if the county permits office administers that work there; New Haven-specific confirmation was not found

  • Foundation inspections: footing inspection before pouring concrete and backfill inspection before backfill.
  • Rough inspection after roof, framing and bracing, and after electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough-in but before insulation.
  • Final inspection upon completion and before occupancy.
  • The permit holder is responsible for any and all inspections necessary.

  “footing inspection—after formwork is completed but prior to pouring concrete.”

• Certificate of occupancyRequired

  New and altered buildings under Gratiot County building permits, applicable inside New Haven township only if the county permits office administers that work there; New Haven-specific confirmation was not found

  • A certificate of occupancy cannot be issued until all fees are paid, permits are finaled, and the work is completed in accordance with the permit, the code and other applicable laws and ordinances.
  • The permit holder must request the certificate of occupancy upon completion; the request may be verbal, but a written request listing the building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permit numbers is recommended.

  “a new building or altered building shall not be used/occupied until a certificate of occupancy is issued by the code official.”

• Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

  Septic permit authority for Gratiot County, applicable inside New Haven township (service-area coverage not separately confirmed)

  • The county requirements page directs septic and well permit questions to the Mid-Michigan health department, not a county office.

  “contact the mid-michigan health department at (989) 875-3681 or visit their office located at 151 commerce dr., ithaca, mi 48847.”

• Septic permitRequired

  Septic permits for residential construction in Gratiot County, applicable inside New Haven township under the Mid-Michigan health department's service area (service-area coverage of New Haven not separately confirmed)

  • Required only when applicable; the county page does not list the cases.
  • A copy of the well and septic permit must be submitted with the building permit application.
  • Existing septic systems may be used; a copy of the septic evaluation must be submitted if the system is older than 10 years and has not been in use.

  “septic and well permit (when applicable) ▪ contact the mid-michigan health department at (989) 875-3681 or visit their office located at 151 commerce dr., ithaca, mi 48847. a copy of the well and septic permit is required.”

• Well permitRequired

  Well permits for residential construction in Gratiot County, applicable inside New Haven township under the Mid-Michigan health department's service area (service-area coverage not separately confirmed)

  • Required when applicable; the county page does not list the cases.
  • A copy of the well and septic permit must be submitted with the building permit application.

  “a copy of the well and septic permit is required.”

• Driveway accessLimited

  Driveway permits on county roads only; township and private road access inside New Haven township is not covered

  • A driveway permit is needed only when applicable.
  • The Gratiot County Road Commission handles driveway permits, curb cuts and activity affecting county roads.

  “driveway permit ▪ only when applicable ▪ contact gratiot county road commission at (989) 875-3811 for information on these permits, curb cuts, or any activity affecting county roads.”

• Permit processPublished (with conditions)

  Building permit process in Gratiot County, applicable inside New Haven township only if the county permits office administers permits there; New Haven-specific confirmation was not found

  • The applicant must first obtain a township zoning permit or letter of township approval.
  • Septic and well permits are obtained from the Mid-Michigan health department.
  • The county permits office at (989) 875-5201 is the contact for assistance.

  “if you need assistance, please contact the gratiot county permits office at (989) 875-5201.”

Still unanswered

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

• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder permit exemption for work inside New Haven township
• Building code adopted — Which construction code editions govern new construction inside New Haven township
• Local zoning — Whether New Haven township (Gratiot County) adopts and administers its own zoning ordinance for land inside its limits
• Zoning districts — Zoning districts for New Haven township
• Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside New Haven 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.