Zoning, building permits and septic rules in North Star Township, Michigan

Rules another office applies inside North Star Township

North Star 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

  New residential construction inside North Star township, applied through the Gratiot County permits office

  • A copy of a township zoning permit or letter of township approval is required before a building permit can be issued.
  • Residential structures require a building permit application (BCC-324) and plans.

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

• InspectionsRequired

  Permitted construction inside North Star township

  • Foundation, rough and final inspections are listed; the permit holder is responsible for all required inspections.

  “the permit holder is responsible for any and all inspections necessary.”

• Certificate of occupancyRequired

  New or altered buildings inside North Star township

  • A certificate cannot be issued until all fees are paid, permits finaled, and covered work is complete.

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

• Local zoningAbsent (with conditions)

  Land inside North Star township: the township does not administer its own zoning; Gratiot County administers zoning for North Star township under the county zoning ordinance. This aggregates only the township-level question and is not a countywide or unincorporated-area rule.

  • The county page states that all other townships and cities are self-zoned, which implies North Star is not; the page does not say in those words that North Star has not adopted zoning.
  • The county page does not state the effective date of the current county ordinance; the ordinance copy on file is dated April 1, 2002.

  “gratiot county administers planning and zoning for 6 townships in the county, including: elba hamilton lafayette newark north star sumner all other townships and cities are self-zoned.”

• Zoning districtsPartial

  Parcels inside North Star township under county zoning administration

  • The county planning page lists a North Star township zoning map (JPEG). The district text was located only in a 2002 printing hosted by Lafayette Township, so current district regulations are not verified.
  • Chapter 4 of that printing is the AG agricultural district; chapter 5 is the RP rural preservation district; chapter 6 is the RR district.

  “zoning maps zoning map elba township (jpeg) zoning map hamilton township (jpeg) zoning map lafayette township (jpeg) zoning map newark township (jpeg) zoning map north star township (jpeg)”

• Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

  Septic systems for homes inside North Star township; the Mid-Michigan health department issues the septic and well permit

  • Applies only when a septic system is involved ('when applicable').

  “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.”

• Septic permitRequired

  Homes inside North Star township that use a septic system

  • Applies only when applicable; a copy of the septic permit must be submitted with the building permit.
  • Existing systems may be used, but a septic evaluation is required if the system is older than 10 years and has not been in use.

  “a copy of the well and septic permit is required. existing well and septic systems may be used, however, a copy of the well or septic evaluation must be submitted if the system is older than 10 years and has not been in use.”

• Well permitRequired

  Homes inside North Star township that use a private well

  • Applies only when applicable (combined septic and well permit).

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

• Driveway accessLimited

  Driveway or curb-cut connections to county roads in North Star township

  • Driveway permit applies only when applicable and is issued through the county road commission for county-road curb cuts.

  “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.”

• Building in a floodplainLimited

  Buildings for human occupancy in designated flood plain areas inside North Star township under the county zoning ordinance

  • Source is the April 1, 2002 printing; current text not verified.
  • Soil erosion permit applies if the project is within 500 feet of a lake, stream, river, or open county drain (county permit page).

  “no building for human occupancy shall be erected or hereafter occupied, if vacant, in such designated flood plain areas.”

• Permit processPartial

  Building permit process for homes inside North Star township

  • The township zoning permit must be obtained first; the state and health permits run separately; the county permits office is the contact for assistance.

  “it is the responsibility of applicant, contractor, or home owner to obtain all necessary permits.”

Still unanswered

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

• Owner-builder exemption — Owner-occupant building permits for a home inside North Star township
• Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside North Star township under county zoning
• Minimum lot size — Single-family lots inside North Star township under county zoning
• Setbacks — Yard setbacks for homes inside North Star township under county zoning
• Lot coverage — Lot coverage for homes inside North Star township under county zoning

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.