Bolthole Index

Kent County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Kent County, Michigan

53Index Score / 100
#69 of 83 in Michigan

Kent County, Michigan requires a building permit before construction, but the county has no building-code program; apply to the enforcing agency for the parcel's city, village or township12. Kent County also has no unified county zoning ordinance3. Septic and well permits go through the Kent County Health Department4.

At a glance

Building permit
Generally required; no county program, so apply to the parcel's local enforcing agency12
Zoning
No unified county ordinance; each township, city and village has its own35
Septic permit
Required through the Kent County Health Department64
Well permit
Required through the Kent County Health Department74
Owner-builder
Conditional licensing exemption for a person building on their own property for their own use and occupancy8
RV / tiny home
No countywide occupancy answer confirmed; ask the local zoning office5
Septic soils
About 2% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field9
Property tax
About 1.1% effective rate; median annual bill about $3,0281011

Who to call

Septic permits

Kent County Health Department -- Environmental Health Division

On-site septic and well permits, site evaluations, and well/septic evaluations

(616) 632-7100

700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Roads & driveways

Kent County Road Commission (KCRC)

Permits for work in county road rights-of-way, including driveways

616-242-6920

[email protected]

1900 4 Mile Road NW, Walker, MI 49544

Online permits →

Floodplain permits

Kent County Drain Commissioner's Office

County drains and stormwater detention ponds

616-632-7910

775 Ball Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Kent County, Michigan?

Yes. Before construction of a building or structure in Kent County, the owner or project representative must submit a written application to the appropriate enforcing agency; a permit is also required for a change in use or occupancy1. Ordinary repairs are exempt, but the exemption does not cover specified structural, egress, utility, public-health or safety work1. Michigan has adopted a statewide building code, with residential requirements in the Michigan Residential Code12. After permitted work is complete, a new or altered building cannot be occupied until the code official issues a Certificate of Occupancy13.

Who issues building permits in Kent County, Michigan?

Kent County has no county building-code program. The statewide jurisdiction list identifies local programs for Kent County's listed cities, villages and townships, so send the application to the enforcing agency for the parcel rather than to a county building department2. Application methods differ by local agency. For example, a new single-family home or duplex in the City of Grand Rapids requires uploaded plans showing the project's location, size and detail, and plan review does not begin until those plans are submitted14. The Kent County Health Department separately handles required on-site septic and water-supply well permits67. For work in a county road right-of-way, including a residential or commercial driveway, apply to the Kent County Road Commission15.

Does Kent County have zoning?

Kent County has no unified county zoning ordinance. Zoning is administered through separate ordinances adopted by the county's townships, cities and villages3. The zoning districts and their rules vary among those local jurisdictions5. Most local jurisdictions use a maximum building height of 35 feet unless the property is in a high-density, high-rise zone, but the parcel's own ordinance and district control16. We could not confirm one countywide answer for setbacks, minimum lot size, dwelling size, lot coverage, accessory dwellings or short-term rentals. Ask the zoning office for the township, city or village containing the parcel for its current map and ordinance before choosing a house location. Zoning approval does not replace the building permit required by the appropriate enforcing agency1.

How do septic and well permits work in Kent County?

The Kent County Health Department requires a permit before installation of an on-site septic system, and a new-construction application must include a detailed site plan and floorplans6. A county site evaluation determines whether land is suitable for the proposed development and on-site well and septic systems17. Only about 2% of Kent County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early contingency rather than assuming a conventional system will fit9. Septic work authorized by a county permit requires final inspection before approval and generally cannot be covered or made inaccessible first18. A separate county permit is required before installing an on-site water-supply well7. Mark underground utilities through MISS Dig before the county site visit17.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Kent County?

We could not confirm one countywide rule for living in an RV, temporary camping, or occupying a tiny home on private land. Kent County's townships, cities and villages use their own zoning ordinances, so the answer must come from the local zoning office for the parcel5. Michigan guidance does not let a tiny house used as a resort cabin bypass ordinary approvals merely because it is on wheels; applicable local zoning, building, electrical, plumbing, well and septic approvals still apply19. Residential sewage from plumbing fixtures must go to a public sewer where available or an approved private sewage-disposal system20.

Building a home in Kent County: what are the steps?

  1. Identify the township, city or village containing the parcel and obtain its zoning district rules, because local zoning varies5.
  1. Find that jurisdiction's building-code agency and apply there; Kent County has no county building-code program2.
  1. Ask the Kent County Health Department for a site evaluation, then apply for the required septic and well permits with the required plans67.
  1. Obtain a Kent County Road Commission permit if a driveway or other work enters a county road right-of-way15.
  1. If floodplain work or a county drain is involved, confirm state and Drain Commission requirements before grading21.
  1. Complete required inspections, including the septic system's final inspection, and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before moving into the home1813.

What should you check before buying land in Kent County?

Make an accepted septic site evaluation a purchase contingency: only about 2% of Kent County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field9. If land will be divided and served by onsite wastewater or individual wells, involve the Kent County Health Department early; local-health-department review applies to divisions under one acre, subdivisions and site condominiums22. Confirm the parcel's local zoning district, permitted uses, setbacks and dimensional standards with the township, city or village, because those ordinances differ5. Check flood maps and proposed grading early; floodplain construction, filling and grading can require EGLE permits, while certain floodway or floodplain alterations also require Kent County Drain Commission review21. Verify whether a driveway enters a county road right-of-way, where a Road Commission permit is required15. The effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $3,0281011.

Watch-outs

  • Kent County has no county building-code program and no unified zoning ordinance; identify the parcel's city, village or township before seeking permits or zoning answers23.
  • A person building a residence on their own property for their own use and occupancy has a conditional builder-licensing exemption, but permitting and code requirements still apply81.
  • Most local jurisdictions use a 35-foot building-height maximum, but high-density and high-rise zones can differ; confirm the parcel's district before designing16.
  • Only about 2% of Kent County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so secure the county site evaluation before finalizing a build plan917.

Sources

  1. Building Permit Information, quoted and re-checked
  2. Statewide Jurisdiction List, quoted and re-checked
  3. 2025 Kent County Fair Housing Analysis and Fair Housing Equity Plan, quoted and re-checked
  4. Kent County Health Department - Septic & Well Permits (2026 county census)
  5. 2025 Kent County Fair Housing Analysis and Fair Housing Equity Plan, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic & Well, quoted and re-checked
  7. Septic & Well, quoted and re-checked
  8. Frequently Asked Questions – Residential Builder (RB), quoted and re-checked
  9. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  10. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  12. Code Books, quoted and re-checked
  13. Certificate of Occupancy Request (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Apply for a New Residential Building or Addition Building Permit, quoted and re-checked
  15. Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) (kentcountyroads.net)
  16. 2025 Kent County Fair Housing Analysis & Equity Plan, quoted and re-checked
  17. Kent County Health Department -- Environmental Health Division (kentcountymi.gov)
  18. Sewage Disposal Regulations for Kent County, MI, quoted and re-checked
  19. 2022 ARVC - General (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Michigan Part 7 Plumbing Code Rules (Michigan statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Site Development Rules: Procedures and Design Standards for Stormwater Management, quoted and re-checked
  22. Septic & Well, quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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.

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County locator

Kent County in Michigan

53
County map
Kent County highlighted among the Michigan counties · colored by Index score

How Kent County scores

Seclusion20100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability83100% ev.
Property Autonomy77100% ev.
Carry Cost65100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$361kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$7,869Land / acre
37.4"Annual rain
1.2% of yrsSevere drought
1.6 / yr (+1.6)Mid-century 100°F days
11.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.79" (+10.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.61×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,070Home insurance / yr
-0.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.83%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
593,052People within 30 min
4,118,886People within 2 hr
384,834Radius comparison (15 mi)
779People / sq mi
0.5%Federal land
94%Land at 15% slope or less
2%Septic soil without severe limits
9,626 acWorkable land screen
55.9%Wooded land
46.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
47.8°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Kent County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Kent County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    A unified Kent County zoning ordinance.

    • Zoning is administered by Kent County's 21 townships, 9 cities, and 5 villages through their own ordinances.
    “Kent County comprises 21 townships, 9 cities, and 5 villages, each has its own zoning ordinance. The county itself does not have a unified zoning ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Municipal and township zoning within Kent County.

    • The conclusion aggregates local zoning ordinances; the county itself does not administer each local ordinance.
    • Each township, city, and village has its own zoning ordinance and zoning districts.
    “Each township, city, and village have its own set of zoning districts in the ordinance, and while some residential districts share the same names across jurisdictions, others differ.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Building height under independently administered township, city, and village zoning ordinances in Kent County.

    • Most townships, cities, and villages have a 35-foot maximum unless property is in a high-density, high-rise zone.
    • The applicable local ordinance and district must be identified before applying a limit.

    typical maximum building height: 35 feet (unless the property is located within a high-density, high-rise zone)

    “The maximum building height for most townships, cities, and villages in Kent County is 35 feet”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of on-site sewage disposal systems in Kent County.

    • The application must include a detailed site plan and floorplans if new construction.
    “Required permit for installation of on-site sewage disposal (septic) systems. The application must include a detailed site plan and floorplans if new construction.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Work authorized by a Kent County sewage-disposal permit.

    • Final inspection is required before work is approved.
    • The facility may not receive final cover or otherwise be rendered inaccessible before final inspection and Health Officer approval.
    • Final-inspection requirements may be waived if completed work can be adequately verified by other means.
    “All work authorized by a permit issued by the Health Officer shall be subject to a final inspection”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private or commercial well and septic systems in Kent County, especially real-estate transactions.
      “Inspection and evaluation of private or commercial well and septic systems, often required before selling an existing building.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Installation of on-site water-supply well systems in Kent County.

    • The county page lists residential, non-residential, test-well, irrigation, geothermal, and water-supply permit services.
    “Required permit for installation of on-site water supply (well) systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of on-site water-supply well systems in Kent County.
      “Required permit for installation of on-site water supply (well) systems.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Divisions of land, subdivisions, and site condominiums proposed to use onsite wastewater disposal or individual water-supply wells.

    • The Michigan Land Division Act requires local-health-department review of all divisions of land under one acre, subdivisions, and site condominiums.
    • The county page describes an evaluation for proposed divisions served by onsite wastewater or individual wells.
    “An evaluation of a proposed division of land to be served by onsite wastewater disposal systems and/or individual water supply wells. The Michigan Land Division Act (Public Act 288 of 1967) requires that all divisions of land under one acre, subdivisions, and site condominiums be reviewed by the local health department.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Construction, filling, grading, and floodway/floodplain alteration in applicable Kent County areas.

    • EGLE permits are required for projects involving construction, filling, and grading within a floodplain.
    • Natural floodway and floodplain-fringe filling or alteration requires Kent County Drain Commission review and approval on watercourses with contributing drainage areas of 2 square miles or greater.
    • Participating NFIP communities impose additional local floodplain requirements.

    contributing drainage area threshold: >= 2 square miles (for stated Kent County Drain Commission review requirements)

    “Natural floodway filling or alteration shall not be allowed without review and approval by the Kent County Drain Commission and compliance with the Floodplain Regulatory Authority found in Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA) on watercourses with contributing drainage area of 2 square miles or greater.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Kent County Drain Commissioner review of plats and site development under the Site Development Rules.

    • Fees are in Appendix I, Schedule of Fees.
    • The fee-schedule authorization was adopted by the Kent County Board of Commissioners.
    “fees for reviewing a plat or site development under these rules”
  • Permit processPartial

    Kent County aggregate building-code jurisdiction structure, including incorporated cities, villages, and townships listed in the Statewide Jurisdiction List.

    • The Statewide Jurisdiction List states that Kent has no county program.
    • The list shows local building programs for the listed Kent cities, villages, and townships; applications must therefore be directed to the applicable local enforcing agency rather than presumed to be handled by Kent County.
    • The cited list identifies enforcement responsibility but does not publish a single countywide application method for all Kent local agencies.
    • The list is revised after Construction Code Commission meetings, and effective dates for changes appear below the relevant jurisdiction level.
    “KENT NO COUNTY PROGRAM KENT CITY OF CEDAR SPRINGS LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL [...] KENT TOWNSHIP OF VERGENNES LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL LOCAL”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

Michigan rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of a building or structure in Michigan, including Kent County.

    • Application must be submitted in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    • A permit is also required for a change in use or occupancy.
    • Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, subject to the stated structural, egress, utility, public-health, and safety limitations.
    “Before construction of a building or structure, an owner, or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent, shall submit an application”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction of a building or structure and changes in use or occupancy in Kent County.
      “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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A person erecting a residential structure in Michigan, including Kent County, for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.

    • The exemption applies to the person erecting the residential structure for the person's own use and occupancy.
    • The residential structure must be on the person's property.
    • The Michigan LARA FAQ states that its Bureau of Construction Codes Licensing and employees cannot provide legal advice or interpretations of the statute, Occupational Code, or law, and directs readers to the statute for the determination whether particular work requires a license.
    “or a person who erects a residential structure or combination residential and commercial structure except for the person's own use and occupancy on the person's property.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures statewide in Michigan, including residential requirements administered under the Michigan Residential Code.

    • The current Michigan Building Code is the 2021 edition and is effective April 9, 2025.
    • The rule adopts the International Building Code by reference with Michigan amendments and exceptions.
    • The adopted rule excludes sections 104.2, 104.3, 104.8, 104.8.1, 104.10, 105.3, 105.3.1, 105.3.2, 105.6, 109.2 to 109.6, 111.2, 111.3, 113.2, 113.3, 113.4, 114.1, 114.2, 114.3, 114.4, 115.1 to 115.4, 423.5, 423.5.1, 423.5.2, 903.2.8.4, 2902 to 2902.6, Table 2902.1, section 3005.5, the definition of agricultural building in section 202, and the definition of recreational vehicle in Appendix G.
    • The rule also incorporates IECC 2021, IEBC 2021, IMC 2021, IPC 2021, IPSDC 2021, and NFPA 70 2023 as listed in chapter 35.
    • Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code.
    • The code may be purchased from the International Code Council through the bureau website at a cost of $144.00 as of the time of adoption of the amendatory rules.

    building code edition: 2021 Michigan Building Code (Michigan amendments and listed exceptions apply) · effective date: 2025-04-09

    “The provisions of the international building code, 2021 edition, including appendices F, G, and H, except for [...] govern the construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, use, and occupancy of buildings and structures, and, with exceptions noted, the international building code is adopted by reference in these rules.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Buildings in Michigan, including one- and two-family dwellings in Kent County.
      “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.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Buildings in Michigan, including Kent County; residential requirements are in the Michigan Residential Code.
      “2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    A new building or altered building subject to the Michigan construction code.

    • The building or altered building may not be used or occupied until the code official issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • The permit holder or authorized agent must submit a written request after project completion.
    • The request must include applicable building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, and school fire-services project numbers.
    • The certificate cannot be issued until all fees are paid, permits are finaled, and permitted work is completed in accordance with the permit, code, and applicable laws and ordinances.
    • If an electrical, mechanical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, plan-review, or Fire Services project is not required, the request must state “not applicable.”
    “A new building or a building that is altered shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the code official.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Michigan's statutory zoning framework for counties, townships, cities, and villages; this does not identify the actual zoning districts adopted by each local government.

    • Actual zoning districts and district regulations are local and must be checked in the applicable county, township, city, or village ordinance.
    • The cited act's stated effective date is July 1, 2006.
    “to provide for the establishment in counties, townships, cities, and villages of zoning districts;”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    Michigan statewide onsite sanitary wastewater systems.

    • EGLE oversees the onsite wastewater program and coordinates administration with local health departments.
    • Local health departments permit and inspect onsite sanitary wastewater systems.
    • Some communities may have additional local ordinance requirements.
    “EGLE’s Onsite Wastewater Program oversees the discharge and permitting of sanitary wastewaters to on-site septic systems.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential sanitary sewage disposal in Michigan without connection to a municipal sanitary sewer.

    • Sanitary sewage from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers must be directed to a municipal sanitary sewer or an onsite septic system.
    • An onsite septic system is subject to the EGLE-coordinated permitting and local-health-department permitting and inspection framework.
    • The source does not establish a statewide authorization for untreated discharge or arbitrary off-grid sanitation methods.
    “All sanitary sewage [...] must be directed to municipal sanitary sewer or to an onsite septic system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings and premises in Michigan that have plumbing fixtures or drainage piping.

    • Connection must be to a public sewer where available, or otherwise to an approved private sewage disposal system.
    • Plumbing work cannot begin until the appropriate enforcing agency issues a permit.
    • Local requirements may apply to water service and building sewer installation.
    “Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed [...] shall be connected to a public sewer, where available, or an approved private sewage disposal system.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Tiny houses, including tiny houses built on wheels, proposed as resort cabins or similar occupancy in Michigan.

    • The source distinguishes tiny houses from recreational units and states they cannot be treated as recreational units even if built on wheels.
    • The tiny house must be built as a resort rather than a campground.
    • Local health department permitting for wells, septic tanks, and drainfields is required as applicable.
    • Local zoning, building, electrical, and plumbing permits and final approvals are required under local authorities.
    • The source does not establish statewide zoning permission or a statewide right to occupy a tiny house.
    “Local zoning, building, electrical, plumbing permits and final approvals under local authorities.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Michigan counties serving as building-code enforcing agencies for residential construction in unincorporated areas, subject to the Statewide Jurisdiction List and local/state jurisdiction assignments.

    • Before construction, a written building-permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
    • A permit is also required when use or occupancy changes.
    • Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but the stated structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and public-health/safety limitations apply.
    • The Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code govern construction; county enforcement applies only where the Statewide Jurisdiction List designates county jurisdiction.
    “If COUNTY is indicated, that unit of government receives code enforcement services from a county enforcing agency.”

Inside cities and towns in Kent County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    New construction or additions to a single-family home or 2-family duplex within the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan.

    • A residential building permit is required.
    • The permit ensures compliance with the Michigan residential building code and City of Grand Rapids Zoning Ordinance.
    • The applicant must be the owner and occupant or a licensed residential builder; alternatively, written authorization from a license holder is needed.
    • Uploaded plans are required and must show the project's location, size, and detail.
    • The applicant must include building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, excavating, grading, other costs, and construction labor costs when calculating improvement value; architectural fees, lot cost, landscaping, and personal property are excluded.
    • The applicant must have a credit or debit card ready.
    • Applications may be submitted online, with plans uploaded through the ePlan Room; plan review will not begin until plans are submitted.
    • The City confirms receipt by email, may require revisions, and emails the permit when approved.
    • The page does not state a specific fee amount or inspection schedule.

    covered dwelling type: single-family home or 2-family duplex · plan submission: uploaded electronic plans required

    “single-family home or 2-family duplex, you will need to apply for a residential building permit. [...] When approved, we'll send your permit by email”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Inspections — Residential building inspections in Kent County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size under local zoning in Kent County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size under local zoning in Kent County.
  • Setbacks — Zoning setbacks in Kent County.
  • Lot coverage — Zoning lot-coverage limits in Kent County.
8 more unanswered
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Living off-grid in Kent County, Michigan

Is Kent County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Kent County scores 53/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: 22 operating mines and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: about 593,052 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Kent County, Michigan?

Kent County generally requires a residential building permit, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Kent County Health Department, Environmental Health Division. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Kent County, Michigan?

Land in Kent County runs about $7,869 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kent County?

Kent County gets about 37.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.2% of years.

How remote is Kent County?

A representative private-land location has about 593,052 people within a 30-minute drive and 4,118,886 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Kent compares in Michigan

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