Bolthole Index

Kent County, Michigan

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Walker, Michigan

Walker, Michigan requires zoning approval before a building permit for a new home, and the city administers its own zoning ordinance.12 Inside Walker in Kent County, private wells and septic systems are administered by Kent County Health Department.3 Walker prohibits living, sleeping or housekeeping in an RV parked or stored on a residential lot or another location not approved for that use.4

At a glance

Building permits
City building permit follows zoning approval, before construction1
Zoning
Walker has its own zoning ordinance and district standards25
Septic permits
Kent County Health Department; site plan and floorplans for new construction36
RV living
Prohibited in parked or stored recreational equipment on residential lots and other unapproved locations4
Minimum home size
960 square feet in the A residential and AA agricultural districts78
Owner-builder
Homeowner affidavit available for personally installed work in an own single-family dwelling occupied or about to be occupied9
Water and sewer
Public connection required when available as determined by the City Engineer; private wells need county approval1011

Who to call

Building permits

Walker Building Department / Community Development

Building and trade permit applications, plan review, inspections and certificates of occupancy

616-791-6858

[email protected]

4243 Remembrance Road NW Walker, MI 49534

Online permits →

Planning & zoning

Walker Community Development Department

Planning and zoning applications and compliance questions

616-791-6858

[email protected]

4243 Remembrance Road NW Walker, MI 49534

Septic permits

Kent County Health Department — Environmental Health Division

Private well and septic permits, site evaluations and real estate evaluations

(616) 632-7100

700 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Roads & driveways

Walker Department of Public Works

City right-of-way applications, including residential driveways and sidewalks

(616) 791-6854

[email protected]

4243 Remembrance Road NW Walker, MI 49534

Floodplain permits

Walker Engineering Department / City Engineer

Stormwater permitting and drainage review; ask about parcel floodplain requirements

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Walker, MI?

Walker requires a building permit after issuance of a zoning permit and before construction of a new home.1 Walker administers Michigan building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing construction codes, so a homeowner affidavit does not remove code or inspection obligations.129 The affidavit covers work personally installed in the homeowner’s own single-family dwelling when the homeowner lives there or is about to occupy it.9 Walker lists a $50 zoning permit fee when applicable; ask the Building Department for the building permit charge for your project.1314

Who issues building permits in Walker, and how do you apply?

Walker’s Building Department, within Community Development, handles construction plan review, building permit issuance, progress inspections and final certificates of occupancy.14 Contact Community Development at 616-791-6858 or [email protected] for building permit applications and inspection arrangements.14 Walker accepts applications through the BS&A portal or a completed application submitted by email, mail or in person.14 For zoning and planning applications, Community Development is also the city counter to contact.15 Private well and septic approvals remain with Kent County Health Department even when Walker issues the building permit.3

Does Walker have zoning, and what are the lot and setback rules?

Walker has its own zoning ordinance; determine the parcel’s district before sizing a house or dividing land.25 In Walker’s A single-family residential district, the minimum lot area is 11,880 square feet and minimum width is 90 feet.16 A-district principal buildings need a 35-foot front yard, at least 10 feet on one side, 20 feet of combined side yards and a 25-foot rear yard.17 Walker’s AA agricultural district instead lists a minimum lot area of 1 acre and width of 180 feet, with the width subject to a schedule note.18 Public water and sewer availability can change the applicable district standards, so confirm the buildable layout with Community Development and the City Engineer.1015

How do septic and well permits work inside Walker?

Kent County Health Department administers private wells and septic systems inside Walker, and installation requires the appropriate septic or well permit.3611 A new-construction septic application must include a detailed site plan and floorplans; permits and site evaluations are valid for 2 years and are non-transferable.6 Request a county site evaluation before committing to a private-system layout, and arrange MISS Dig marking before the site visit.19 Walker requires public water and/or sewer connection when available at the site as determined by the City Engineer, although the City Commission can waive the requirement for unreasonable hardship.10 Buying an off-grid design does not bypass that connection requirement or county septic permitting.20

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Walker?

Walker prohibits living, sleeping or housekeeping in major recreational equipment parked or stored on a residential lot or another unapproved location.4 The allowance for temporary front-yard parking for loading and unloading, up to 72 hours, does not authorize residential RV occupancy.4 Walker separately allows limited short-term outdoor camping events on occupied parcels of at least 1 acre in residential and P-SP districts, with approved drinking-water and sewage facilities on the parcel and other applicable requirements.21 Walker’s A and AA districts require at least 960 square feet per dwelling under the stated floor-area rules.78 We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy authorization; ask Community Development about the proposed dwelling and district before buying a unit.15

Building a home in Walker: what are the steps, in order?

  1. Confirm Walker zoning and the district’s lot, dwelling-size and setback standards with Community Development.215
  2. Ask the City Engineer whether public water and sewer are available; if private systems are appropriate, obtain Kent County Health Department site evaluation and septic and well approvals.1061119
  3. Obtain zoning approval, then the Walker building permit before construction; include the city right-of-way application for driveway work where required.122
  4. Arrange inspections with 48 hours advance notice, and do not cover or use work before inspection and approval.23
  5. Complete utilities and obtain the certificate of occupancy before using the new home.24

What should you check before buying land in Walker?

Check drainage and floodplain constraints with Walker Engineering: changes to site grade or drainage may require a stormwater permit.25 Walker’s new-construction zoning standard places windows and doors at least 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation.26 Check driveway feasibility with Walker Public Works because work in the public right-of-way, including driveways and sidewalks, requires a right-of-way permit.22 For a house with existing private systems, ask Kent County Health Department about a real estate well and septic evaluation rather than assuming every sale has the same inspection requirement.27 For land outside Walker city limits, use the Kent County guide and identify the local zoning jurisdiction; Kent County has no unified countywide zoning ordinance.28

Watch-outs

  • Walker building permits can expire if work does not start within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days; reopening a closed or expired permit costs $75.23
  • Walker prohibits community drain fields, and public utility availability can change the applicable zoning district standards.10
  • We could not confirm complete district-specific accessory dwelling or short-term rental permissions in Walker; ask Community Development about the proposed use before purchase.15
  • Kent County Health Department applies a convenience fee to credit and debit card transactions effective October 1, 2026.19

Sources

  1. City of Walker Zoning Ordinance, effective February 8, 2024 (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  2. Community Development | Walker, MI (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  3. Water & Sewer Services | Walker, MI (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  4. Code of Ordinances, Section 94-12.04, Major recreational equipment and mobile homes (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  5. Walker Zoning Ordinance, Article 7 district schedule (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic & Well | Kent County, MI (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  7. Walker Zoning Ordinance, Article 7 district schedule (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  8. Walker Zoning Ordinance, Article 7 district schedule (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  9. Walker Building Permit Application (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  10. City of Walker Zoning Ordinance, effective February 8, 2024 (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  11. Septic & Well | Kent County, MI (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  12. Walker Building Permit Application (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  13. Walker Building Permit Application (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  14. Walker Building Department / Community Development (walkermi.gov)
  15. Walker Community Development Department (walkermi.gov)
  16. Walker Zoning Ordinance, Article 7 district schedule (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  17. Walker Zoning Ordinance, Article 7 district schedule (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  18. Walker Zoning Ordinance, Article 7 district schedule (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  19. Kent County Health Department — Environmental Health Division (kentcountymi.gov)
  20. City of Walker Zoning Ordinance, effective February 8, 2024 (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  21. City of Walker Zoning Ordinance, effective February 8, 2024 (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  22. Residential New Home Construction Permit Guide (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  23. Walker Building Permit Application (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  24. City of Walker Zoning Ordinance, effective February 8, 2024 (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  25. Walker Engineering Department / City Engineer (walkermi.gov)
  26. City of Walker Zoning Ordinance, effective February 8, 2024 (Walker), quoted and re-checked
  27. Septic & Well, quoted and re-checked
  28. 2025 Kent County Fair Housing Analysis and Fair Housing Equity Plan, quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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 Walker

Walker’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction and qualifying alterations inside Walker city limits.

    • Walker Zoning Ordinance Section 18.02 requires a building permit after issuance of a zoning permit and before construction.
    • Michigan ordinary repairs are exempt only when they do not include structural, egress, utility, electrical, mechanical, public-health, or general-safety work.
    “A Building Permit shall be required, as described in the most recently adopted Building Code for the State of Michigan, after the issuance of a Zoning Permit, and before construction.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    A homeowner applying for a permit for work the homeowner will personally install in the homeowner's own single-family dwelling in Walker.

    • The homeowner must be living in or about to occupy the dwelling.
    • The homeowner must comply with the city-adopted building code, arrange necessary inspections, and cooperate with the building inspector.
    • This is a homeowner affidavit and does not establish a general exemption from all state licensing requirements.
    “I HEREBY CERTIFY THE CONSTRUCTION WORK DESCRIBED ON THIS PERMIT APPLICATION WILL BE INSTALLED BY MYSELF IN MY OWN SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING IN WHICH I AM LIVING OR ABOUT TO OCCUPY.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Construction inside Walker city limits.

    • The city application refers to the building code adopted by the City of Walker.
    • The Walker Building Department also administers Michigan building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing construction codes.
    “ALL WORK SHALL BE INSTALLEDIN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUILDING CODE ADOPTEDBY THECITY OF WALKER”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Walker city limits.

    • Work may not be enclosed, covered up, or put into use until inspected and approved.
    • Inspection scheduling requires 48 hours advance notice.
    • A permit expires if work does not commence within 180 days or is suspended or abandoned for 180 days; reopening a closed or expired permit costs $75.

    inspection notice: 48 hours · permit commencement period: 180 days (or the permit becomes invalid if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days) · reopen closed or expired permit fee: 75 USD

    “AND WILL NOT BE ENCLOSED,COVEREDUP, OR PUT INTO USEUNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTEDANDAPPROVEDBY THE BUILDING INSPECTOR.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures or premises altered, moved, extended, or erected inside Walker city limits.

    • The Planning Director must inspect the premises, issue a certificate of occupancy, and file a copy with the city clerk before use.
    • All utilities must be complete and installed before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
    “It shall be unlawful to use or permit the use of any structure or premises to be altered, moved, extended or erected until the Planning Director has [...] issued a certificate of occupancy”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Walker city limits; Walker administers its own zoning ordinance.

    • The City of Walker Planning page identifies the City of Walker Zoning Ordinance and zoning map.
    • Zoning applications may require public notice, rezoning, special land-use approval, variances, site-plan review, or PUD review.
    “This chapter shall be known as the Zoning Ordinance for the city.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts inside Walker city limits.

    • Article 7 publishes a district-regulations table including A, A-2, SA, S, AA, ARM-1, ARM-MULT, RMT, commercial, industrial, public/semi-public, PUD, and overlay districts.
    • The city Planning page links a zoning map for determining a property's zoning.
    “The area, height, bulk and placement requirements for principal and accessory uses [...] shall be as follows:”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings in the A single-family residential district.

    • The 960-square-foot minimum excludes porches, garages, breezeways, terraces, attics, and basements, subject to the basement conditions in Section 15.04.
    • The district schedule also shows 960 square feet.

    minimum dwelling-unit floor area: >= 960 square feet (basements may count if fully enclosed, code-compliant, and finished as required)

    “"A" single-family residential 35 35(11) 10 20 25 35 2½ 11,880 90 960”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    The A single-family residential district.

    • The A district row also lists a 90-foot minimum lot width.

    minimum lot area: >= 11880 square feet · minimum lot width: >= 90 feet

    “"A" single-family residential [...] 11,880 90 960”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Principal buildings in the A single-family residential district.

    • Front setback is 35 feet; at least one side yard is 10 feet; total side yards are 20 feet; rear yard is 25 feet.
    • Setbacks are measured from the street right-of-way or lot line as specified in the schedule notes.

    front setback: >= 35 feet · minimum one side yard: >= 10 feet · combined side yards: >= 20 feet · rear setback: >= 25 feet

    “"A" single-family residential 35 35(11) 10 20 25”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    The A single-family residential district.

    • The Article 7 schedule identifies maximum lot coverage as 35 percent.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 35 percent

    “Max. Lot Coverage (%) [...] "A" single-family residential 35”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightSpecified

    Principal buildings in the A single-family residential district.

    • Maximum building height is 35 feet and 2.5 stories.

    maximum building height: <= 35 feet · maximum building height: <= 2.5 stories

    “"A" single-family residential [...] 35 2½”
  • Living in an RVProhibited

    Living, sleeping, or housekeeping in major recreational equipment, including travel trailers, motorized dwellings, tent trailers, and ORVs, when parked or stored on a residential lot or another unapproved location inside Walker.

    • A maximum of one piece may be temporarily parked in a residential front yard for loading and unloading for no more than 72 hours.
    • Equipment over 34 feet long or 8.5 feet wide has additional 48-hour restrictions; boats over 34 feet long or 9 feet wide may only be stored in a wholly enclosed building.
    • The section does not authorize occupancy in locations approved for such use.

    temporary front-yard loading/unloading period: <= 72 hours

    “Major recreational equipment shall not be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes when parked or stored on a residential lot or in any other location not approved for those purposes.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Short-term outdoor camping events inside Walker city limits.

    • Limited to residential zoning districts and the P-SP Public/Semi-Public district.
    • The event must be on an occupied parcel of at least one acre.
    • Approved drinking-water and sewage facilities must be available on the same parcel.
    • All city-code, state, and county requirements apply.

    minimum parcel area: >= 1 acre

    “Short-term outdoor camping events, subject to the following restrictions:”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private or off-grid sanitation for development inside Walker city limits.

    • Public water and sewer are generally required when available.
    • Where public water and sewer are unavailable and not extended, specified zoning districts are treated under alternate district standards.
    • Community drain fields are prohibited.
    • Private septic systems remain subject to Kent County Health Department permitting and administration.
    “If public water and sewer are not available and not extended, then the provisions of the districts listed below shall apply”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    New principal buildings and development inside Walker city limits.

    • Connection to public water and/or sewer is required when available at the site as determined by the City Engineer.
    • The City Commission may waive the requirement for unreasonable hardship.
    • For SA, A, and A-2 lots without public water and sewer, the S district standards apply; for ARM, C-1, C-2, I-1, I-2, ORP, and RMT lots, the AA standards apply.
    • Overlay districts may not be developed without public water and sewer; community drain fields are prohibited.
    • All utilities must be complete before a certificate of occupancy.
    “Connection to the public water and/or sewer systems shall be required [...] for all new construction of principal buildings when public water and/or sewer is available at the site”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision or platting of land inside Walker city limits.

    • Walker adopted subdivision regulations under Michigan's Land Division Act and Michigan Planning Enabling Act.
    • The regulations are intended to promote orderly development and protect public health, safety, and welfare.
    “The purpose of this chapter is to provide the requirements of the city with respect to the subdivision or platting of land within the city”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways and sidewalk/driveway work within Walker public rights-of-way.

    • A right-of-way permit is required for all work within the public right-of-way, including sidewalks and driveways.
    • Residential driveway plans must accompany the Public Works Residential Permit application.
    • A residential driveway must be at least 60 feet from the nearest right-of-way line of an intersection on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less.
    • One driveway is permitted for the first 100 feet or less of frontage; circle or secondary drives may be permitted above 100 feet if other rules are satisfied.
    • Driveways must connect at 90 degrees in the public right-of-way and generally be paved.

    intersection separation for residential driveway: >= 60 feet (streets with speed limit 25 mph or less) · driveways for first 100 feet of frontage: 1 driveway (circle or secondary drives may be permitted when frontage exceeds 100 feet)

    “RIGHT OF WAY PERMIT - Required for all work within the public right of way. (sidewalk / driveway, etc)”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New construction and development subject to Walker stormwater and floodplain standards.

    • Walker adopted FEMA flood maps; the maps are officially effective February 23, 2023.
    • All windows and doors must be at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation for new construction under the zoning ordinance.
    • A property owner disputing floodplain status must use the FEMA Letter of Map Amendment process.

    window and door elevation above 100-year flood elevation: >= 1 foot

    “All windows and doors must be at least 1 foot above the 100 year flood elevation”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Walker building and zoning permit administration.

    • The building permit application states that a $50 zoning permit fee is assessed when applicable.
    • A $75 fee applies to reopening a closed or expired building permit.
    • The city Building page links a CDD Fee Schedule dated 9.23.24; fees may vary by permit type and valuation.

    zoning permit fee when applicable: 50 USD · reopen closed or expired permit fee: 75 USD

    “$50 ZONING PERMIT FEE WILL BE ASSESSED WHEN APPLICABLE.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permits inside Walker city limits.

    • Applicants may apply through the BS&A portal or submit a completed application by email, mail, or in person.
    • Walker provides permit applications and residential and non-residential permit guides.
    • Inspections require 48 hours advance notice.
    “Contractors and homeowners have two options when applying for a permit:”

Rules another office applies inside Walker

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

  • Who permits septicCounty

    Private wells and septic tanks on properties located inside Walker city limits.

    • Walker identifies the Kent County Health Department as responsible for administering private wells and septic tanks in the city.
    • The city provides the health department contact number 616-632-6900.
    “The Kent County Health Department is responsible for the administration of wells and septic tanks for properties located in the City of Walker.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of on-site sewage disposal systems inside Walker city limits.

    • The Kent County Health Department page states that a required permit applies to installation of on-site sewage disposal systems.
    • For new construction, the application must include a detailed site plan and floorplans.
    • Permits and site evaluations are valid for two years and are non-transferable.

    permit validity: 2 years (permits are non-transferable)

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

    Installation of on-site water-supply well systems inside Walker city limits.

    • Kent County identifies a required permit for residential, non-residential, test, irrigation, and geothermal water-supply systems.
    • Type II public-supply wells have additional requirements.
    “Required permit for installation of on-site water supply (well) systems.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Walker or Kent County directly.

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Walker city limits.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units inside Walker city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Inspection of septic systems inside Walker city limits.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural construction or land-use exemptions inside Walker city limits.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental of a residential dwelling for fewer than 30 consecutive days inside Walker city limits.

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 Walker publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Kent County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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