Mackinac County, MI Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Mackinac County, Michigan requires a building permit for most new construction under the statewide Michigan Building Code and Michigan Residential Code¹². Mackinac County government itself runs no countywide building department, so which office issues that permit depends on where the land sits: the City of St. Ignace, the City of Mackinac Island, and five townships run their own local building department, while the rest of the county is enforced directly by the state³. Zoning rules must be checked with the parcel's city or township, and septic systems go through a multi-county health district⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Required statewide, but Mackinac County has no county building department; enforcement is split between local township/city departments and the state¹
Zoning: Check the parcel's city or township; the City of Mackinac Island is one confirmed jurisdiction with its own ordinance⁴⁶
Septic permits: LMAS District Health Department, serving Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft counties⁵
Owner-builder: An owner building for their own use and occupancy is exempt from the residential-builder license requirement and may pull the permit themselves⁷
Well permits: Required statewide before drilling or major repair; processed through LMAS for Mackinac County⁸⁹
Septic fees (LMAS): $200 site evaluation; residential permit fees run from $200 to $700 by system type, with an added island-travel charge when applicable¹⁰
RV / tiny home living: No confirmed countywide rule; depends on the zoning of the specific township, so ask that township directly⁴
Floodplain work: Some construction, fill and grade changes in regulated river, stream or drain floodplains require an EGLE permit¹¹

Who to call

Building permits

Michigan LARA Bureau of Construction Codes, Building Trades Section

Building-permit questions and enforcement for Michigan jurisdictions, including Mackinac County townships where the state (not a local building department) is the enforcing agency

517-241-9313

[email protected]

Online permits →

Also useful

Statewide Jurisdiction List (Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes)

The state's own list of which unit of government (state, county, or a named city/township) enforces building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing code in each Michigan jurisdiction, including every city and township in Mackinac County

Septic permits

LMAS District Health Department, Mackinac County office

Onsite sewage disposal (septic) and private well permits for Mackinac County

(906) 643-1100

749 Hombach Street, St. Ignace, Michigan 49781

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Yes. Michigan enforces a statewide construction code, and before building or altering a structure, an owner or their builder, architect, engineer or agent must submit a written application to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit¹². A permit is also required whenever the use or occupancy of a structure changes, though ordinary repairs are exempt as long as they don't cut into structural walls, beams, egress paths, or affect plumbing, electrical, mechanical or public-health and safety systems². Once a project is done, a Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the building can be used, which requires all fees paid and all permitted work completed and finaled¹². A property owner building a home for their own use and occupancy is exempt from Michigan's residential-builder license requirement and can pull that permit themselves⁷.

Who handles building permits in Mackinac County, and how do you reach them?

Mackinac County government does not run a countywide building department³. Instead, the state's Statewide Jurisdiction List splits building enforcement by city and township: the City of St. Ignace, the City of Mackinac Island, and Clark, Hendricks, Marquette, Moran and Newton townships use local building departments³. Bois Blanc, Brevort, Garfield, Hudson, Portage and St. Ignace townships use state building-code enforcement³. For state-enforced locations, contact the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes Building Trades Section at 517-241-9313 or [email protected]; state permits can also be checked or obtained through the online portal¹³. The state says its jurisdiction list is updated as enforcement assignments change, so verify the current entry for the parcel's city or township before filing¹⁴.

Does Mackinac County have zoning?

Zoning rules in Mackinac County must be checked with the city or township that contains the parcel⁴. The City of Mackinac Island, for example, has its own zoning ordinance with 11 districts, and Portage Township is identified as having a township ordinance⁶⁴. Michigan law allows counties, townships, cities and villages to establish zoning districts, but the actual district map and standards come from the local ordinance that applies to the parcel¹⁵. A buyer therefore needs the city or township's current answer on setbacks, lot coverage, height, minimum lot size and allowed uses. We could not confirm a current countywide table covering every local jurisdiction or independently confirm the county's own zoning role, so ask the relevant city or township zoning office rather than treating a county-level search as the final answer.

How do septic permits work in Mackinac County?

Septic systems throughout Mackinac County are permitted by LMAS District Health Department, the public-health district serving Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft counties⁵¹⁶. New, altered, extended or replacement systems require an application and an LMAS site-and-soils evaluation before permit issuance¹⁰. The current application lists a $200 site evaluation and residential permit fees from $200 to $700 depending on system type, with an additional island-travel charge when applicable¹⁰. Only 1.2% of county soils rate as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the evaluation an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a conventional system will fit¹⁷. The installer must give LMAS 72 hours' notice before completion, and the system generally cannot be covered before its final inspection or approval to backfill¹⁸. New or replacement residential wells also go through LMAS; the application lists a $315 water-supply fee and requires an old well to be abandoned when it is replaced⁹.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Mackinac County?

There's no confirmed countywide rule allowing or barring long-term RV or tiny-home living on private land in Mackinac County; since zoning here is set township by township, the real answer depends on which township your land is in, and that has to be checked directly with the township⁴. Statewide rules on "park model" recreational units only address a narrow case — units under 400 square feet on a single wheeled chassis, sited on a licensed campsite inside a licensed campground with a sewer connection and set water and wastewater capacity — and don't say anything about living in an RV on your own unzoned or lightly zoned land¹⁹. Michigan guidance on tiny houses is similar: it treats a tiny house differently from a park model and says local zoning, building, electrical and plumbing approvals apply, without granting any statewide right to occupy one²⁰. Ask your township's zoning or building contact before assuming either is allowed.

Building a home in Mackinac County: the steps, in order

Identify the parcel's city or township and use the Statewide Jurisdiction List to determine whether a local department or the state handles the building permit³.

Ask that city or township for its current zoning map and the parcel's setbacks, lot standards and allowed uses⁴.

Arrange the LMAS site-and-soils evaluation early; the listed evaluation fee is $200, and only 1.2% of county soils rate as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹⁰¹⁷.

Apply through LMAS for a new or replacement well when needed; the residential water-supply application fee is $315⁹.

Submit construction documents and the written building-permit application to the correct enforcing agency before work begins¹⁴.

Complete required inspections and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy before using the finished building¹².

What to check before you buy land in Mackinac County

Confirm the parcel's city or township and get that jurisdiction's zoning answer before relying on a seller's description⁴. Verify building-code authority separately because some Mackinac County cities and townships use local departments while others use the state³. Septic suitability deserves early scrutiny: only 1.2% of county soils rate as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹⁷. Check flood maps and state review needs as well, because construction, fill or grade changes in certain river, stream or drain floodplains require an EGLE permit, and new residential construction is prohibited in the floodway¹¹. Mackinac County is 75.3% forested, and 96.3% of its land is at a slope of 15% or less, but those countywide figures do not replace parcel-level soil, wetland, flood and access checks²¹²². The effective property-tax rate is about 1%, with a median annual bill of $1,719²³²⁴.

Watch-outs

Mackinac County government runs no building department of its own; the enforcing agency is either a specific city/township department or the state, and that assignment is only shown on the state's own jurisdiction list, which can change without notice³.
RV use, tiny homes, setbacks and minimum dwelling size must be confirmed with the city or township that governs the parcel⁴.
A parcel in a regulated river, stream or drain floodplain may need an EGLE permit for construction, fill or grade changes, and new residential construction is prohibited in the floodway¹¹.

Sources

Written September 28, 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.

How Mackinac County scores

Seclusion91100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.

Admin Boringness46100% ev.

Durability80100% ev.

Property Autonomy77100% ev.

Carry Cost83100% 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 →

$231kTypical home

1%Property tax

$3,181Land / acre

33.6"Annual rain

1.2% of yrsSevere drought

0.1 / yr (+0.1)Mid-century 100°F days

10.4 daysMid-century dry spell

1.43" (+12.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.6×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$966Home insurance / yr

-0.6% / yrInsurance growth

0.4%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

2,273People within 30 min

219,664People within 2 hr

4,516Radius comparison (15 mi)

10.6People / sq mi

23.4%Federal land

96.3%Land at 15% slope or less

1.2%Septic soil without severe limits

7,516 acWorkable land screen

75.3%Wooded land

39.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac

41.9°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Mackinac County

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

Mackinac County rules

Who permits septicLocal
Residential and commercial onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems throughout Mackinac County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas.
- LMAS jurisdiction also covers Luce, Alger, and Schoolcraft Counties.
- Municipalities may adopt more restrictive regulations or enforce existing regulations, but when a health and sanitation inspection is required they must obtain a written LMAS compliance statement before issuing or renewing the relevant license.
“jurisdiction throughout Luce, Mackinac, Alger, and Schoolcraft Counties”
The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, extension, or replacement of residential or commercial onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in Mackinac County.
- A complete permit application from the property owner or authorized representative is required.
- A Department site and soils evaluation is required before permit issuance; applicant-paid backhoe excavations may be required.
- Residential permits are subject to the minimum criteria in Section 3-14.1.
- A permit is valid for 24 months, with a 30-day grace period for an extension request; an extension may be for 24 months.
- Permits are non-transferable.
- For commercial systems over 1,000 gallons per day, the code incorporates the Michigan Criteria for Subsurface Sewage Disposal and applicable current state requirements.
- The LMAS residential application lists site evaluation fees of $200 and residential system permit fees ranging from $200 to $700 depending on system type, plus an additional charge for island travel when applicable.
construction permit validity: 24 months (30-day grace period for an extension request; extension may be for 24 months) · site evaluation fee: 200 USD (additional island-travel charge may apply) · residential permit fee: 200-700 USD (depends on system type)
“Our program establishes requirements for construction permits”
The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
All permitted onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems installed in Mackinac County before being placed into use and receiving Department approval.
- The installation contractor must notify the Department 72 hours before completion to schedule the final inspection.
- The Department is to perform the final inspection within 72 hours of completion when the required advance notification is provided.
- Backfilling or covering is prohibited until inspection is completed or Department approval to backfill is granted.
- An affidavit of construction may be allowed instead when unforeseen circumstances prevent a final inspection.
- Final approval may be denied for permit-condition violations, faulty workmanship or materials, or noncompliance with the code.
advance inspection notice: 72 hours · Department inspection timing after completion: 72 hours (when required advance notification is provided)
“shall receive a final construction inspection”
The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Existing onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems in Mackinac County when a permit or final inspection is unavailable, or when LMAS determines an onsite evaluation is required.
  “If Environmental Health Staff determine that an on-site evaluation is required, applicant and Environmental Health Staff shall coordinate a date and time to conduct on-site system or site & soil evaluation.”
  Existing Facility Evaluation Application for Residential Sewage Disposal and Water Supply Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Privy-based sanitation as an alternative onsite sanitation option in Mackinac County under LMAS environmental-health permitting.
- The LMAS application lists a privy as an onsite sewage disposal system option and fee; the excerpt does not establish unrestricted approval without site evaluation and applicable code compliance.
- Alternative onsite systems and privies remain subject to the Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code and applicable LMAS requirements.
privy fee: 198 USD
“Privies shall not be allowed where not compliant with local zoning, State of Michigan construction codes, associated Technical bulletins, policies, and advisories. Privies are intended for remote sites with no available public electrical utilities or plumbing in a livable structure.”
Application to Construct Residential Sewage Disposal and/or Water Supply System(s) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Well permitRequired
Construction of a well or water supply, and extensive changes to an existing water supply, in Mackinac County.
- A complete application by the property owner or authorized representative is required.
- The permit is valid for 24 months, with a 30-day grace period for an extension request; it may be extended once for 24 months.
- Minor repairs such as replacing a pump, pump controls, drop pipe, pressure tank, or chemical treatment/disinfection do not require a permit.
- Mineral wells under the Mineral Well Act do not require an LMAS permit.
- A separate LMAS permit may not be required where EGLE directly requires a permit for the installation under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
- Emergency work may begin without prior permit when lack of water causes undue hardship while the Department is closed, but the permit must be obtained the next working day.
- An on-site inspection may be required during construction, and inspection of a new or extensively changed system may be required before use.
- LMAS final approval requires compliance, submission and approval of the well and pump record, and water-quality results meeting safe drinking-water standards for tested parameters.
well permit validity: 24 months (30-day grace period for extension request; one 24-month extension permitted)
“a well permit be obtained from the local health department”
The Upper Peninsula Environmental Health Code ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — New, repair, or replacement residential water-supply wells processed through LMAS in Mackinac County.
  “Residential WATER SUPPLY ($315): New Repair/Replacement (old well must be abandoned) Additional Non-Potable use ($315): Irrigation Livestock Other: ______________”
  Application to Construct Residential Sewage Disposal and/or Water Supply System(s) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
Zoning in Mackinac County is administered at the township level; the county hosts adopted township zoning ordinances (e.g., the Portage Township Zoning Ordinance).
Portage Township (Mackinac County) Zoning Ordinance ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
Under Michigan law (MCL 339.2403) a property owner building a structure for their own use and occupancy is exempt from the residential builder license requirement and may pull the permit themselves.
Michigan Compiled Laws MCL 339.2403 ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Michigan rules that apply here

Building permitRequired
Construction of a building or structure, and changes in the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof, including work in Mackinac County.
- The application must be submitted in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency, which may be the state, county, or local unit of government.
- Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but ordinary repairs exclude cutting away walls or partitions, removing structural beams or bearing supports, changing required means of egress, affecting exit requirements, and specified plumbing, electrical, mechanical, or other work affecting public health or general safety.
- A building permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.
“Before construction of a building or structure [...] shall submit an application in writing to the appropriate enforcing agency for a building permit.”
Building Permit Information ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Construction, alteration, use, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures in Michigan, including Mackinac County.
- Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code.
- Before construction of a building or structure, an application must be submitted 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.
- A permit is not required for ordinary repairs, subject to the stated limitations on structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and public-health or general-safety work.
- The Michigan Building Code page identifies the 2021 Michigan Building Code as effective April 9, 2025.
- The Michigan code-books page identifies the 2015 Michigan Residential Code as current and effective February 8, 2016.
Michigan Building Code edition: 2021 · Michigan Building Code effective date: 2025-04-09 · Michigan Residential Code edition: 2015 · Michigan Residential Code effective date: 2016-02-08
“2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025 NOTE: Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code. 2015 Michigan Residential Code Current Code – Effective February 8, 2016”
Code Books ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Michigan building-code requirements applicable statewide, including construction in Mackinac County through the appropriate enforcing agency.
  “2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025 NOTE: Residential requirements are contained in the Michigan Residential Code. 2015 Michigan Residential Code Current Code – Effective February 8, 2016”
  Building Permit Information ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — Building construction and one- and two-family residential construction in Mackinac County under Michigan's statewide construction-code system
  “2021 Michigan Building Code -Current Code-Effective April 9, 2025 [...] 2015 Michigan Residential Code Current Code – Effective February 8, 2016”
  Building Permit Information ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Adopted (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 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.”
  Code Books ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
Certificate of Occupancy Request ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Use or occupancy of a new or altered building in Mackinac County.
  “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.”
  Certificate of Occupancy Request ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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;”
Michigan Zoning Enabling Act ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
Michigan Part 7 Plumbing Code Rules ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural farm operations in Mackinac County seeking protection from nuisance litigation under Michigan's Right to Farm framework.
- The GAAMPs are voluntary standards used to mitigate nuisance conditions on farms.
- The standards are developed and adopted by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development under the Michigan Right to Farm Act, P.A. 93 of 1981, and reviewed annually.
- A farm determined to be in conformance with the GAAMPs may have an affirmative defense if a nuisance lawsuit is filed; the source does not state that protection is automatic.
- The source does not state that this protection exempts an operation from other state, federal, or local requirements.
“Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) are voluntary standards used to mitigate nuisance conditions on farms. They were developed and adopted by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development under the authority of the Michigan Right to Farm Act, P.A. 93, of 1981 and reviewed annually. Farms that are determined to be in conformance with the GAAMPs may have an affirmative defense if a nuisance lawsuit is filed against them.”
Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats and the orderly development of subdivisions in Michigan.
- The Michigan Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288.
- Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps for compliance with the Act.
- Final plats are authorized for submission to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.
“Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats and land divisions in Mackinac County, under Michigan's statewide Land Division Act.
  “The Office of Land Survey and Remonumentation administers the applicable provisions of the Land Division Act, 1967 PA 288 in order to ensure the orderly development of subdivisions in the State of Michigan. Staff conducts final reviews of plat maps to ensure compliance with the Act and authorizes final plats to be submitted to the Register of Deeds for proper recordation.”
  Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Alteration, occupation, construction, filling, or grade changes in the applicable 100-year floodplain of rivers, streams, or drains in Mackinac County.
- The state floodplain regulatory authority applies to rivers, streams, or drains with a drainage area of 2 square miles or greater.
- A permit is not required from EGLE under Part 31 for alterations within the floodplains of the Great Lakes, inland lakes, or watercourses with a drainage area less than 2 square miles, but other NREPA reviews may still be necessary.
- Construction and fill may be permitted in non-floodway portions if local ordinances and building standards are met and compensating excavation is provided equal to the volume of fill placed in the floodplain.
- New residential construction is specifically prohibited in the floodway.
- The lowest floor of residential structures within the 100-year floodplain must be elevated one foot above the 100-year flood elevation; some communities and counties may impose a higher elevation standard.
- The PDF source is marked Rev. 3/2026.
minimum drainage area for Part 31 floodplain authority: >= 2 square miles (Great Lakes, inland lakes, and watercourses below this threshold are outside EGLE Part 31 permit requirement) · minimum lowest-floor elevation: >= 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation (some communities and counties may require a higher standard)
“occupation, construction, filling or grade changes [...] with a drainage area of 2 square miles or more, requires a permit from EGLE under state floodplain regulations.”
Floodplains ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Building permits issued by the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes, including applicable state-issued permits for work in Mackinac County.
- The total cost of improvement is based on the Bureau of Construction Codes Square Foot Construction Cost Table.
- Plan review fees for use groups R-3 and R-4 only are included in the computation.
- Premanufactured unit fees are based upon 50% of the normal on-site construction permit fee.
- The first $100.00 of an application fee is non-refundable.
- The schedule is effective April 1, 2024.
- The published schedule also lists separate fees for work not involving square-foot computation, demolition, certificates of occupancy, reopening expired permits, and island inspections.
- Local enforcing agencies may administer building permits and may have locally applicable fee arrangements; this claim is limited to the cited state BCC schedule.
building permit fee for improvement cost up to $1,000: 75 USD (includes one inspection only) · building permit fee for improvement cost $1,000 to $10,000: $75 plus $10 per $1,000 over $1,000 USD · building permit fee for improvement cost $10,001 to $100,000: $165 plus $3 per $1,000 over $10,000 USD · building permit fee for improvement cost $100,000 to $500,000: $435 plus $2 per $1,000 over $100,000 USD · building permit fee for improvement cost over $500,000: $1,235 plus $3 per $1,000 over $500,000 USD · effective date: 2024-04-01
“BUREAU OF CONSTRUCTION CODES FEE SCHEDULE [...] BUILDING PERMITS [...] to $1,000 (includes one inspection only) [...] $75.00 [...] Effective Date - April 1, 2024”
BCC Fees Schedule 4-1-2024 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building permit applications for construction or changed occupancy governed by Michigan's construction code, including applicable work in Mackinac County.
- Before construction, the owner or the owner's builder, architect, engineer, or agent must submit a written application to the appropriate enforcing agency.
- A permit is also required when the use or occupancy of a structure or portion thereof is changed.
- Ordinary repairs do not require a permit, but the source excludes structural, egress, public-health, and general-safety work from the ordinary-repair exception.
- Construction documents are required with each application, but the building official may waive them when code compliance can be determined from the application description.
- Architect or professional-engineer seal and signature are not required for one- and two-family dwellings under 3,500 square feet of calculated floor area or public works under $15,000 in total construction cost.
- Permits may be obtained online or by mail; applying by mail may cause delays.
- The application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency, which may be the state, county, or local unit of government according to the regularly updated Statewide Jurisdiction List.
one- and two-family dwelling seal/signature threshold: < 3500 square feet of calculated floor area (architect or professional-engineer seal and signature not required) · public works seal/signature threshold: < 15000 USD total construction cost (architect or professional-engineer seal and signature not required)
“A building permit application must be submitted to the appropriate enforcing agency.”
Building Permit Information ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Park-model recreational units, a limited tiny-home-like category, on licensed Michigan campground campsites.
- The unit must be in a licensed campground and placed on a licensed campsite.
- The unit must be built on a single chassis mounted on wheels.
- Gross trailer area must not exceed 400 square feet in setup mode.
- The manufacturer must certify compliance with ANSI Standard A119.5.
- The campsite must have a site sewer connection.
- The water supply must provide 1 gallon per minute for each park model.
- The wastewater disposal system must receive 150 gallons per day for each park model.
gross trailer area: <= 400 square feet (in setup mode) · water supply capacity: >= 1 gallon per minute per park model · wastewater capacity: >= 150 gallons per day per park model
“recreational unit that is built on a single chassis mounted on wheels, that has a gross trailer area of not more than 400 square feet”
Cabins and park models ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — In Mackinac County, a campground involving five or more recreational units, including RVs, placed on a parcel or tract and used for temporary living quarters.
  “requires a campground license when five or more recreational units (i.e., tents, campers, RVs) are placed on a parcel or tract of land”
  Temporary campgrounds ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Limited — Tiny houses, including tiny houses built on wheels, proposed as resort cabins or similar occupancy in Michigan.
  “Local zoning, building, electrical, plumbing permits and final approvals under local authorities.”
  2022 ARVC - General ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
Building Permit Information ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Mackinac County

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

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land and development within the City of Mackinac Island, Mackinac County, Michigan
- The ordinance establishes 11 zoning districts and regulates uses and development within the city.
- The ordinance is effective as amended through Ordinance No. 627, effective January 28, 2026.
- Administration and enforcement are assigned to the city-appointed zoning administrator; zoning applications and related review are handled through the city's Building, Zoning, Planning, and Historic District Commission functions.
zoning districts: 11 districts · latest cited amendment effective date: January 28, 2026
“For the purpose of this ordinance, the City of Mackinac Island is hereby divided into 11 zoning districts known as:”
City of Mackinac Island Zoning Ordinance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Land divisions in Garfield Township, Mackinac County
- The application is governed by Garfield Township Land Division Ordinance No. 21, adopted July 14, 1997, and the Michigan Land Division Act, MCL 560.101 et seq.
- The application requires the applicable approval documents, including zoning-administrator review, tax or special-assessment status, road or MDOT review where applicable, county addressing review where applicable, and land-division-agent review.
- Required fees include a land-division review fee and a zoning-administrator review fee, with amounts left blank on the cited form.
- Divisions must address access, easements, utilities, existing improvements, and applicable site constraints such as wetlands, flood plains, steep slopes, and on-site sewage limitations.
- A decision approving a land division is effective for 90 days and is automatically revoked unless the approved division is recorded and filed within that period.
- Approval does not guarantee a building permit if on-site water or sewage disposal is not approvable; the landowner is responsible for checking with the District Health Department.
approval validity period: 90 days (automatically revoked unless the approved division is recorded and filed within the period)
“automatically revoked unless within such a period”
Garfield Township Land Division Application ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

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Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Mackinac County
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in Mackinac County.
Setbacks — Setback requirements in Mackinac County.
Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Mackinac County.
Building height — Building height in Mackinac County

7 more unanswered

Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
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 Mackinac County, Michigan

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

Mackinac County scores 85/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,273 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Mackinac County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by LMAS District Health Department. 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 Mackinac County, Michigan?

Land in Mackinac County runs about $3,181 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Mackinac County?

Mackinac County gets about 33.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.2% of years.

How remote is Mackinac County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,273 people within a 30-minute drive and 219,664 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building permits in Mackinac County, and how do you reach them?

Does Mackinac County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Mackinac County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Mackinac County?

Building a home in Mackinac County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Mackinac County

Watch-outs

Sources

Mackinac County in Michigan

How Mackinac County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Mackinac County

Mackinac County rules

Michigan rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Mackinac County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Mackinac County, Michigan

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

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

How much does land cost in Mackinac County, Michigan?

What is the water situation in Mackinac County?

How remote is Mackinac County?

How Mackinac compares in Michigan