Bolthole Index

Sanilac County, Michigan

Village of Lexington, Michigan building permits, zoning and septic rules

Village of Lexington, Michigan construction requires Village zoning approval before building review by the Sanilac County Construction & Land Use Department.1 Lexington administers zoning; the Sanilac County Health Department handles qualifying septic and well review.23 Village water and sewer connection requirements can limit private utility options.4

At a glance

Building permits
County building review after Village zoning approval1
Zoning
Village zoning regulations and zoning permit required2
Septic review
County Health Department for projects adding bathrooms or bedrooms; Village sewer rules also apply5
Water and sewer
Village connections required where the utility ordinance applies4
Residential lot size
R-1: 8,500 square feet and 66 feet wide, subject to exceptions6
Agricultural lot size
AG: 43,560 square feet and 150 feet wide7

Who to call

Zoning

Village of Lexington Zoning Administrator

Village zoning permits, parcel zoning and development review

(810) 359-8631 ext:102

7227 Huron Ave. Lexington, MI 48450

Online permits →

Building permits

Sanilac County Construction and Land Use Department

Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permit applications and inspections in Sanilac County

(810)648-4664

60 West Sanilac, Courthouse Annex-Room 210, Sandusky, Michigan 48471

Online permits →

Septic permits

Sanilac County Health Department — Environmental Health Division

Septic and well permits, soil evaluations, and related environmental health applications

(810) 648-4098 ext. 124

[email protected]

171 Dawson Street Ste. 123, Sandusky, MI 48471

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Village of Lexington, MI?

The Village of Lexington requires a Lexington zoning permit before the Sanilac County Construction & Land Use Department begins building review.1 Building permits for construction inside Lexington village are handled by that County department, and separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits may be required.1 A zoning permit therefore does not finish the construction approval process: obtain the county building permit before construction or placement of a mobile unit begins.1 Lexington also charges zoning and development fees set by Village Council; consult the Village’s current schedule rather than assuming the county building fee covers zoning review.8

Who handles building permits and zoning in Village of Lexington?

Contact the Village of Lexington Zoning Administrator at (810) 359-8631 ext:102 for zoning and development review.9 The Village offers a free conceptual review meeting before a project begins; contact the Zoning Administrator to arrange the meeting.9 Village zoning forms are available on the Permits & Applications page under Land Use Permits.9 After Lexington zoning approval, contact the Sanilac County Construction and Land Use Department for building permits and inspections at (810)648-4664.110 Septic and well questions belong with the Sanilac County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division at (810) 648-4098 ext. 124.311

Does Village of Lexington have zoning, lot sizes and setbacks?

Village of Lexington zoning sets district-specific requirements; identify the parcel’s district before applying a lot-size or setback rule.12 In the R-1 Single-Family Residential District, the schedule specifies a minimum lot area of 8,500 square feet and a minimum width of 66 feet, with separate Cottage Lot standards and possible footnote modifications.6 R-1 side setbacks are 8 feet individually and 20 feet combined, with a 35-foot rear setback.13 R-1 front setbacks depend on existing residences along the block frontage; where none exist, the minimum is 25 feet.13 For Lake Huron-adjacent property, the lakeside is the front yard and the street side is the rear yard.13

In Lexington’s AG Agriculture District, minimum lot area is 43,560 square feet and minimum width is 150 feet.7 AG setbacks are 50 feet front and rear, with 20 feet on each side and 40 feet combined.14

How do septic permits and water connections work in Village of Lexington?

For Village of Lexington construction adding sanitary facilities or bedrooms, the Sanilac County Health Department reviews existing facilities or septic and well permits.5 The Department’s Environmental Health page provides septic applications, well applications and soil-evaluation forms.11 Lexington’s sewer ordinance separately requires connection for property requiring sanitary sewer service and cessation of septic use where that requirement applies.5 Confirm the parcel’s Village utility obligations before planning an on-site system.4

Lexington’s utility ordinance requires exclusive Village water use for property covered by its water-connection provisions, and the owner must apply and pay applicable capital, tap-in and other charges.4 Access fees do not include initial infrastructure installation costs.4 A structure within the Village water district cannot receive an occupancy permit until the section’s water and sewer requirements are fulfilled.15

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Village of Lexington?

We could not confirm whether Village of Lexington allows RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on an individual parcel; ask the Village Zoning Administrator about the proposed use before buying.9 Lexington’s zoning permit requirement and district regulations remain relevant to a proposed dwelling, so ask the office to identify the applicable district and approval path.212 We also could not confirm a distinct accessory-dwelling allowance or manufactured-home occupancy outside a mobile-home park; take those specific proposals to the same Village office.9 For an off-grid plan, account for Lexington’s required Village water and sewer connections wherever the utility ordinance applies.4

Building a home in Village of Lexington: what comes first?

Start with the Village Zoning Administrator: identify the zoning district and consider a free conceptual review meeting for the proposed home.129 Next, resolve required Village water and sewer connections and any County Health Department review triggered by bathrooms or added bedrooms.45 Obtain the Lexington zoning permit before submitting the project for county building review.1 Obtain the county building permit and any required electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits before starting the applicable work.1 Schedule periodic building inspections with the County Construction Code Department.10 Finally, satisfy the Village utility requirements before seeking an occupancy permit for a structure within the water district.15

What should you check before buying in Village of Lexington?

For a new driveway or changed driveway access in Village of Lexington, a driveway permit comes from the authority responsible for the road right-of-way; establish that authority before committing to an access layout.16 Lexington’s designated floodplain areas overlay the underlying zoning districts, and development must satisfy the floodplain requirements as well as the district rules and necessary local, state and federal approvals.17

If rental income is part of the purchase plan, Lexington requires annual registration and a short-term residential rental permit in the covered R-1, C-MU and G-MU districts, with a 250-foot separation requirement between rental properties.18 For land outside village limits, use the Sanilac County guide and the applicable city, village or township zoning administrator rather than applying Lexington’s district standards.10

Watch-outs

  • Lexington zoning approval must precede county building review; county building approval alone does not replace the Village zoning permit.1
  • Village utility obligations must be resolved before occupancy approval for structures within Lexington’s water district.15
  • We could not confirm RV or tiny-home occupancy in Village of Lexington; ask the Village Zoning Administrator before relying on either as temporary housing.9

Sources

  1. Zoning & Development (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning & Development (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  3. Permits, Addresses, and Inspections (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  4. Sec. 70-1 Connections to Water and Sewer Systems Required (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  5. Permits, Addresses, and Inspections (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sec. 4.11 Schedule of Regulations (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  7. Sec. 4.11 Schedule of Regulations (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  8. Zoning & Development (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  9. Village of Lexington Zoning Administrator (villageoflexington.com)
  10. Sanilac County Construction and Land Use Department (sanilaccounty.gov)
  11. Sanilac County Health Department — Environmental Health Division (sanilachealth.com)
  12. Zoning Ordinance Table of Contents (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  13. Sec. 4.11 Schedule of Regulations (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  14. Sec. 4.11 Schedule of Regulations (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  15. Sec. 70-1 Connections to Water and Sewer Systems Required (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  16. Permits, Addresses, and Inspections (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  17. Sec. 6.12 Regulation of Floodplain Areas (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked
  18. Sec. 5.25 Short-Term Residential Rentals in Residential Districts (Village of Lexington), quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 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 Village of Lexington

Village of Lexington’s own rules

  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Occupancy permits for structures inside the Village water district.

    • The Village utility code states that no occupancy permit may be received until the water and sewer connection requirements are fulfilled.
    “No person shall receive an occupancy permit for any structure within the water district until all requirements of this section are fulfilled.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Lexington village limits; the Village adopts and administers zoning regulations.

    • A zoning permit is required before construction begins.
    “the Village has adopted zoning regulations and standards”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts and district regulations inside Lexington village.

    • The zoning ordinance publishes district designations, a zoning district map, district-specific regulations, and a schedule of regulations.
    “ARTICLE 4: ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS [...] SEC. 4.1 DISTRICT DESIGNATIONS [...] SEC. 4.2 ZONING DISTRICT MAP [...] SEC. 4.11 SCHEDULE OF REGULATIONS”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residential District inside Lexington village.

    • The schedule separately lists Cottage Lot standards.
    • Footnotes and other district provisions may modify application.

    minimum lot area: >= 8500 sq ft (R-1 district schedule.) · minimum lot width: >= 66 ft (R-1 district schedule.)

    “R-1, Single- Family Residential | 8,500 | 66 | 2 1/2 | 35 | Footnote 10 | 8 | 20 | 35 | 45”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — AG Agriculture District inside Lexington village.
      “AG. Agriculture District | 43,560 | 150 | 2 1/2 | 35 | 50 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 15 | 1, 5, 6 and 7”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    R-1 Single-Family Residential District inside Lexington village.

    • R-1 front setback uses the block-frontage method in footnote 10.
    • Where no existing residences are along the block frontage, the minimum front setback is 25 feet.
    • Side setback is 8 feet, side total is 20 feet, and rear setback is 35 feet.
    • For Lake Huron-adjacent property, the front yard is the lakeside and the rear is the street side.

    minimum side setback: >= 8 ft · minimum side setbacks total: >= 20 ft · minimum rear setback: >= 35 ft · front setback where no existing residences are present: >= 25 ft (R-1 footnote 10.)

    “The minimum front yard setback for construction in the R-1 District shall be anywhere between the least front setback and the greatest front setback of the existing residences found on the block-frontage unless the difference between the least and greatest is more than ten (10) feet. In such case, the minimum front yard setback shall be within three (3) feet of the median of the front setbacks for all residences found on the block-frontage. Where there are no existing residences along the block- frontage, the minimum front yard setback shall be twenty-five (25) feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — AG Agriculture District inside Lexington village.
      “AG. Agriculture District | 43,560 | 150 | 2 1/2 | 35 | 50 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 15 [...] The minimum distance of any principal building from the ordinary high-water mark shall be fifty (50) feet.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    AG Agriculture District inside Lexington village.

    • Maximum lot coverage is 15 percent according to the schedule.

    maximum lot coverage: <= 15 percent

    “AG. Agriculture District | 43,560 | 150 | 2 1/2 | 35 | 50 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 15 | 1, 5, 6 and 7”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Single-Family Residential District inside Lexington village.
      “R-1, Single- Family Residential | 8,500 | 66 | 2 1/2 | 35 | Footnote 10 | 8 | 20 | 35 | 45”
  • Building heightSpecified

    AG Agriculture District inside Lexington village.

    • Maximum height is 2.5 stories and 35 feet.

    maximum stories: <= 2.5 stories · maximum height: <= 35 ft

    “AG. Agriculture District | 43,560 | 150 | 2 1/2 | 35 | 50 | 20 | 40 | 50 | 15 | 1, 5, 6 and 7”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — R-1 Single-Family Residential District inside Lexington village.
      “R-1, Single- Family Residential | 8,500 | 66 | 2 1/2 | 35 | Footnote 10 | 8 | 20 | 35 | 45”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Property inside Lexington village that falls within the Village water district or requires sanitary sewer service.

    • Water connection applies to all property within the Village at adoption or property authorized under Section 70-3(e).
    • Sewer connection applies to all property requiring sanitary sewer service.
    • The owner must file a Village application and pay applicable capital, tap-in, and other charges.
    • The ordinance states that access fees do not include the cost of installing initial infrastructure.
    “shall obtain water exclusively from the village water system. [...] shall be immediately connected to the village sewer system”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development within designated floodplain areas inside Lexington village.

    • Floodplain areas overlay the Village zoning map.
    • The Village uses the FEMA Flood Insurance Study effective January 6, 2012, FIRM, and community panel identified in Section 6.12.2.
    • Underlying zoning requirements also apply.
    • All necessary local, state, and federal permits must be issued, including a Michigan Department of Natural Resources floodplain permit, approval, or letter of authority.

    base flood elevation: 587 ft (Or another applicable elevation determined by the appropriate governmental authority.) · FEMA Flood Insurance Study effective date: 2012-01-06

    “Designated floodplain areas shall overlay existing zoning districts delineated on the Zoning District Map of the Village.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term residential rentals in the R-1, C-MU, and G-MU districts inside Lexington village.

    • Rentals are limited to one every 250 feet, measured between closest property-line points.
    • Dwellings must be registered annually at the Village office.
    • A registration fee and renewal fee are determined by the Planning Commission.
    • The Village issues a short-term residential rental permit after registration acceptance.
    • The Zoning Administrator may impose conditions or limitations.
    • A local agent is required if the owner does not live within 100 miles and the agent does not live within 30 miles.
    • CBD and GC rentals are excluded from this section.
    • Unregistered-rental fines are $750 for a first violation and $1,000 for each subsequent violation.

    minimum separation: >= 250 ft (Between short-term-rental properties in covered districts.) · first unregistered-rental fine: 750 USD · subsequent unregistered-rental fine: 1000 USD

    “short term rentals will be limited to one every 250 feet.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Lexington zoning and development service fees.

    • The Village states that fees are set by Village Council.
    • The page points to the current fee schedule but the schedule amounts were not extracted here.
    “As set by Village Council, Lexington charges fees for various zoning and development services including permits and reviews. The most up-to-date schedule can be found here.”

Rules another office applies inside Village of Lexington

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

  • Building permitRequired

    Building permits for construction inside Lexington village are handled by the Sanilac County Construction & Land Use Department.

    • A Lexington zoning permit must be issued before county building review.
    • Separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may be required.
    • The county application states the permit must be obtained before construction or placement of a mobile unit begins.
    “handled by the Sanilac County Construction & Land Use Department”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    Sanilac County Health Department review of septic and well matters connected with construction inside Lexington village.

    • The county material specifically identifies review when sanitary facilities are included or bedrooms are added.
    • Lexington's sewer ordinance separately requires connection to the Village sewer system for property requiring sanitary sewer service.
    “reviewed by the Sanilac County Health Department.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Septic permit or existing-facility review for qualifying construction inside Lexington village.

    • Triggered when sanitary facilities are included or bedrooms are added.
    • Village sewer law requires sewer connection and cessation of septic use where sanitary sewer service is required.
    “If sanitary facilities (bathroom/s) are being included or bedrooms are being added in the construction project, a review of your existing facilities or a septic and/or well permit are to be reviewed by the Sanilac County Health Department.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Well review or permit for qualifying construction inside Lexington village.

    • The county material identifies well review or a well permit when sanitary facilities are included or bedrooms are added.
    • Village water-connection rules may supersede private well use where Village water service is required.
    “If sanitary facilities (bathroom/s) are being included or bedrooms are being added in the construction project, a review of your existing facilities or a septic and/or well permit are to be reviewed by the Sanilac County Health Department.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    A new driveway or changed driveway access serving property inside Lexington village.

    • The permit comes from the city, village, county, or state authority having jurisdiction over the road right-of-way.
    • Private-road construction must comply with Article 14.28 of the Sanilac County Land Development Code.
    “you will need a driveway permit from the city, village, county or state authority having jurisdiction over the road right of way.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Village of Lexington or Sanilac County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions for construction inside Lexington village.
  • Building code adopted — Building-code adoption applicable to construction inside Lexington village.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on land inside Lexington village.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on land inside Lexington village.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy on land inside Lexington village.
6 more unanswered
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Subdividing land

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 Village of Lexington publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Sanilac County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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