What are the structural requirements?

1. What is the minimum-size house I can build?
A single family dwelling is to have a minimum living area of 750 square feet or a one or two-bedroom dwelling plus 150 square feet of additional living area for each additional bedroom beyond two and a minimum floor to ceiling height of 7.5 feet.
The house also needs a minimum width along any exterior side elevation of 24 feet.

2. Do I need a garage?
Yes. Each new dwelling must have a garage, either attached or detached. All garages must be fully enclosed structures with a minimum size of 16’ X 22’.

3. If I purchase an existing home that does not have a garage, do I need to build one?
No. Existing homes are exempt from this requirement.

4. Can I finish off an existing garage into a living space?
Yes, provided that proper building permits are obtained AND that a new garage of proper size is built to replace the original garage. (See question #2 above)

5. Do I need a building permit for a shed?
Beginning August 1, 2001, Michigan law states that no building permit is required for a shed which is under 200 square foot and not more than 10’ in height. Setbacks must still be met to conform to the applicable zoning ordinances. The shed may be placed as close as 5’ to the rear or rear-side yard and may be constructed on a cement floor or movable skids.

8. Do I need a permit to build an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool?
Yes. Swimming pools in all districts are subject to several conditions (Sec 5.19 of the Zoning Ordinance). This is for the safety of all concerned. Building code requires any pool that is over 24” deep needs a permit.

9. What are porch railing requirements?
Above 30” from finish grade, porch railings need to be 36” in height and fewer than 4” between spindles (MRC code).

10. Can I put a fence on the lot line?
The Township does not specify where a fence must be placed. An owner will want legal proof of the property line and then have agreement from the neighbors. The Township does have requirements for the materials and height of fences. (See Section 5.15 of the Zoning Ordinance).