NW Michigan Local Governments
County Guides to Permitting and Zoning
The primary goals of the Guides are to both act as a quick reference as well as educate individuals, seasoned contractors, and developers with the know-how needed to access critical information in the approval process prior to applying for permits or undertaking a project within a county or municipality. The applicant or contractor should always contact the local zoning administrator, plan reviewer, or permit agent of the various agencies prior to beginning a project. These guides are also a good reference for local government contact information.
Revised Spring 2021:
Antrim County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Benzie County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Charlevoix County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Emmet County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Grand Traverse County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Kalkaska County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Leelanau County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Manistee County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Missaukee County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
Wexford County Guide to Permitting and Zoning
A Citizen's Guide to Planning & Zoning in Northwest Michigan
A Citizen’s Guide to Planning is a supplement to the New Designs for Growth Guidebook and is intended to provide basic information to citizens that haven’t been closely involved in the planning process but would like to shape future changes in their community. This is introductory information only.
New Designs for Growth is a program designed to help guide the region’s growth and development according to the ten tenets of smart growth. Implementation and outreach aspects of the New Designs for Growth program is administered by Networks Northwest.
A Citizen's Guide to Planning & Zoning in Northwest Michigan (PDF)
The Networks Northwest team did a great job to help the City of Charlevoix and Charlevoix Township collaborate in addressing housing challenges in our community. They facilitated dialogue with Planning Commissioners, community stakeholders, and municipal officials to develop a plan for cohesive zoning in areas of growth for our two governments. Further, they were able to pinpoint the challenges in each unit and propose changes that would be beneficial all around. Together, we believe we'll be better prepared for housing developments and job growth in our region. We look forward to working with them on future projects!
- Mark Haydlauff, City Manager, Charlevoix