Zoning, Permits & Land Use
Start your project with the correct application, site plan, fee information, and Township review. Contact the Zoning Administrator before dividing land or beginning work when requirements are unclear.
When a zoning permit is required
Contact the Township before erecting, moving, or changing a structure or beginning excavation, filling, fencing, or signage work.
New buildings, moving structures, and exterior changes.
Decks and sheds of any kind, including accessory structures.
Temporary structures may require Township review and approval.
Driveways, septic projects, excavation, and land filling.
A permit is required before erecting fencing.
Signage requires a permit, with limited residential-event exceptions such as garage sales.
Prepare a complete submission
Complete every document
Applications, site plans, and drawings must be accurate, signed, dated, legible, and large enough to show dimensions, calculations, scale, and topographical factors.
Prepare the site plan
Show property lines, setbacks, building envelope, frontage, easements, septic system, well, driveways, fencing, and all existing and proposed structures.
Deliver or mail materials
Submit materials at the Township Office or mail them in care of the Zoning Administrator. Digital submissions require the Administrator’s prior written consent.
Wait for processing
Planning Commission, special-use, or ZBA meeting dates are not processed until acceptable signed applications, drawings, and supporting materials are received and processed.
Ordinance, plans & applications
Open or download the document that matches your project. Contact the office before filing if you are uncertain which review is required.
Township Master Plan
Official 60-page planning document.
Open Master PlanZoning Ordinance
Official 74-page zoning document.
Open ordinanceZoning Permit
Four-page zoning permit application.
Open applicationSign Permit
Two-page zoning sign application.
Open sign applicationRezoning
Five-page rezoning application.
Open rezoning formSpecial Land Use
Four-page special land-use and review application.
Open special-use formZoning Board of Appeals
Two-page ZBA application.
Open ZBA applicationComplete Fee Schedule
Twenty-one published fee categories and payment guidance.
View zoning feesZoning fees
The Township’s published schedule includes 21 fee categories. Confirm the current amount with the Township before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Residential | |
| One-family residence under 1,600 square feet | $75 |
| All other one-family residences | $115 |
| Residential expansion, including decks and driveways | $40 |
| Multi-family residence, entire building | $210 |
| Accessory building | $40 |
| Special Use Permit / Home Occupation | $100 |
| Non-residential | |
| Site Plan Review | $225 |
| Site Plan Review, Amendment | $150 |
| Special Use Permit | $275 |
| Rezoning | $375 |
| Planned Unit Development | $545 |
| Communication Towers | $500 |
| Accessory building | $75 |
| Addition | $100 |
| Public Buildings | No fee |
| Farming Activities | No fee |
| Signs & appeals | |
| Free-standing sign | $50 |
| Sign on building | $40 |
| Zoning Board of Appeals application / review | $275 |
| Special meetings | |
| Zoning Board of Appeals | $300 |
| Planning Commission | $500 |
Land divisions & combinations
Start with the Zoning Administrator
Land divisions and combinations are subject to the Township Zoning Ordinance, Michigan law, and Emmet County Equalization requirements. Contact the Zoning Administrator at the onset of planning.
A completed application and approval by the Zoning Administrator, Township Assessor, Township Legislative Board, and Emmet County Department of Equalization are required before the change can be reviewed and legally registered.
After approval, property owners are responsible for filing necessary title work with the County Register of Deeds.
Parcel Division / Combination Application
Download the Township’s current application and contact the office before submission if any requirement is unclear.
Download applicationORV Resolution 18-2024/2025
The Township-supplied two-page resolution addresses ORV signage, public education, organized-ride notification, and collaboration with law enforcement and community partners. Posted signs, current County and state rules, and official enforcement directions control.
Additional resources
Emmet County GIS
Interactive parcel and topographic mapping useful for preparing site plans.
Open GIS resourcesProperty Search
Search current County ownership and property information.
Search property recordsConstruction Resources
County building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, permit, and inspection information.
Visit Construction ResourcesRecycling & Waste
Recycling, composting, disposal, and household hazardous-material guidance.
Visit Emmet RecyclingQuestions before submitting?
Pleasant View Township Office · 2982 S. Pleasantview Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740