Building, Planning & Zoning

Property Development

Guide to Development

Zoning and Right-of-Way Permits

A zoning permit is required for all new construction and changes in use, new driveways, retaining walls, or hard surface walkways on property within the city limits. The zoning permit needs to be completed and forwarded to the Code Enforcement Officer:

Jeff Jepsen
Code Enforcement Officer
City of Houghton
P.O. Box 606
Houghton, MI 49931
Office: 906-483-4642
Fax: 906-482-0282
Email: jeffj@cityofhoughton.com

There is no fee associated with a Zoning Permit. 

• Zoning Application (PDF Format)

• Right of Way Permit Application (PDF Format)

Building Permits

Building permits and demolition permits are issued through the Houghton County Building Department. A copy of the approved Zoning Permit will be required to obtain a building permit. All building permit fees will be paid to Houghton County and based on their fee structure.

Contact:
Houghton County Building Department
401 E. Houghton Avenue
Houghton, MI 49931
Office: 906-482-2260
Fax: 906-482-7238
Email: inspector@houghtoncounty.net

Prior to receiving a demolition permit, please read Resolution 2024-1929 encouraging  deconstruction as an alternative to demolition.  Resolution 2024-1929

Site Plan Review

Site plan review by the Planning Commission is required for certain projects as defined below. The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Special meetings can be held if necessary. There is no fee for a site plan review. A zoning permit and building permit may still be necessary.

• An apartment building containing three (3) or more dwelling units.
• More than one multiple-family building on a lot, parcel or tract of land, or combination of lots under single ownership.
• Mobile Home Park.
• Subdivision consisting of four or more dwellings.
• Any commercial, office, industrial, business, recreational or institutional structures/uses including any change in exterior material, landscaping, parking and new additions to buildings.
• Any earthwork greater than 40,000 square feet.

To be considered for site plan review on the Planning Commission’s agenda, applicants must submit plans ahead of time. The Zoning Administrator and Code Enforcement Officer are available to work with prospective applicants from the start of any project, and throughout the design, to help assure that a site plan is ready for Planning Commission review. 

All information regarding site plan review is contained in the zoning ordinance. If you have further questions, please contact the Code Enforcement Officer, Jeff Jepsen at 906-482-1700.

Water and Sewer Connection Fees:

New construction requiring new City water/sewer service requires a water/sewer connection fee which is paid with the zoning application. The City of Houghton Department of Public Works typically installs the service taps to the property line for connection by the property owner.

• Residential Construction $2,500.00. Each additional meter 100.00
• Commercial Construction $2,600.00. Each additional meter 100.00

Sign Permit

A Sign Permit Application must be issued prior to the installation of any sign per the City’s Zoning Ordinance. A building permit and/or electrical permit may be required through the Houghton County Building Department.

The application must be completed and submitted to:

City of Houghton
P.O. Box 606
Houghton, MI 49931
Email: jeffj@cityofhoughton.com

The Zoning Administrator is responsible for the approval of all sign permits.

Special Land Use Permit

The attached application is required for a Special Land Use Permit as described in Chapter 98-630. After the application and all pertinent information is received, the public hearing can be scheduled.

Special Land Use Permit (PDF Format)

Zoning

Click here for the complete zoning ordinance.

The zoning map is attached:

Zoning Map 1-3-24