What happens if I build without approval?

The answer differs depending on which set of rules you mean, and it is worth separating them.

**On the County and Township sides, the consequences are set out.**

- **The permit fee is doubled.** Where no permit was secured before work began, the ordinance doubles the fee for that work.
- **A first violation is a municipal civil infraction**, carrying a civil fine of $350 plus costs, answered at the Clare County 80th District Court.
- **Each day counts separately.** Every day a violation continues is a separate offence.
- **Use in violation is a nuisance per se.** The ordinance declares it so, the court shall order it abated, and **the cost of abating becomes a lien upon the land**.

**On the Association side, the requirement is clear but the process is not written down.** The covenants require plans to be submitted and approved **in writing** before any building, fence, wall or other structure is commenced. Enforcement is described only in general terms — proceedings at law or in equity, brought by the Association or by any owner.

There is no published step-by-step process for what happens after unapproved work is discovered.

**So the practical advice is simple.** If you have started work without approval, or realize something built earlier was never approved, **contact the office**. Raising it yourself is a better position than having it raised for you, and the Township's daily-offence clock is a good reason not to wait.

**And if you are planning work**, get written Architectural Committee approval and your Township permits before anything begins — including site clearing.

*Source: Freeman Township Zoning Ordinance No. 8, Sections 14.04.A, 17.01 and 17.02; Restrictive Covenants, Article VI, Section 1, and Article VIII, Section 3.*