Do I need a Freeman Township permit too?

Yes. Association approval and County and Township permits are three different things, and you need all of them.

The Rules & Regulations say all construction plans must comply with State of Michigan, Freeman Township and Lake of the Pines requirements.

The Township's Zoning Ordinance requires **two** permits before a dwelling, building or structure is erected, altered, enlarged, or moved onto the property from somewhere else:

1. A **zoning compliance permit**, issued by the Township Zoning Administrator
2. A **building permit**, issued by the Building Inspector at Clare County

Both must be granted **before any work of excavation, construction, alteration, enlargement or movement begins**.

Points worth knowing:

- **Starting early costs money.** The ordinance says that if no permit has been secured before work begins, the permit fee for that work is **doubled**.
- **Permits are non-transferable.**
- **Post it.** Building permits must be displayed in a prominent place on the property before and during the work.
- **Ten days.** Where the Zoning Administrator and Building Inspector determine the plans conform, the ordinance requires the building permit to be issued within 10 days of receiving the application. A refusal must be given in writing with the reason.
- **Fees.** Set by the County and Township Boards. No permit is valid until the fee is paid.

Applications go to the Zoning Administrator and County Building Inspector, with a plan showing the shape, size, location, dimensions and legal description of the parcel.

Contact the County and Township directly for current forms and fees. The Association office cannot issue County or Township permits.

*Source: Freeman Township Zoning Ordinance No. 8, Section 14.04; Rules & Regulations (7/12/2025), Building Plans.*