Whitehall Township Policies

Open Burning
The entire rules governing open burning are available at the Whitehall Fire Department, Whitehall, MI 49461.
Following are a few highlights:
1. No burning within 300 feet of another occupied dwelling.
2. No burning in any subdivision that contains twenty or more residences.
3. Open burning by permit only, permits are issued by Muskegon County Health Department (724-6311).
4. Permits will not be issued for burning garbage, tree stumps, demolition of building or excess construction materials.
5. Violations are to be reported to the Muskegon County Health Department (724-6311).
6. Permits must be obtained once each calendar year. There is no fee.
7. No burning of leaves, grass clippings, garden rakings, or tires.

Junk and Junk Cars
You are not allowed any inoperative or unlicensed automotive vehicles on your property. You may not dump or discard junk or refuse on private or public land. A transfer station is provided for this purpose. The Transfer Station is located on Holton-Whitehall Road (893-2405).

Vehicle Storage
All unlicensed vehicles must be stored inside.

Extra Building
Extra buildings (garages or accessory buildings) are limited as to number and size depending on the zoning in the area you are considering building. Always check with the Zoning Administrator before taking action.

When Do I Need a Permit?
You always need a zoning permit before building. The Zoning Administrator will tell you what is needed.

Hunting
Whitehall Township has no additional restrictions on hunting to the rules of the Natural Resources Department. It is illegal to shoot a firearm within 450' of a residence.

Sign Regulations
A Permit is needed before erecting any permanent sign. You may not erect a sign on property other than part of the establishment. There are limitations on size of the sign.

Messy Yards
Whitehall Township Residents have pride in our community. They demand a well kept Township.

House Size
Whitehall Township has a 900 square feet minimum size for a house. However, many of our subdivisions have extra requirements. Check with the Township, your Realtor should be able to help you, before making plans.

Animals Allowed
Animals are allowed in the following zones.
Zone “A” (Low Density Residential) Rabbits or Fowl and Dogs and Cats are allowed.
Zone “AA” (High Density Residential) Dogs and Cats are allowed.
Zone “F” (Small Farm - 5 acres or more) Horses and Cows are allowed at a rate of 1 per acre; Rabbits, Fowl, Dogs, and Cats are allowed.

Dogs and Cats
No more than three of each per parcel of land. All dogs and cats shall not become a nuisance by noise or otherwise.

Subdivision Covenants
Some Whitehall Township Subdivisions have their own rules in addition to the Township’s Ordnances. When you purchase property the Realtor should furnish you with a copy of the Subdivision Covenants, if you didn’t get such a list, ask for it.

Land Division
There are strict rules concerning selling a portion of your property. If you wish to do so, you must first get a land division application. Once you complete the application it takes about 2 weeks to process. The cost for processing the application is $100.00. The process is controlled by a State of Michigan law called the Land Division Act. Forms are available at the Township Office.

When Can I Appeal a Zoning Decision
All decisions made by the Zoning Administrator or the Planning Commission may be appealed to the Whitehall Township Board of Appeals.

Swimming Pools
Swimming pools are only permitted in the backyard. They are governed by State Regulations. They must meet fencing and safety regulations. The fence must be 4 feet high.

Site Plan Review
Before you build any building you must apply for a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Administrator. At that time he/she will ask for a site plan. This is a drawing of where the building will be built on the property. The drawing should show any existing buildings. The Zoning Permit price depends on the size of the building.

Permits
Whitehall Township’s building permits, electrical permits, mechanical permits, and plumbing permits are available at Montague City Hall (893-1155).