Finding Local Regulations and Extension Resources

Which levels of government make rules about your land?

Town, county, state and federal rules can all apply. Local governments usually handle zoning, building, septic and driveway permits. States may regulate animal health, water use, food sales, pesticides and wildlife. Federal rules touch wetlands, waterways and some programs.

Because these layers overlap and differ from place to place, you cannot rely on what applied where you lived before. Expect that no single website will show them all, so you will probably need to call more than one office. Write down the offices and phone numbers you find as you go, and start a list of questions to take to each one.

Where do you find zoning and land-use rules?

Start with your county or town planning, zoning or building office. Many publish ordinances and zoning maps online. Ask what your parcel is zoned for, what uses are allowed, what setbacks apply and whether animals, home businesses, farm stands and accessory buildings need permits.

Michigan State Extension and others advise checking the zoning ordinance before buying property. Ask for answers in writing, and note the name and date of anyone you talk to. If a rule seems unclear, ask for the text of the ordinance and the name of the person who enforces it, and ask whether there are variances or special permits for what you want to do.

• What is the zoning for this parcel?
• Are animals allowed, and are there limits on number or distance?
• Are permits needed for barns, sheds, ponds or driveways?
• Can I sell produce or products from the property?
• Do any overlays, such as floodplain or historic districts, apply?

Who handles health, septic, well and food rules?

County or state health departments usually oversee septic systems, private wells and many food-safety rules. State departments of agriculture often regulate food sales, animal movement and disease reporting. Rules on selling eggs, produce, meat or baked goods differ widely.

Ask the specific office what permits, inspections or licenses you need before you sell anything, and do not assume what is allowed elsewhere is allowed here. Some places have separate rules for cottage foods, farm stands and direct sales. Ask each office what applies, and do not begin selling until you have heard it from the source.

What about animals, burning and nuisance rules?

Local ordinances may limit numbers of animals, require setbacks for coops or barns, restrict roosters, set burn rules and address noise and odor. States set rules for livestock identification, disease reporting and, in some cases, fencing.

Call the county, the state department of agriculture and the state veterinarian's office, and ask what applies to the animals you intend to keep. Ask neighbors how enforcement works in practice, but treat the written rules as the real answer. A past tolerance can end when a complaint is made. Remember that rules can change after a new election, a new ordinance or a change in state law, so confirm before you start any large project, even if you checked years ago.

How do you check the records on a specific parcel?

Your county recorder, register of deeds or assessor holds deeds, easements, liens and tax information. A title company can run a search. Ask about recorded covenants or restrictions, since private rules can be stricter than public ones.

If buying, include a review of regulations in your due diligence, and ask your attorney to confirm what you learn. Ask the assessor or county GIS office about parcel maps, but remember that map lines are approximate. For exact boundaries, use a licensed surveyor. Ask the title company or your attorney to explain any covenant you do not understand, and ask whether a homeowners association or other private group has authority over your land.

How can extension help you find answers?

County extension offices connect local residents with university research. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they often know which office handles which question and can offer publications, soil tests, classes and referrals. Many states also offer legal and farm-business resources through the land-grant university.

Call or visit, describe what you plan to do and ask who to talk to. Many extension offices run workshops on land use, farm law and small-farm planning, and some partner with law schools or legal aid groups. Write down what you learn and share it with neighbors who may have the same questions. Many of the best local answers come from people who have already walked the same path.

How do you keep your answers organized?

Keep a folder with the name, office, date and answer for every call and email, plus copies of permits and approvals. Rules change, so ask again before major projects.

If answers conflict, ask the office for a written statement or ask them to point you to the specific ordinance. Written references settle many disputes.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.