Custom Home Builder in Franklin, MI
Building In Franklin
Franklin has a historic center, mature trees, and homes that have stood for generations. The village wants new homes to respect all of that, so it looks closely at what is taken down, which trees are affected, and what is built in their place.
We work alongside your architect or designer. They lead the design. We help make sure it fits the lot and the village’s rules, keep you informed at every step, and build it with care.
What To Know Before You Build In Franklin
This is what the Village of Franklin itself publishes. Each link goes to the village’s own page, which is the one to rely on.
The Historic District
The village lists part of Franklin as a historic district. As published, changes to homes in the district are looked at by the Historic District Commission, which meets once a month. If you are thinking about a home there, it is worth knowing early. Ask us and we will check with the village whether a property is inside the district.
Source: Village of Franklin, Historic District Commission. Checked October 11, 2026.
Trees
The village sets the rules for trees. When a building project affects trees, the village’s page asks for a survey showing where they are and which ones are protected, and it lists a permit for removing and replacing them. Where no trees are affected, the page lists a simple signed form instead. We arrange the tree survey as part of planning your build.
Source: Village of Franklin, Permits and Applications. Checked October 11, 2026.
Wetlands And Flood Areas
The village publishes its own wetlands map and its own applications for building near a wetland or in an area that can flood. We check the map for your lot before anything is designed.
Source: Village of Franklin, Permits and Applications. Checked October 11, 2026.
Taking Down An Old House
Whether a house may come down is the village’s decision for each property. As the village’s application describes it, a request is looked at by the Historic District Commission and the Building Official, and then decided by the Village Council. The village asks for:
- A survey and photos of every side of the house
- A map of the trees and any historic or natural features on the lot
- The power, gas, phone and cable shut off
- Any well or septic system closed off properly through Oakland County
- Proof that the contractor is licensed and insured
We prepare this with you and attend the meetings with you.
Source: Village of Franklin, Demolition Application. Checked October 11, 2026.
Permits
The village’s page says permits are issued by its Building Official, through the Building Clerk at the Village Offices. The village does not publish a review time, so we will give you a realistic picture when we talk.
Source: Village of Franklin, Building Department. Checked October 11, 2026.
Sewer And Septic
The village’s page says some Franklin homes are on the village sewer system and others have a septic system. We check which one your lot has, because it affects the plan for a new home and driveway.
Source: Village of Franklin, Sewer and Septic Tank Information. Checked October 11, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The Village of Franklin decides what is allowed on each property, and its rules change. For anything official, the Village of Franklin is on (248) 626-9666. We are always happy to check with them for you.
Questions About Building In Franklin
Who decides whether a house in Franklin may be taken down?
That is the village’s decision for each property. As published, the request is looked at by the Historic District Commission and the Building Official, and decided by the Village Council. We guide you through each step and come to the meetings with you.
Is my property in the Franklin historic district?
The village lists only part of Franklin as a historic district. Send us the address and we will check with the village, because the district has its own review and its own calendar.
What does Franklin ask for when a build affects trees?
The village sets the rules for trees. For trees affected by a building project, its page asks for a tree survey and lists a permit for removing and replacing protected trees. We arrange the survey as part of planning the build.
Does Franklin have its own wetlands map?
The village publishes its own wetlands map, along with its own applications for building near a wetland or in an area that can flood. We check the map for your lot before anything is designed.
Are Franklin homes on the village sewer or on septic systems?
The village’s page says Franklin has both. Some homes are on the village sewer and others have a septic system. We check this for your address before design begins.
This is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The Village of Franklin decides what is allowed on each property. Sources: the Village of Franklin pages linked above. Checked October 11, 2026.
How We Build Here
Custom Homes
On Your Lot
Design & Pre-Construction
Nearby Communities
