Custom Home Builder in Oakland Township, MI
Building In Oakland Township
Lots in Oakland Township tend to be larger, and many rely on a well and a septic system instead of public water and sewer. Where the septic field can go, and how far everything sits from any water on the lot, decides a great deal before design begins.
We work alongside your architect or designer. They lead the design. We help make sure it fits the lot and the township’s rules, keep you informed at every step, and build it with care.
What To Know Before You Build In Oakland Township
This is what Oakland Township itself publishes. Each link goes to the township’s own page, which is the one to rely on.
Well And Septic
Many lots in Oakland Township use a well and a septic system. The township’s requirements list a septic permit from Oakland County before the township will issue a building permit, so this is one of the first things we arrange. Where there is public water, the township says it is run by the county, not the township.
Source: Oakland Township, New Residential Building Requirements. Checked October 11, 2026.
Lakes, Streams And Wetlands
The township asks for a home, and its septic field, to sit away from a free-flowing lake or stream, listed as at least 100 feet. Beside a wetland, its guide lists an undisturbed strip of at least 25 feet. On some lots this narrows down where a home can go, which is why we look at it with you early.
Source: Oakland Township, Residential Site Plan Review Guide, June 2022. Checked October 11, 2026.
Trees
The township publishes rules that protect its trees. As published, in a subdivision, clearing outside the area set aside for the house comes under the tree permit. We check what applies to your lot before any tree is touched, and we plan the home to keep as many trees as we can.
Source: Oakland Township, Tree Protection, Preservation and Removal. Checked October 11, 2026.
Permits
New homes go through the township’s Building Department. The township says home permits take between four and six weeks to process. That is the township’s own estimate and it can vary. We will always tell you where things stand.
Source: Oakland Township, Building Department. Checked October 11, 2026.
While We Are Building
The township sets the hours for building work, and they are ours to follow, not yours. As published, they are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Source: Oakland Township, Building Department. Checked October 11, 2026.
Taking Down An Old House
Whether a house may come down is the township’s decision for each property. The township’s page lists a permit for it, with letters from the utilities, the septic tank emptied and filled, and the well either closed off or approved to stay. We check with the township for your address and work through this with you.
Source: Oakland Township, Demolition permit requirements. Checked October 11, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. Oakland Township decides what is allowed on each property, and its rules change. For anything official, the Oakland Township Building Department is on (248) 651-6930. We are always happy to check with them for you.
Questions About Building In Oakland Township
Will a new home in Oakland Township be on a well and a septic system?
Many lots in the township use them. The township’s requirements list a septic permit from Oakland County before the township issues a building permit. We check what your lot has and arrange the county permit early.
How far from a stream, lake or wetland does Oakland Township place a new home?
The township sets this for each lot. Its guide lists at least 100 feet from a free-flowing lake or stream for a home and its septic field, and a 25-foot strip beside a wetland. We look at this with you early and confirm with the township.
What do the tree rules in Oakland Township say about clearing for a new home?
Tree rules are set by the township. As published, clearing outside the house area in a subdivision comes under the tree permit. We check what applies to your property with the township before any tree is touched.
How long does Oakland Township say a home permit takes to process?
The township says home permits take between four and six weeks to process. That is the township’s own estimate, and it does not include the time to prepare the drawings or to get the county’s septic permit. We keep you updated as your plans move through.
Which days and hours does Oakland Township list for building work?
The township sets the hours. They are listed as 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday. We plan our work around them.
This is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. Oakland Township decides what is allowed on each property. Sources: the Oakland Township pages linked above. Checked October 11, 2026.
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