Custom Home Builder in Orchard Lake, MI
Building In Orchard Lake
Many lots in Orchard Lake are on or near the water, and most have mature trees. The city looks carefully at both when a new home is planned, including how the home sits next to its neighbors along the shore.
We work alongside your architect or designer. They lead the design. We help make sure it fits the lot and the city’s rules, keep you informed at every step, and build it with care.
What To Know Before You Build In Orchard Lake
This is what the City of Orchard Lake Village itself publishes. Each link goes to the city’s own page, which is the one to rely on.
Trees
The city sets the rules for trees in Orchard Lake. As published, the plan for a new home includes a survey of the trees on the lot, and the city lists a permit for removing protected trees for building. Its guide describes removal where the home, driveway and patio are planned, when there is no good alternative. We arrange the survey and plan the home to keep as many trees as we can.
Source: City of Orchard Lake Village, How to Obtain a Residential Building Permit. Checked October 11, 2026.
Lakes And Wetlands
The city’s permit page describes protection for a 35-foot strip along the shore of a lake or pond, and for any wetland. As published, clearing or regrading in those areas calls for a city permit first. The city also asks for the plan for a new home to show how far the neighboring homes sit from the water and the road, so the new home fits in with them.
Source: City of Orchard Lake Village, Tree Removal and Land Clearing Permit. Checked October 11, 2026.
Taking Down An Old House
Whether a house may come down is the city’s decision for each property. The city’s guide lists a permit for it, and asks for these first:
- A plan showing everything that is coming down
- The gas, power, phone, cable, water and sewer disconnected
- Any well or septic system closed off properly through Oakland County
- The trees that are staying protected before work begins
- A letter to the next-door neighbors
We check with the city for your address and work through the list with you.
Source: City of Orchard Lake Village, How to Obtain a Demolition Permit. Checked October 11, 2026.
Permits
As the city describes it, new homes go through its own Building Department at City Hall. The city asks for a site plan prepared by a licensed surveyor. It does not publish a review time, so we will give you a realistic picture when we talk.
Source: City of Orchard Lake Village, Building and Zoning. Checked October 11, 2026.
While We Are Building
The city sets the hours for building work, and they are ours to follow, not yours. The city’s page lists them as weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no outdoor work on Sundays or holidays.
Source: City of Orchard Lake Village, Frequently asked questions. Checked October 11, 2026.
Water And Sewer
The city’s page describes public water and sewer in Orchard Lake, run for the city by Oakland County. Some older homes still have their own well or septic system, so we check what is there for your address.
Source: City of Orchard Lake Village, Water and Sewer. Checked October 11, 2026.
This page is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Orchard Lake Village decides what is allowed on each property, and its rules change. For anything official, Orchard Lake City Hall is on (248) 682-2400. We are always happy to check with them for you.
Questions About Building In Orchard Lake
How close to the shore does Orchard Lake let a home sit?
The city sets this for each lot. Its permit page describes a protected 35-foot strip along the shore, and the city looks at where the neighboring homes sit. We look at the lot with you and confirm with the city where a home may go.
What does Orchard Lake say about removing trees to make room for a home?
The city sets the rules for trees. Its guide lists a permit for removing protected trees for building, and describes removal where the home, driveway and patio are planned. We check the current rules for your lot and plan the home to keep as many trees as possible.
What does Orchard Lake list before an old house is taken down?
Whether a house may come down is the city’s decision for each property. Its guide lists a permit, with the utilities disconnected, the trees protected and the neighbors told first. We check with the city for your address and guide you through each step.
Who runs the water and sewer in Orchard Lake?
The city’s page describes public water and sewer, run for the city by Oakland County. Some older homes still have their own well or septic system. We check what is there for your address.
What hours does Orchard Lake set for building work?
The city sets the hours. Its page lists weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no outdoor work on Sundays or holidays. We follow them on every build.
This is general information, not legal advice or an official answer. The City of Orchard Lake Village decides what is allowed on each property. Sources: the City of Orchard Lake Village pages linked above. Checked October 11, 2026.
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