The Office of Planning reviews site development plans to insure compliance with the Zoning, Tree Preservation and other general ordinances of the City. Plans are reviewed for building setbacks, flood plain violations, height limitations, parking accommodations and site density. This office also supports the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
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Submit your Planning application via the online Planning Application Portal:
Concept Plan Review
Conditional Rezoning
Conventional Rezoning
Planned Unit Development
Site Plan Review
Special Approval Land Use
Zoning Board of Appeals
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission prepares and adopts a Master Land Use Plan as set forth in the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Public Act 33 of 2008. The Master Land Use Plan guides the physical development of the city as it relates to uses of land, public and quasi-public facilities, transportation systems and utilities. Requests to develop differently than required by the Master Land Use Plan must be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) has specific powers and duties as provided in Act 110 of the Public Acts of 2006, as amended. The ZBA is a quasi-judicial body, and serves as the only body at the municipal level to hear appeals on various zoning matters. These duties include:
Appeals of administrative decisions
Modification and variance of ordinance requirements