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1. How can I find out what a property is zoned?

You can call the Planning Department at 517-669-6576. If you can provide us with an address or parcel number (from the tax bill), we can tell you the zoning of the property. If you don’t have the address or parcel number, we can sometimes find the zoning with a description of the location of the property and/or the property owner’s name.

2. How can I find out what my setbacks are?

A setback is a zoning term for the distance that a building must be from a property line or road right-of-way. Setbacks vary depending upon the zoning district where the property is located. If you know the zoning district of the property, you can review Section 5.18 of the Zoning Ordinance, for a Schedule of Regulations. Keep in mind that if the building is a Special Use in the zoning district (like a church in a residential area, for example), you will have to also review the conditions associated with the Special Use for additional setback requirements. Special uses for each zoning district are described in the Zoning Ordinance. As always, if you have a question, call the Planning Department at 517-669-6576.

3. What is a variance? Why would I need one?

Please see the Variances section of this website.

4. Can I run my business in my home?

Please see the Home Occupations section of this website.

5. Where can I get a copy of the plat drawing for my subdivision?

The State of Michigan has an online searchable database of all of the recorded plats in Michigan. You simply need to enter the name of the county and a portion of the name of the subdivision. You can then print a copy of the plat on an 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper. Note that if the plat was recorded recently, it may not yet be in the State’s database.