Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Planning Commission Submittal Deadlines?

Please see the 2011 PC Submittal Deadlines PDF.

I would like to rezone my property. Where do I get started?

Please come in and speak with us. A successful request for rezoning depends upon a number of factors, including the Future Land Use Plan, the land uses presently surrounding your property, and the existing zoning in the vicinity. Although nothing is certain, we can try to give you an idea on if the Planning Commission will be agreeable to your request.

Can I put a wind turbine up on my property?

Yes, but currently all wind turbines require a Special Use Permit, which can be an expensive and time consuming process. We are aware of the gaining popularity of the small-wind or personal wind energy systems and are working to simplify the approval process for those smaller systems.

How long will it take to rezone my property?

Because of state law, all rezoning requests require multiple steps and a number of months to process. Your request will first be considered by the Township Planning Commission, and then by the County Planning Commission; each commission recommends to the Township Board whether the request should be approved. The Township Board is the ultimate authority in granting a rezoning request.

What zoning district could I potentially rezone my property to?

It depends on what type of future land use is identified in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan identifies varying intensities of future residential and commercial areas, on which rezoning decisions are based. For example, if the Comprehensive Plan calls for medium-density residential in your area, it's unlikely that a request for rezoning to commercial will be granted.   

How much does a rezoning request cost?

Requests for a zoning map amendment are $750.00 and are nonrefundable if your request is denied.

How can I request a change to a zoning ordinance standard?

All persons are eligible to request a zoning ordinance text amendment. Following a formal application and deposit of a $1,000.00 nonrefundable fee, the Township and County Planning Commissions will consider the proposed amendment, and recommend approval or denial of the text (including any changes) to the Township Board. The Township Board is the ultimate authority in granting a zoning ordinance text amendment request.

How can I develop/use my property?

Uses permitted within your particular zoning district are identified in the Zoning Ordinance. Uses that are permitted "By Right" (including signage) are reviewed and approved through the Zoning Department, while uses that are permitted by "Special Use Permit" undergo a more thorough review by the Planning Department and Planning Commission.

Land divisions – can I divide and sell my property?

Land division requests are processed by the Zoning and Assessing Departments. Please contact the Zoning Administrator.

Why do I need a Special Use Permit (SUP) for “X” use?

Because of potential adverse impacts upon nearby properties, some uses are listed as Special Uses. The Special Use review criteria gives the Planning Commission additional authority on ensuring that the use will not be a nuisance to neighboring properties, including the ability to require significant site plan modifications such as additional landscaping or lowered lighting levels. Unlike a use that is permitted By Right, the Planning Commission is not obligated to approve a request for a Special Use Permit.

How long will it take to get my Special Use Permit?

An application for Special Use Permit requires introduction to the Planning Commission, followed by a public hearing before the Planning Commission, followed by review and approval or refusal of the application by the Planning Commission.  At a minimum, this process will take two meetings of the Planning Commission - one to introduce the application and schedule it for public hearing, and one to hold the public hearing and deliberate on the application.  More meetings may be required if the Planning Commission is not satisfied with the information presented or if they require additional time to review the application and render a decision. Because of the number of meetings and public notifications required by law, the application will take at least one month to process, and often more.

 

As noted above, approval of an SUP application is not guaranteed.

I don’t like this particular element of the Comprehensive Plan, and would like to have it changed. What can I do?

 

All persons are eligible to request a comprehensive plan amendment. Following a formal application, the Township and County Planning Commissions will consider the proposed amendment, and recommend approval or denial of the text (including any changes) to the Township Board. The Township Board is the ultimate authority in granting a Comprehensive Plan amendment request. Any request for such an amendment should be expected to take a number of months to review and approve.