Planning & Zoning

Department Overview:
A township's planning and zoning department is vital in guiding and overseeing community development. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that growth within the township is thoughtfully planned, sustainable, and aligned with the community's overarching goals.

 

Key Services Provided:
  • Land Use Planning: They create and maintain a master plan for the township, outlining how land should be used and developed to balance growth with preservation.
  • Zoning Regulations: They establish and enforce zoning ordinances, which dictate how properties can be used (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) and regulate aspects like building height, lot size, and density.
  • Public Hearings and Appeals: They conduct hearings for zoning amendments, variances, and special use permits. They also handle appeals related to zoning decisions.
  • Community Support: They assist residents, developers, and businesses with zoning inquiries and applications, ensuring clear communication and guidance.
  • Collaboration: They work closely with the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals to evaluate proposals and make recommendations.
Commissions and Boards Associated with or Aligned To:

Planning Commission:  The Seven Member Planning Commissions primary function is to make or adopt a comprehensive plan (Master Plan) and to conduct public hearings reviewing rezoning requests, which the Commission recommends to the Township Board. This Commission reviews and/or approves new development, deals with issues related to managing and guiding growth and recognizes the implications of development in terms of potential costs and benefits to the community.

 

Zoning Board of Appeals: The Sumpter Township Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five members who are appointed by the Township Supervisor and confirmed by the Township Board of Trustees.  The ZBA is authorized to grant variances to the Zoning Ordinance in certain specific cases of practical difficulty or hardship where the terms of the variance will not be contrary to the public interest.

 

(Sumpter Township Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings occur in the Board Room of the Township Hall located at 23480 Sumpter Rd, Belleville, MI 48111.)