Zoning & Sign Permits

• Zoning Permit Application

NEW STRUCTURES AND ALTERATIONS; such as decks, fences, porches, swimming pools, new accessory structures and garages, parking lots, and almost any project that occurs outside of a structure may require a zoning permit.

A CHANGE IN USE will also require a permit.  An example of this would be converting a home that was used as a residence in to commercial office space.  The process for this type of application may vary depending on which Zoning District your property is located in.  *see also Zoning Reclassification Application

If you are REPLACING AN EXISTING STRUCTURE and you increase or decrease any dimension of that structure or alter the materials it is made out of, you will need a zoning permit.  Any changes to the footprint of a structure will always require a permit.*

A SITE PLAN will always be required with your application.  Applications for single family residential properties may submit simple hand drawn sketches that have all relevant features labeled with dimension.  Multi-Family, Commercial, and Industrial properties will require more detailed illustrations (see the Site Plan Application section below)

Some examples of things that DO NOT require a zoning permit include painting a house or replacing siding*, planting flowers, re-shingling an existing roof*, making interior improvements or alterations*, or replacing windows*.

For more information such as setback requirements, pools/hot tubs, fences, and a number of other items, please see the frequently asked questions page.

*Note: many projects that do not require a zoning permit may require a building permit.  Call the South Central Michigan Construction Code Inspection office (SCMCCI) toll free at 1-888-249-7077 or visit www.cornerstonemi.net for more information.

• Zoning Variance Application

If you would like to alter your property in a way that DOES NOT COMPLY with the City of Albion Zoning Ordinance, you may apply for a variance.  An applicant must go before the Zoning Board of Appeals and explain why they are requesting a variance.  Generally, successful applicants should be able to prove that their request is due to some type of hardship or unusual circumstance.

• Zoning Reclassification Application

If a particular land use is not allowed in you zoning district, you may apply to reclassify the zoning of your property.

For example, if you owned property that was zoned residential, but you wanted to operate a metal fabrication business, you would need to re-zone the property to be classified as “industrial.”  This is because metal fabrication on a commercial scale is not allowed on residential property, but is allowed in an industrial district.

It should be noted, the city will seldom ever approve a rezoning application.  This is because the citizens and City Council have authorized the city to implement a “Master Plan” that provides a vision for what they would like the City to look like in the future.  This Master Plan is proposes changes in current land uses in some areas.

• Sign Permit Application

Any permanent signage located on your property requires a Sign Permit.

Temporary Signs do not require a permit, but have a number of limitations, such as time limits, size, and location.

For more information, the Albion Sign Ordinance Chapter 64 is available online.

• Sign Variance Application

If your proposed sign is on a property that demonstrates special circumstances and you need to use signage that does not comply with the sign ordinance, you may request a sign variance. Applicants will be required to go before the Sign Appeals Board and explain why they require a variance.  Applying does not guarantee that your request will be approved.

• Site Plan Application

Small and simple site plans for single-family residential properties require a Zoning Permit.  Alterations and additions to, or new constructions of, a Multi-family, commercial, or industrial property will require a formal site plan application

SMALL projects may be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department.

LARGE projects may need review by the Planning Commission for approval.

Generally, plans that involve less than 10,000 square feet of structural space being constructed or altered or less than 2 ½ acres of property being developed may be approved by the Planning Department.  This will depend on the complexity of the project, and the type of proposed development.

• Preliminary Plat Application

Use this form if you are developing undeveloped land that will require that a number of parcels be split from one parent parcel.

• Special Use Permit

Depending on your zoning district, some uses are “permitted by right,” while others may be permitted, but are not considered a use by right.  Special Use Permits will be subject to review by the Planning Commission.  The commission will determine if the proposed use will conflict with surrounding area or cause a nuisance.

• Bed & Breakfast License Application

A Bed and Breakfast operation requires a specific license from the City of Albion.

• Outdoor Café/Sidewalk Café License Application (not available online)

An Outdoor Café/Sidewalk Café requires a specific license from the City of Albion.