What projects require a zoning permit?

View: Planning & Zoning Permits, Applications, & Forms

What do I have to turn in for a zoning permit?

View: Planning & Zoning Permits, Applications, & Forms

What is a plot plan? What needs to be included on a plot plan?

View: Planning & Zoning Permits, Applications, & Forms

How much do permits/forms/applications cost?

To determine the fees for building, zoning, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, and bike path permits, view the Building Permit Fee Schedule.

To determine the fees for site plan review, rezoning, ordinance text amendments, detailed engineering review, and zoning verification letter, view the Site Plan Review Fee Schedule.

Is it the planning department’s obligation to help design my plans?

No. It is the planning department’s job to check for zoning and code compliance. Any questions regarding design or any assistance needed in producing a drawing for review should be referred to an architect or registered design professional.

What's my zoning district?

View: Planning & Zoning Maps

What are the setbacks for my property?

First, determine the zoning district of the property: Planning & Zoning Maps

Next, visit Sections 2000 and 2001 of the Zoning Ordinance to review information about setbacks, height maximum, lot coverage maximum, minimum ground floor, minimum lot width, and minimum lot area specific to zoning district.

What are the requirements for open porches, decks, and paved terraces?

View: Deck, Porch, & Paved Terrace Requirements

What are the requirements for a driveway?

View: Driveways

What are wetlands? Are there wetlands on my property?

Wetlands are transitional areas where land and water meet. Whether water is slightly above or below the surface of the land, the single controlling feature that makes the difference when identifying whether or not an area is a wetland is the presence of water. Land does not have to be wet all of the time in order to be defined as a wetland. In some cases, it will not be immediately obvious that a wetland exists. The presence of water will, however, cause a number of physical, chemical and biological characteristics to develop.  These characteristics can be used to identify and locate wetlands.

Because wetlands are identified according to the site-specific development of physical and biological conditions, an on-site inspection is always necessary to determine, with certainty, whether wetlands are present.  Other information, such as MapWashtenaw, DEQ Wetland Inventory Maps, National Wetland Inventory Maps, County Soil Surveys, and aerial photos provide indications of where wetlands may exist.  However, these may not include all wetlands and may identify areas that once were, but no longer are, wetlands.  As a result, the actual conditions at a property will always take precedence over any information source.

DEQ Wetland Inventory Maps, show the general location of wetlands in your county.  However, because of the scale of these maps and the methods used to produce them, they cannot be used to accurately define the location and boundaries of wetlands on an individual parcel of land. Please visit the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) web page or contact Keto Gyekis at (517) 243-5002 for more information.

What are the requirements for a fence/wall?

View: Fences & Walls

What signs are prohibited?

View: Signs

What signs are allowed without a permit?

View: Signs

What are the requirements for swimming pools/hot tubs?

View: Swimming Pools & Hot Tubs

What are the requirements for an addition on my house/home? What are the requirements for a new house/home?

View: New Homes & Home Additions

What are the requirements for garages/carports?

View: Garages & Carports

What are the requirements for accessory structures or uses?

View: Accessory Structures or Uses

What are the requirements for pole barns?

View: Pole Barns

What is a public hearing? Why did I receive a public hearing notice?

A public hearing is held to uphold the requirement of due process as required by the Zoning Ordinance, so as to give invested parties the opportunity to participate in a public forum regarding a proposed project or Zoning Ordinance amendment. A public hearing notice is sent to make the receiver aware of the time and date of the public hearing, if they wish to attend. Projects requiring a public hearing include special conditional land use applications, Planned Development applications, variances, and rezonings. You received public hearing notice because you live within 300 feet of a proposed project or change.

What is the difference between a public meeting and a public hearing?

A public meeting is open to the public and members of the public are able to sit in on the proceedings, but may not talk. A public hearing is a public meeting during which members of the public are invited to voice their questions, comments, and concerns at a designated time.

What is meant by a change of use?

View: Planning & Zoning Permits, Applications, & Forms

What uses are permitted in a specific zoning district?

Information regarding permitted or special conditional land uses in the Township can be found in the Schedule of Uses.

What are the medical marihuana regulations?

Medical marihuana nurseries or dispensaries are permitted as a special conditional land use in the I-1, Light Industrial zoning district and I-2, General Industrial zoning district. Section 1841 of the Zoning Ordinance outlines additional standards and conditions for medical marihuana nurseries or dispensaries.

To determine zoning district, view the Zoning Map.

In addition, MapWashtenaw provides access to the latest parcel maps and property data available from Washtenaw County through an interactive map viewer. The viewer shows a variety of property data for the entire county including parcels, aerial photos, topography, schools, and natural features.

Growers, Processors, Secure Transporters, Safety Compliance Centers, and Provisioning Centers can only be located in municipalities that choose to allow them and enact an ordinance permitting and regulating these facilities. Ypsilanti Township has not “opted-in” to the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA), Act 281 of 2016.

Can I operate a food truck in Ypsilanti Township?

No, food trucks are not permitted in Ypsilanti Township.

Can I put a collection box on my property?

Yes, if you have a permit. Please see the Collection Box Packet for more information.

What are the regulations for child or adult care facilities?

Information regarding permitted or special conditional land uses in the Township can be found in the Schedule of Uses.

To determine zoning district, view Maps.

Can I open a smoking lounge business?

View: Smoking Lounge Information

What are the requirements for business registration?

Business Registration

Does my development proposal require a site plan?

View: Site Plan & Development Documents & Forms

What is a Zoning Ordinance?

The Zoning Ordinance consists of written regulations and laws that define how property in specific geographic zones can be used. The Zoning Ordinance specifies whether zones can be used for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes, regulates lot size, placement, bulk (or density) and the height of structures, and provides procedures for development or handling infractions. The Zoning Ordinance is codified through Municode, which offers an easy to use search engine.

What is a Master Plan?

View: Master Plan

What are the Engineering Standards & Specifications?

View: Engineering Standards & Design Specifications

What is the Planning Commission?

View: Planning Commission

What is the Zoning Board of Appeals?

View: Zoning Board of Appeals

What is a rezoning?

Zoning divides land into categories according to their use and set regulations for these categories. When a property owner wants to use land in a way or build to a different set of regulations that is not permitted by the current zoning of the property, the owner must request to rezone the property to a classification, which permits the desired use or regulation. A rezoning is a legislative process that will amend the zoning of a parcel(s) to another zoning classification. A rezoning is an amendment to the current zoning map. It is also referred to as a zoning map amendment. For more information on rezonings, view the rezoning process.

What is a conditional rezoning?

An amendment to a zoning designation in which certain conditions, such as height restrictions, setbacks, density, lot size, and/or usage may change along with the notation designation.

What is the difference between preliminary site plan approval and final site plan approval?

Preliminary site plan approval involves a review of the preliminary site plan application including basic design and layout. Preliminary site plan approval can be conducted administratively or by Planning Commission, depending on the project. Final site plan approval involves the review of engineered drawings that are approved administratively or by the Planning Commission, depending on conditions.

What is a special conditional land use?

Special conditional land uses are uses that may be appropriate in a particular zoning district, but have potential secondary effects (such as traffic or noise) that require additional consideration. For this reason, special conditional land uses must meet additional standards and require a Planning Commission public hearing prior to approval. For more information, please visit Section 2119 of the Zoning Ordinance.

What is a non-conforming use?

A non-conforming use is a use which lawfully occupied a building or land at the effective date of or amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that does not conform to the use regulations of the zoning district in which it is located. For more information, please visit Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance.

What is a planned development (PD) district?

The planned development (PD) district is intended to permit, with Township approval, private or public development or redevelopment of areas throughout the Township which shall be substantially in accord with the goals and objectives of the Master Plan of future land use for the Township of Ypsilanti. The use patterns of the areas involved shall provide a desirable environment and shall be harmonious with the general surrounding uses permitting flexibility in overall development while ensuring the highest of safeguards and standards for public health, safety, convenience and general welfare. Such PD district may embrace a mixture of one (1) or more distinct uses or zoning categories, in the vertical or horizontal plane. A PD district shall encourage the use of land in accordance with its character and adaptability; conserve natural and social/cultural resources and provide sustainable design and energy efficiency; encourage innovation in land use and community planning; and bring about a greater compatibility of design and use.