YTown.org - FAQs

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?

What signs are prohibited?

What signs are allowed without a permit?

What are the requirements for swimming pools/hot tubs?

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

What are the requirements for garages/carports?

What are the requirements for accessory structures or uses?

What are the requirements for 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?

What is meant by a change of use?

What uses are permitted in a specific zoning district?

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?

Can I put a collection box on my property?

What are the regulations for child or adult care facilities?

Can I open a smoking lounge business?

What are the requirements for business registration?

Does my development proposal require a site plan?

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?

What are the Engineering Standards & Specifications?

What is the Planning Commission?

What is the 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?

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?

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.

Ordinance FAQs

Ypsilanti Township's Code of Ordinances may be viewed using Municode. Municode's website includes a search engine to easily find specific sections.

Contact Ordinance Department: (734) 485 - 4393

Ordinance Department Office Hours & Location
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:30pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm daily.)

Tilden R. Stumbo Civic Center
7200 S. Huron River Dr.
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

What is the definition of “owner?”

Owner means any person or entity with legal or equitable ownership or possessory interest in any residential structure. The owner shall include, but not be limited to: a bank, credit union, trustee, financial institution or trust which is in possession (in whole or in part) of the real property, foreclosing a lien or mortgage interest in the affected property, but may or may not have legal or equitable title.

What happens if the inspector finds code violations that have to be fixed?

What happens if I must make repairs that require a building permit during an inspection?

What happens if I miss a scheduled inspection appointment?

What happens if the inspector cannot get inside the house for an inspection?

The property is bank owned or listed for sale and there is a lock box on the door. Can I provide the lock box code to allow the inspector to enter?

What happens if I refuse to allow the inspector inside the house?

What will the inspector look for during an inspection?

What if fees for inspection, registration, or other are not paid?

How can I get my own copy of the Property Maintenance Code?

What are the requirements for owners, landlords, and agents of residential rental properties?

Are residential rental properties required to be registered, inspected, and certified?

Who notifies owners, landlords, and agents of residential rental properties of criminal activity and behavioral issues that violate federal housing rules?

What will the inspector look for during a residential rental property inspection?

Is proof of insurance required for residential rental property Certificate of Compliance?

How long is a residential rental property Certificate of Compliance valid?

Do I need a residential rental property Certificate of Compliance?

What happens if I sell my property after receiving a residential rental property Certificate of Compliance?

Are vacant properties required to be registered, inspected, and certified?

What are the exceptions for registering a vacant property?

How long is a vacant property Certificate of Compliance valid?

Do I need a vacant property Certificate of Compliance?

What happens if I sell my property after receiving a vacant property Certificate of Compliance?

How much does it cost to register a vacant property? What are the fees associated with registering a vacant property?

Do I have to maintain utility services for a vacant property?

What documentation is required concerning utilities for a vacant property?

How is the owner of a vacant property contacted?

What if the owner of a vacant property is absent or uncooperative?

What if a code violation is found during an inspection of a vacant property?

Can I park on my front lawn?

Can I store a non-operating car without license plates under a tarp?

What are the regulations for a basketball hoop?

Basketball hoops, including portable ones, are prohibited in public rights-of-way (grassy area between sidewalk and street) and sidewalks. Violators are responsible for a municipal civil infraction and the basketball hoop may be confiscated from public property. Ordinance officers will attempt to establish ownership of the basketball hoop and will post a notice at the property and on the apparatus. A device left in the travel portion of a roadway that creates a hazard may be confiscated immediately as a matter of public safety. Whenever appropriate, a warning may be issued requiring removal within 24 hours.

What are the regulations for owning a dog?

What are noxious weeds?

What are the maintenance requirements for lawns/grass?

What is considered environmental blight?

What are the regulations for loud noises/boom boxes?

What are the regulations regarding graffiti?

What is “See Something, Say Something”?

What are the regulations on liquor control?