The City of Ypsilanti welcomes new development and redevelopment which complies with all applicable ordinances and codes, serves the needs of City residents, and is compatible with community character. The following guidelines are intended to help residents, property/business owners, and developers understand and work with the City's development review process.
The process is coordinated by the Planning and Development Department (PD) in cooperation with the Building Inspection Division (BI). PD is primarily responsible for the preliminary development planning phases including zoning, variances, and site plan reviews. BI is responsible for the building permit, inspection, and enforcement phases of the process.
1. Individuals interested in pursuing a development project are first encouraged to contact PD to determine what approvals or permits will be needed. Questions relating to the building permit or inspection phases should be directed to BI. The following checklist outlines the basic steps in the review process that generally apply to both residential or commercial/industrial projects unless otherwise noted.
2. Confirm whether the proposed use or activity is consistent with the zoning (see Map) and master plan designations. (PD)
3. If a change in master plan, zoning or special use permit is required, submit application for consideration by the Planning Commission. Refer to section on Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions for schedule information. (PD)
4. If variance is needed for either the type of use or from site dimensional requirements, and if all required standards are met, submit application for a variance for consideration by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Refer to section on Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions schedule information. (PD)
5. If the property is located within the Historic District (see Map) and the proposed project involves exterior improvements or demolition activities, including landscaping, review and approval of the Historic District Commission is required. Submit application for permit approval to BI. The Commission encourages applicants to submit proposals in advance for informal review prior to permit application. Submit requests for informal study review to PD. Refer to section on Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions for schedule information. (PD)
6. As a general guide, proposals to construct, move, relocate, convert, or structurally alter exterior walls of buildings and exterior signage will require site plan approval by the Planning Commission. Such review is also required for proposals to commence or change a use, including expansions in the area, volume, and intensity of a use. Proposals to construct or modify off-street parking areas shall also require site plan review. While site plan review may be required in other cases, it is not generally required for single and two-family dwelling units on individual lots. Submit application to the Planning Commission. (PD)
7. Submit construction and engineering plans to BI for review and approval according to local and state building and site design codes. (BI)
8. Submit application for building permit upon receipt of all development approvals and prior to initiating project activities. (BI)
9. Schedule necessary electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and construction inspections during and at completion of construction. Comply with all code requirements for changes or modifications to the project. (BI)
10. Request certificates of occupancy upon successful project completion and meeting final inspection review requirements.(BI)
11. Submit application for business license to City Assessor's Office if needed for home occupation, commercial or industrial operation to be located within project. The certificate of occupancy must be submitted with the application and the license must be obtained within 10 days of opening for business.
12. Celebrate the grand opening or project completion!
Application, permit, and inspection fees are required and must be paid at the time of application. Please contact either PD (734) 483-9646 or BI (734) 482-1025 for specific fee schedule information. A new fee schedule was adopted in October, 2003 by City Council.
