You will submit your full construction plans to the City of Sturgis Community Development Department, which will oversee your entire project. However, specific sections of these plans will also need to be submitted to trade-specific inspectors for review. Below is a list of plan sections and the corresponding reviewers:
Building plan: Reviewed by the City of Sturgis (no additional submittal needed)
Electrical plan: Reviewed by the State of Michigan Electrical
Plumbing plan: Reviewed by the State of Michigan Plumbing
Mechanical plan: Reviewed by the State of Michigan Mechanical
Fire Suppression plan: Reviewed by the State of Michigan Mechanical
Fire Alarm plan: Reviewed by the City of Sturgis
While you, your design professional, or project manager will be responsible for applying for plan reviews and submitting the necessary sections, the City of Sturgis will coordinate with State of Michigan inspectors to ensure proper submission and review.
Getting your permits: Construction cannot begin until all necessary permits are obtained. We recommend waiting until your site plan has been approved by all relevant boards and commissions before acquiring permits. This helps avoid unnecessary delays and costs if changes are required.
Most projects will require one or more building permits, multiple trade permits, utility connection permits, and a right-of-way permit. Links to permit applications are provided below:
Building Permits (City of Sturgis; application submitted with plans)
- Electrical Permit Application
- Mechanical Permit Application
- Plumbing Permit Application
Utility Connection Permits (City of Sturgis)
Right-of-Way Permits
- Apply for a Right-of-Way Permit (City of Sturgis)
- Apply for a Right-of-Way Permit (St. Joseph County Road Commission)
- Apply for a Right-of-Way Permit (State of Michigan Department of Transportation)
Depending on your project you will need some or all of these permits. You will receive guidance on what permits you will need during your review and approval
COMMON FORMS AND GUIDES FOR BUILDING INQUIRIES
One-family and two-family residences
Accessory buildings
Swimming Pools
New homes or duplexes
If you’re planning to build a single-family home or duplex, you’ll need to check out the guide for a Residential Building Permit.
Commercial and industrial buildings
The term “commercial building” refers to almost everything that isn’t a 1- or 2-family residential home. This includes buildings for commercial, industrial, or institutional use, along with multi-family residences like apartments and mixed-use buildings. More generally, this type of development or redevelopment also includes parking lots and other major site improvements.
Opening a new business in an existing building
- In most cases, opening a new business inside an existing building will not require zoning changes, formal site plan review or special land use approval.
- To determine this, first, verify the zoning districts where the type of use the business involves are permitted. Please consult Article IV of the City of Sturgis Zoning Ordinance for more information, including specific uses and their site plan review requirements.
- Depending on the type of use, the use may be subject to site plan review and / or special land use approval, depending on the type of use the business will involve and the level of interior and exterior alterations required to accommodate the business.
- If zoning compliance is verified, the use may require submittal of building permits or trades permits for electrical, mechanical or plumbing work for the business to be established. Please consult the City of Sturgis Community Development Department for questions on permitting requirements.
- Required permits and licenses are also dependent upon the type of business. Check the Michigan Business One Stop at http://www.michigan.gov/business for information or call (877) 766‐1779.
Renovating an existing building
If you are renovating an existing building (and not expanding its size) the process will be slightly different. You will want to check out our guide for Commercial Building Renovations.
Building or expanding a building
This means that
- The area that you want to build something was previously vacant;
- There is a building there but you are tearing it down and starting over; or
- You are making an existing building larger.
When is a permit required?
- When is a permit required?
- State of Michigan permit requirements
- Residential Builder Licensing
- How to Get a Michigan Builders License
2020 Master Plan Information
Much of the City’s zoning decisions as well as capital improvements and other long-term planning items are driven by its Master Plan. One of the critical outcomes of the Master Plan is the development of Future Land Use Map and Zoning Plan that correlate land use planning decisions to real life zoning regulations.
Sturgis Interactive Master Plan Story Map Site
The full, interactive story of the City of Sturgis 2020 Master Plan including an explanation of the master plan, the history and input that informed this plan, and maps and recommendations from the plan can be explored on this website.
Please see the Township’s Future Land Use Map via the link below: