What is Zoning?
Zoning helps promote growth and redevelopment in the City. It provides a set of regulations (also known as ordinances) that projects must comply with.
Throughout the City there are many different types of zoning districts; these are areas where similar properties are grouped together under the same regulations and uses. For example, one district may be designed for all single-family residential, another district may be designated for retail businesses, and a third district may be designated for manufacturing. Districts are designed this way so that everyone can enjoy and use their properties as best as possible while considering the needs of all property owners and the community as a whole.
How Does Zoning Impact your Project?
By understanding the zoning district of the property, you are intending to use for your project, you will know if your project is possible at that location, and if it is, the regulations under which you can use the property. The pre-application site plan meeting will allow us to understand the lay of the land or the way you would like to use this particular piece of property, but the first step of the process is to determine that your type of business is allowed to be at the location you are considering.
Zoning Uses and Special Land Uses. Remember that communities each have a number of different zoning districts; broadly, the City of Sturgis has around 15 zoning districts, separated into four general categories:
- Residential: designated by R-“something”, for things like houses, apartments, duplexes
- Business: designated by B-“something”, for things like retail, offices, restaurants, etc.
- Manufacturing: designated by M, for manufacturing and other industrial businesses
- Special Districts: various designations, these include stand-alone parking and special project areas.
Each zoning district has several permitted uses by right and special land uses; these are approved by the Planning Commission. So, first things first, we must check and make sure that what you want to do fits where you are. Let’s get a better understanding of the types of uses.
A permitted use would be something that is considered a natural fit for the zoning district and its rules. For example, if it were a Residential zoning district, one would expect a house or duplex would be a permitted use, but a department store probably doesn’t fit. In a Business zoning district, a department store, a restaurant, or a business office may all be permitted uses, but a single-family house probably doesn’t fit and would not be included.
A special land use is one that maybe appropriate in a zoning district, but because they are not a perfect or natural fit, special conditions may be necessary to be able to function properly in this area. It might be a duplex in an area that is populated by single family homes or an automobile repair shop in certain business districts (for example due to the additional noise that may be created). Special land uses must be approved by the Planning Commission. See flow chart at the bottom of this page for more details.
Why do I need a builders license?
It is crucial that residential construction is performed by qualified individuals. The State has specific licensing requirements for Residential Builders and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors. The City of Sturgis Community Development Department ensures that both residential and commercial structures comply with these licensing standards. For one- or two-family dwellings, not exceeding three stories, adherence to the licensing criteria in the Occupational Code Act 299 of 1980, Article 24 is mandatory. This ensures that those working on these projects have the necessary expertise to maintain state-mandated safety and integrity standards.
When do I apply for a certificate of occupancy?
After all work is complete, submit all as-built drawings, the site plan, and all final inspection reports for work that required permits to the Community Development Department along with the Request for Certificate of Occupancy.