Planning and Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Department works together to develop, interpret, and enforce the City’s zoning and other Ordinances. The Planning Department is responsible for administering City ordinances and directing growth and development of land in relation to local zoning ordinances. The Zoning Department has the duty of implementing the City’s zoning ordinances, reviewing land rezoning requests, and overseeing specific land use requests.
The Planning and Zoning Department is available to meet for a pre-application meeting prior to submitting any applications to provide feedback or offer alternatives when needed. Contact the Community Development Department to schedule an appointment.
Pre-Development / BDT Checklist
Within Planning and Zoning, zoning and site plan approval are the foundation for moving on to obtaining building permits and other construction permits. Zoning and site plan approval requirements will vary depending on the scope of the work being completed. To understand the review process and requirements for your project, please complete the Pre-Development (BDT) Checklist in preparation for a meeting with City staff:
Zoning and Site Plan Review Resources and Links:
- Current Zoning Map
- Zoning Ordinance – Description of Districts
- Full Zoning Ordinance
- Fee Schedule
- Site Plan Application and Checklist (Commercial / Industrial Projects)
Right-of-Way, MISS Dig, City and Non-City Utilities Information
- Right-of-Way Construction Permits
For construction involving City Right-of-Way, a permit from the City Engineer’s Office is required. This include work on drive approaches (between the street and the property line), utilities, sidewalks and any other work in the street right-of-way. Contact the City Engineer at (269) 659-7249 for more information. Row Permit Application - MISS DIG
A State mandated “one-call” system for the location and staking of underground utilities prior to excavation or construction. You can contact MISS DIG by calling 811, 1-800-482-7171, or visiting them online at www.missdig.org. Please contact at least three working days in advance. The City receives an email with the appropriate information to complete our portion of the utility location. - City Utilities
Information on utility connections and services for City of Sturgis Electric, Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater can be found on the Utilities Page. - Non-City Utilities
The following links are provided for your convenience to set up some of the non-city utilities you may require:
Redevelopment Ready
In October 2023, the City of Sturgis became a Redevelopment Ready Communities® (RRC)- certified community. RRC is a voluntary technical assistance initiative offered through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to empower communities in shaping their future by building a strong foundation of planning, zoning, and economic development best practices. “Consistent, clearly defined steps, coupled with easily accessible resources, while also making contact information readily available, all play major roles when aligning with RRC Certified standards,” said Jeff Coney. “This level of transparency not only helps those investigating our community for their next location of expansion, but also empowers our local residents as they consider future opportunities within the city they call home.”