Assessing and Zoning

Department Staff:

Dan Brunner, Assessor, SAB III

Donna Carnell, Deputy Assessor

Franklin Peterson, Zoning Administrator

Assessing Department

The Assessor’s office is required by Michigan General Property Tax Law to annually review and value all taxable property at 50% of market value.  On March 15, 1994 Proposal A was adopted by Michigan voters.  Proposal A established a new property tax base for Michigan which is known as Taxable Value.  Starting in 1995, taxable value is the base for calculating property taxes.  Prior to 1995, the SEV was the base for taxes.  Proposal A provides that until the property is transferred (sold) taxable value may only increase by the rate of inflation or 5% whichever is less, plus the value of additions and losses.  The SEV will continue to increase or decrease with the changing market.  The Assessor does not create changes in property value; they simply have the legal responsibility to recognize changes as they occur.

The Assessing Department also tracks of property ownership, land divisions, Principle Residence Exemptions (P.R.E.'s), and building details for all parcels located within the City.

Zoning Department

Information regarding general building guidelines such as setback information, size requirements, and lot coverage can be obtained from this department. Inquiries regarding allowed uses to zoning districts will also be answered by the zoning department. If you would like more information on our ordinances, please review the City’s Code of Ordinances. 

Site plan review is required when proposing to construct a commercial or industrial building. Site plan review may also be required when proposing to make alterations to an existing commercial or industrial building. Please review our Site Plan Review Requirements before submitting your plan for review. click here for a site plan review application

An appeal may be made to the Zoning Board of Appeal for a variance from the strict application of the provisions of the zoning ordinance where by reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness, shape or area of a specific piece of property at the time of enactment of the zoning ordinance or by reason of exceptional topographic conditions or other extraordinary or exceptional conditions of such property, the strict application of the regulations enacted would result in peculiar or exceptional practical difficulties to, or exceptional undue hardship upon the owner of such property, provided such relief may be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of zoning ordinance. Please follow the appropriate Steps for a Variance Request when applying for a use or non-use variance.

A person desiring a re-zoning change in such person's property shall submit an application to the Zoning Administrator.  Follow the this link for the appropriate petition: Petition for Zoning Reclassification/Rezoning