Planning and Zoning

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

The Planning and Zoning Department has two principal functions: 1) supervising the long range planning for the community and 2) the review of all development proposals submitted to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. As part of this function the department is responsible for the administration of the Zoning Ordinance and other land development regulations including the Woodland Preservation Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance.

The Planning and Zoning Department also provides professional and administrative staff to both the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. This particular function includes the preparation of agendas, coordination of reviews with other departments and public notification requirements. The department provides a variety of township maps and other development related information. The department is also responsible for administering the township's annual Community Development Block Grant program.

All applications, procedures, and forms may be found by navigating through the development review guidebook identified below.

Development Review

This Development Review Guidebook has been produced for
informational purposes to assist property owners, the development
community, and the general public. It is intended to be a user friendly
tool to assist in navigating through Shelby Township’s development
application and review process.

The Planning and Zoning Department has prepared this Development
Review Guidebook for those who desire to have a general understanding of
the development process in the Township. In the Guidebook you will find
application forms and requirements, submittal checklists, easy-to-follow
review process flowcharts, and answers to commonly asked questions.

This document is not an ordinance. It is important to note that the
ordinances of the Township should be thoroughly researched before
reaching any conclusions on questions related to development in Shelby
Township. This document can be the source to begin your search for
information.

A complete copy of the Development Review Guidebook can be obtained
from the Planning and Zoning Department located in the Shelby Municipal
Building, 52700 Van Dyke, Shelby Township, MI 48316, or downloaded
here.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Shelby Township Zoning Board of Appeals consists of five members who are approved by the Township Board of Trustees. One member of the Planning Commission participates as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board of Appeals meets the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

All communities with an adopted Zoning Ordinance are required to have a Board of Appeals to provide relief for properties that cannot adhere to specific requirements of the zoning ordinance.

Planning and Zoning Minutes, Agendas & Notices

2024 Planning Commission & Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting and Deadline Dates

The Zoning Board of Appeals has the quasi-judicial function of interpreting the zoning ordinance to ensure that it has or will be properly followed. The basic responsibilities of the Zoning Board of Appeals include the following:

Appeals of Administrative Decisions

The Zoning Board of Appeals has the responsibility to hear and decide on any decision or determination of an official or body charged with the administration of the Zoning Ordinance. The administration of the ordinance typically falls under the jurisdiction of the Planning and Zoning Department, the Planning Commission, or Code Enforcement.

Variance Requests

A variance is official permission to deviate from a requirement of the Zoning Ordinance. The authority to grant a variance is discretionary. The Zoning Ordinance contains standards for the board to consider in evaluating the appropriateness of variance requests. The most common variance is a dimensional or non-use variance. These typically pertain to buildings and structures that cannot be constructed in the location required by the ordinance or that certain other requirements cannot be met. Common dimensional variance requests include building setbacks, building height, lot coverage requirements, parking standards, signs, and accessory building requirements, among others.

Ordinance Interpretations

Requests for ordinance interpretations may result from undefined or ambiguous terms or poorly defined standards, lack of clarity concerning the location of a zoning district boundary or other similar matters. The Zoning Board of Appeals is the only local body authorized to render "official" interpretations of the zoning map text or map.

Temporary Uses

The Zoning Board of Appeals may approve temporary structures for periods not to exceed six months. They may also approve temporary uses not otherwise permitted in any zoning district and which do not require the erection of any capital improvement of a structural nature.

Planning Commission

The Shelby Township Planning Commission consists of nine members who are appointed by the Township Supervisor with the approval of the Township Board of Trustees. The Planning Commission has several functions, which are established by state statute and the Township’s Zoning Ordinance. These activities include the preparation of the master plan and other planning studies, site plan approval, the review of new subdivisions, the review of zoning map amendments, and the review of all special land uses. A description of each of these activities is provided below.

The Planning Commission holds its regular meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building.

Master Plan Preparation

The Planning Commission’s principal responsibility is the preparation and adoption of the Township’s Master Plan. The Master Plan is a comprehensive document, long-range in its view that is intended to guide the development of the township over a period of time ranging from 10 to 20 years. The plan establishes policies regarding new development and redevelopment. These policies are intended to guide private and public decisions regarding the public and private issues of land and the provision of public facilities.

Site Plan Approval

The Planning Commission is responsible for the responsible for the review and approval of site plans for new office, retail, industrial and multiple family developments. Site plan review provides the Planning Commission with an opportunity to review the proposed use of a site in relation to all applicable requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and any other development standards. Site plans are required to show the location of any proposed structures, parking spaces, landscaping, lighting, building elevations and other proposed site improvements. During the site plan review process, the Planning Commission considers the relationship of the site to surrounding uses, accessibility, pedestrian and vehicular circulation, off-street parking, utilities, drainage, and landscaping.

Subdivision Review

The Planning Commission is responsible for providing the Township Board with recommendations regarding new subdivisions. The township’s subdivision regulations offer the following criteria for the Planning Commission to consider in the review of new subdivisions. Provide for the orderly growth and harmonious development of land. Secure adequate traffic circulation and lessen the congestion on roads. Facilitate adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewage, recreation and other public services and facilities. Facilitate the subdivision of larger tracts into smaller parcels of land.

Zoning Amendments

The Planning Commission is responsible for providing recommendations to the Township Board of Trustees regarding amendments to the Township Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map. The commission also conducts one public hearing as part of the amendment process.

Special Land Uses

The Planning Commission offers recommendations to the Township Board for all special land uses. A special land use refers to an activity that may be appropriate at a particular location and zoning district after taking into account of the proposed location and surrounding development patterns. The commission holds a public hearing on all special land uses and reviews each plan to ensure their compatibility with adjacent properties and to minimize any potential negative impacts. The commission also requires the submission of a site plan for all special land use applications.

Annual Report

The Michigan Planning Enabling Act requires the Planning Commission to prepare an annual report summarizing activities and accomplishments during the past year. This report provides a summary of development activities during the past year as well as trends dating back to 2008. The annual report also describes other activities undertaken by the Planning and Zoning Department.

2021 Annual Report

Shelby Township Master Plan

The Shelby Township Board of Trustees approved the township's new master plan Oct. 17, 2017. The master plan is a policy document created by the Shelby Township Planning Commission to guide the future growth and development of the township. A sound master plan helps ensure that Shelby Township remains a highly desirable place to live, work, or visit.

Planning and Zoning Applications

Planning and Zoning applications can now be submitted online through BS&A.

To submit an application online, find the correlating documents below, then click here to submit.

2024 Planning Commission and ZBA Meeting Dates and Deadlines