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Planning & Zoning

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1. What is zoning?

Zoning provides the standards and regulations that apply to land and structures in Grand Blanc Township. These standards and regulations help implement the Township’s Master Plan (PDF) which contains goals, policies, and recommendations of how development in the township (long-term) is to be achieved. Grand Blanc Township has many zoning districts. Each one has a list of permitted uses and standards for building setbacks, densities, and heights. Please refer to the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) for details on each classification.

2. How can I verify the land use and/or zoning of my property?

Zoning and Land Use information can be found by using the township's online mapping information system.  For land use questions please contact the Planning Department, Community Planning Division.

3. I received a Notice of Public Hearing in the mail. What does this mean?

The Township is required to notify property owners within a 300 foot radius of a property that has been applied to be rezoned or granted a variance from the Zoning Ordinance (PDF). A summary description of the proposed application can be found within the body of the notification. A public hearing date for the proposed change is included in your notification. 

You are invited to attend the hearing to oppose or support the proposed change. Your attendance is optional, but this is the most effective way to voice your opposition or support to the hearing body. Once filed, all application information is public record and may be viewed or copied by any member of the public subject to public records laws.

4. What can I do in my zoning district?

The Zoning Ordinance (PDF) lists the permitted uses and special land uses for each zoning district. In addition, the Ordinance contains a Use Matrix that lists all uses and shows all the districts in which they are permitted.

5. Where can I find information on the setbacks, maximum lot coverage, minimum roadway frontage, height or density allowed on my property?

These development criteria depend on the zoning district. The zoning district can be found by following the steps outlined above in Question 2.

6. Where can I find a copy of the Zoning Ordinance?

View the Grand Blanc Zoning Ordinance (PDF) online.

7. I am considering rezoning, or changing the use of my property. What do I need to do?

Forms are available at the Planning Department. Prior to filling out and submitting forms, it is recommended that you consult with Planning Department staff and schedule a pre-application meeting.

8. Where can I find applications online? Can they also be downloaded and turned in online?

All Township applications can be found on the Planning and Zoning Forms page.

All applications are in PDF form and are available for download. At this time all applications can be:

• Turned in by hand at the Township office:
  5371 S Saginaw Street
  Grand Blanc, MI 48480
• Mailed to the office at:
  P.O. Box 1833
  Grand Blanc, MI 48480

9. How long does the development review process take?

Site Plan Reviews typically take 30 to 60 days. Applications and site plans that provide all needed information tend to get through the process sooner than those with missing information.

Special land uses require a public hearing and may take 60 to 90 days, depending on the complexity of the request. Rezoning (change of zoning district) applications for regular rezoning, conditional rezoning, and Planned Unit Developments are held in a series of Public Hearings before the Planning Commission and the Township Board. These types of requests typically take 60 to 90 days, or longer for more complicated developments.

Variance requests (relief from the conditions of the Code) are held in a Public Hearing before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Since this body does not meet monthly, it can take up to 60 days for a variance request to be processed.

10. May I have a home-based business?

Home-based businesses are termed 'home occupations' in the Zoning Ordinance (PDF). Home occupations meeting certain criteria are permitted in any residential district. Home occupations do not allow:

• Outside employees
• Exterior signage
• Stockpiling of materials
• Emission of odor, dust, gas, noise, vibration, smoke, heat, or glare beyond the boundary of the lot 
• Business activity between the hours of 7 pm and 7 am
• Mechanical equipment not normally used for domestic purposes
• Use of more than 20% of the total area under roof for the business
• Off-site parking incidental to the home occupation

A zoning exception may be required for home occupations that generate traffic. For full text on home occupations, please refer to Section 4.37 of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF).

11. May I operate a daycare for children in my home?

Yes, with certain conditions. In the Zoning Ordinance (PDF), this use is classified as a care center/daycare center or family day care home, depending on the age, relation, and a number of children being supervised.

Family day care homes are defined as a private home in which one but less than seven minor children are received for care and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours a day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption. It includes a home that gives care to an unrelated child for more than 4 weeks during a calendar year. These family day care homes are permitted in all residential zoning districts.

12. Where can I build a fence on my residential property?

The Zoning Ordinance (PDF), Section 5.3, allows you to build a fence on your property line or any other place on your property depending on your zoning district. A permit from the Building Department is required. The maximum height of a fence is 42 inches within the front yard. Beyond that point, towards the rear of your property, the height of the fence can be up to 6 feet. A visibility triangle for traffic safety purposes must be maintained.

13. Can I have a storage shed or garage that is not attached to my house on my property?

Yes, with certain conditions. The Zoning Ordinance (PDF) defines these types of buildings or structures as accessory structures. In most residentially zoned districts, accessory structures can be located in the rear or side yard of your property as close as 3 feet to the rear and/or side property lines. In most residential districts, these structures may have a maximum height of 14 feet. Section 5.2 of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) contains more information about the size and setbacks for accessory structures.

14. Can I split (subdivide) my land?

Whether or not a property is eligible for subdivision requires the analysis of several factors, including the zoning district, road frontage and access, total acreage, as well as a number of other items. The Planning Department will be happy to provide you with more information on the subdivision process.

15. Is a garage apartment allowed?

This may be a permitted accessory use depending on the zoning district you are in and whether or not the dwelling would be attached or detached. Refer to Section 4.4 of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) for more information.

16. Where can I park my boat or RV?

Usually, in residential zoning districts, boats, RVs, and utility trailers are required to be parked behind or beside your house. They must meet the front yard setback for the zoning district of that particular property. See Section 4.58 of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) for more information or contact the Planning Department.

17. Does my pool or other accessory structure have to meet the same setbacks as my house?

Generally, no. The setbacks for pools or other accessory structures are usually less than the required setbacks for your house as long as they are built at least 15 feet from any lot line. However, these accessory structures can only be located in rear or side yards, not in the required front yard area. See Section 4.70 of the Zoning Ordinance (PDF) for more information.

18. How do I register a complaint about a troublesome neighbor or nuisance property in my neighborhood?

Property complaints can be directed to the Code Enforcement Department.