Zoning and Enforcement Zoning and Enforcement

Zoning Administrator Responsibilities

1. Administration of the Zoning Ordinance

The Zoning Administrator is primarily responsible for administering and interpreting the Township zoning ordinance as written, without discretion to waive requirements.

Duties include:

• Maintaining thorough knowledge of the Township zoning ordinance and applicable Michigan zoning statutes
• Interpreting zoning regulations for applicants, residents, staff, and Board members
• Determining zoning district classification and permitted uses for properties
• Ensuring zoning decisions are ministerial and consistent with ordinance standards

2. Zoning Permit and Application Processing

The Zoning Administrator serves as the intake and review authority for zoning‑related applications.

This includes:

• Receiving and reviewing applications for:
• Zoning compliance permits
• Special land use permits
• Site plan reviews
• Variances
• Administrative appeals
• Land divisions and splits
• Determining application completeness
• Verifying compliance with zoning standards
• Issuing zoning permits when all requirements are met
• Providing written notice when applications do not comply and advising on the proper appeal or review process

3. Coordination With Other Township Officials

In a Township with a separate Ordinance Enforcement Officer, the Zoning Administrator coordinates but does not pursue violations.

Responsibilities include:

• Referring confirmed zoning violations to the Ordinance Enforcement Officer for enforcement action
• Coordinating with:
• Building Officials (for zoning/building permit alignment)
• Assessor (for property classification and land use changes)
• Clerk and Treasurer (for records and fee processing)
• Transmitting zoning permits and records to appropriate Township officers

4. Support to Township Boards and Commissions

The Zoning Administrator serves as staff support and technical advisor to land‑use bodies.

This includes:

• Attending meetings of the:
• Planning Commission
• Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA)
• Township Board (as requested)
• Preparing staff reports and application summaries
• Presenting zoning interpretations and ordinance requirements
• Answering procedural and technical zoning questions

5. Public Assistance and Information

A core function is providing front‑counter zoning assistance to the public.

Duties include:

• Responding to zoning questions by phone, email, and in person
• Explaining ordinance requirements and application processes
• Providing zoning ordinance copies and zoning map information
• Offering non‑legal guidance on compliance pathways

6. Inspections Related to Zoning Compliance

Where an Ordinance Enforcement Officer exists, the Zoning Administrator’s inspections are permit‑related.

This can include:

• Conducting site visits to verify zoning compliance tied to issued permits
• Confirming land use matches approved zoning approvals
• Documenting observed non‑compliance for referral to the Ordinance Enforcement Officer

7. Records Management and Zoning Documents

The Zoning Administrator is custodian of zoning records.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining files for:
• Zoning permits
• Applications and approvals
• Site plans
• Appeals and determinations
• Keeping zoning maps and ordinance text current
• Recording ordinance amendments
• Coordinating with the Clerk to ensure official record retention