Applications & Petitions

The following processes and support for each are provided by the Planning and Zoning Division. Applications are submitted online through BS&A online. Payments for permits can be cash, check, money order, and credit card. Payments are accepted in-person, by mail, and electronically. For online payments, please visit our Online Payments page. Please call the Planning and Zoning Division at (269) 966-3320 with any questions.

Fee Bond & Insurance Information for Planning and Zoning Processes

Zoning Permits

Zoning permit applications could be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning, Inspections, and Code Compliance Divisions. Which division(s) review the application depends on the type of project proposed. For each zoning permit, download and read the one pager plus on the item for an overview of the regulations from the city's ordinance, download and complete the application form, then complete the online application process.

Signs

Fences

Accessory Buildings

Paving

Residential/Front Yard Paving Permits

Commercial Paving Permits

Zoning Permit (Spanish)

Pre-Application Meetings

Prior to beginning any development process in the city, applicants are encouraged to meet with city staff for a pre-application meeting. This meeting can help promote a smooth approval process once a formal application is submitted. In order to request a pre-application meeting, please call (269) 966-3320 or email Planning@battlecreekmi.gov.

In order to make the best use of the pre-application meeting, the following should be known:

  • Location of the proposed development
  • Existing use and zoning district of the parcel
  • Intended development (residential, office, commercial, mixed-use, industrial, etc.)
  • Preliminary site plans and sketches
  • Surrounding land uses

Any other information, such as flood zone status and expected parking, are helpful but not required. As a rule of thumb, the more information that can be presented at a pre-application meeting, the more that staff can advise on how to prepare for the formal application.

At the meeting, city staff will cover the following:

  • Review the proposed use for general compliance with the existing zoning
  • Provide initial feedback on site plan and sketches
  • Identify the correct processes (site plan review, special use permit, variance, rezoning, and/or certificate of appropriateness) and walk the applicant through what to expect
  • Inform the applicant of any relevant submission deadlines for applications that must appear before a board or commission
  • Answer any additional questions the applicant may have pertaining to development in Battle Creek

Applications

Special Use Permit Application

A Special Use Permit is required when certain land uses are allowed only within the approval of the City Commission due to their unique locational characteristics, or the services they provide to the public. Generally, uses within a zoning district are either permitted "by right" under the zoning code or by "special use permit". The uses allowed by special use permit in each zoning district are listed in the city ordinances under Chapter 1240 of the Planning and Zoning Code. Special Use Permits require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Commission which take approximately 45-60 days.

Rezoning / Conditional Rezoning Request Application

A Rezoning / Conditional Rezoning is when someone is proposing to use property within the City of Battle Creek in a manner not allowed under the current zoning classification of that land; the property owner may petition the City for a change in the zoning. This is called "rezoning" or a "conditional rezoning." Rezoning requests require review and approval by the Planning Commission and City Commission and take approximately 60 days.

Zoning Board of Appeals Variance Request Application

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hear appeals from an aggrieved party as it relates to a decision of the Zoning Administrator, or to request a variance from the requirements of the Zoning Code (Part Twelve) of the City Ordinances. Zoning regulates land uses, population densities, lot coverage, building size and location, and thereby provides a means which to implement the City's Comprehensive Plan. The overall objective of zoning is to protect public health, safety, and welfare; to promote compatibility among various land uses and developments; and to provide for an attractive and efficient community.  A request to the Zoning Board of Appeals takes approximately 30 days.

Historic District Commission Application & Historic District Secretary of Interior Standards

A Local Historic District is a historically significant area that is protected by historic district ordinance under the authority of Michigan PA 169 of 1970. The City of Battle Creek has designated five (5) Local Historic Districts in order to preserve the architectural, historical, and/or cultural resources of the community. Any proposed modifications affecting the exterior appearance of buildings and property improvements within a historic district require submittal of an application for approval.  Minor classes of work can be approved administratively, while larger projects require HDC approval which takes approximately 30 days.


Site Plan Review Application

A site plan is a plan of a proposed development showing the relationship of the site features to one another and to the surrounding area, including buildings, streets, parking, landscaping and all other improved surfaces. It is required for all new development and expansion of existing development except single-family homes, 2-family housing units, agricultural uses, and uses with less than 4 off street parking spaces. Reviews may also be required for businesses which have been closed for one-year or more and are making site alterations. 

The process, including items that are required as part of a site plan, can be found in Ch. 1281.04 of the zoning ordinance and in the site plan application packet. The City of Battle Creek encourages pre-application site plan review meetings with the interdisciplinary city team. This allows a comprehensive review of the project giving the applicant and their designers an opportunity to ask questions and receive responses from city staff reviewing the application. Please call the Planning and Zoning Division at (269) 966-3320 to schedule a time to meet with staff. 

Site plan review is done internally by staff and is not presented to the Planning Commission for action.  All efforts are made to complete the review of a site plan within fifteen (15) working days of a complete submittal, however larger projects may take additional time. If a site plan is incomplete, staff will contact the applicant with items needed and allow time for additional information to be submitted. 

Urban Livestock Registration Forms and License Applications

The City of Battle Creek regulates urban livestock under Section 608.30 of the City Code.  Chicken, quail, ducks and honey bee hives are allowed in certain urban areas subject to the limitations listed in the Code. The applications and forms below provide the information needed to determine where the uses are allowed and what requirements are expected to receive a license. Below each application or form is the relevant One Pager Plus for that application. These include the basic requirements for each type of urban livestock and step-by-step application instructions.

Honey Bee Registration

Chicken (Hen) License

Duck License

Quail License

Community Garden Application

The City of Battle Creek regulates community gardens under Section 1251.12 of the City Code. Community gardens are permitted on vacant property with a minimum size of 5,000 square feet and minimum width of 50 feet. Any fences, accessory buildings, and nuisance provisions of the City Code still apply to those items when placed in a community garden. Community garden applications do not have an associated fee. Please submit applications in person at City Hall, room 117 or via email at planning@battlecreekmi.gov.