Zoning & Frequently Asked Questions Community Development Director and Zoning Administrator: Dean Martin
231-436-5351 zoning@mackinawcity.org Zoning Concern Form To provide improved customer service and adequate follow-up information, all complainants must give a name and contact information. In addition, zoning concerns must have a clear ordinance violation. They cannot be frivolous, a private property dispute, or used to antagonize. The Village will respond to concerns of ordinance violations with site inspections and property owner contact. Violations of the zoning ordinance will result in letters notifying the owner of violation. Failure to remedy the violation may result in civil municipal infractions and fines.
The Village of Mackinaw City Concern Form Purpose of Zoning The Village of Mackinaw City has adopted a Zoning Ordinance for the following purposes:
To protect and promote the Village's public health, safety, and general welfare.
To control and guide the orderly growth and development of the Village in accordance with its Comprehensive Planning Program and to implement the growth and development goals and policies contained therein.
To encourage a wide range of housing opportunities in an orderly manner in the Village, from single-family to multiple-family and congregate housing for older adults.
To ensure that the residential housing environment of the Village is safe, healthful, and free of visual blight.
To preserve the character and value of some historical regions and structures.
To preserve and enhance the appearance and viability of the Central Business District.
To ensure the orderly development and operation of industrial uses.
To guard against community impacts that can adversely affect those positive qualities that make up the distinctive character of the Village and which can adversely affect its social and economic climate.
To promote and protect the value of land and buildings appropriate to the various districts established by this Ordinance.
To prevent conflicts among the use of land and buildings.
Zoning Ordinance The Village of Mackinaw City's Zoning Ordinance serves as a collection of municipal property laws. The Zoning Ordinance regulates development standards, permitted uses, and the processes for which the Village reviews and approves site plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Projects Need a Zoning Permit?
Any project that involves construction, alteration, significant repair, moving, or removal of any building needs a permit. “Building,” in this instance, means any useful, constructed object.
Somebody is violating the ordinance, and the Village is doing nothing to stop them. Why is that?
If somebody is violating the ordinance and the Village has not stopped the activity, it is likely that our enforcement officers do not know a violation exists! Much like how those that speed may not always get caught, there is a good chance that our officers have not seen the violation.
Am I allowed to AirBnB, VRBO, or Short Term Rent?
Short Term Rentals (rents of 30 days or less) may be permitted and prohibited depending on your Zoning District. Properties within the R1 Single-Family Residential, R2 Low Density Residential, and R3 Residential districts are prohibited from Short Term Renting. If caught short-term renting, warning letters, municipal civil infractions tickets, and fines may be sent to the property for each night of occurrence.
Can I use this house for Employee Housing?
The Zoning Ordinance does not have an explicit allowance for employee housing. Houses may hold employees equal to the number of families permitted in the district. Individual employees count as individual families unless related by blood or marriage. Ergo, if the house is purchased in a district that allows up to two families, only two employees may occupy the residence. Some residential districts allow up to four families, however, supplemental regulations must be met before converting to a four-family residence (parking, window coverage, etc.).
What are the requirements for building a shed?
Sheds of all sizes require an approved zoning permit application. A plot plan detailing your property, setbacks, and existing structures must accompany the application. For information regarding the permitted height, square footage, and number of sheds, please consult the district regulations in the Zoning Ordinance.
Are there standards for Signs in Mackinaw City?
The Village of Mackinaw City has adopted a sign ordinance. Regulations on signage prevent displays that are a hazard, detract from the visual and scenic beauty of the community, lessen property values, and are of low-quality materials or construction. Likewise, signs are regulated to reduce competition for the attention of pedestrian and vehicular traffic that may lead to dangerous situations. clicking here .
I want to open a business in Mackinaw City. What do I need?
If your business is new construction or requires significant alterations of an existing structure or lot, you will need to have a site plan approved by the Village Council.
Are food trucks permitted in Mackinaw City?
Food trucks are permitted in Mackinaw City, though they must undergo various planning and zoning steps to ensure the placement is harmonious with the community. Food trucks may only be permitted on private property. Food trucks are categorized under the principal use of Food and Beverage Stores. As such, they are only permitted in BC and B1 Zoning Districts. Properties permitting food trucks must have a special use permit and an approved site plan on file to host food trucks. Adequate parking, landscaping, and green space must accompany plans to host food trucks.
I would like to be a vendor at a special event. What do I need?
To be a vendor at a special event, the special event must have approval by Village Council, and you must have approval from the special event applicants. Vendors at special event must have a Vendor/Peddler License, though the special event may apply for a joint license if they submit a complete list of names and businesses that are attending the event.
