Planning / Zoning Department
The Planning Department is responsible for guiding, directing, and reviewing land use development activities within Oshtemo Township. The department serves as Staff to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Downtown Development Area Board, Parks Board, and is actively involved with the Township Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accessory Buildings
An accessory building is defined as a building or portion of a building subordinate to and on the same lot, parcel, or building site as a principal building, and occupied by or devoted exclusively to an accessory use including, but not limited to, a private garage.
The following Q&A has key facts you need to be aware of when thinking about constructing an accessory building within an Agricultural or Residential Zoning District.
Do I need a building permit for an accessory building?
Depends. Please contact the Southwest Michigan Building Authority (SMBA) at 269-585-4150 for details.
Where can I place my accessory building?
– If located in the side or rear yard, Oshtemo requires a minimum 3’(Ft) setback for accessory buildings 200 Sq. Ft. or less. For accessory buildings over 200 Sq. Ft., Oshtemo requires a minimum 10’(Ft) setback OR a setback distance equal to the height of the building at its highest point, whichever is greater. See illustrations on the back page of this document.
Can I place my accessory building in the front yard? And what if I live on a corner lot?
This depends on where your home is located.
• Accessory buildings on properties located within subdivisions or site condominiums cannot be located closer to the street than the front line of your home (nearest edge). See the illustration on the back page of this document.
• Accessory buildings on properties not located within a subdivision or site condominium can be placed in the front yard as long as the front yard setback for your home’s corresponding zoning district is met (outlined in Section 50.60 of the Township Ordinance). If you live on a corner, this setback applies to both streets.
What size of accessory building can I build? And can I have more than one accessory building?
On a property within a subdivision or site condominium, the square footage of any accessory building cannot be greater than the footprint of the livable portion of the house. On all properties, whether or not it is located in a subdivision or site condominium, the combined maximum area of all accessory buildings allowed is based on the following schedule:
Does the accessory building need to be a certain distance from other structures on the property?
Yes, Oshtemo requires a 10’(Ft) minimum wall-to-wall separation between accessory buildings and other structures on the property.
How tall can the accessory building be?
This depends on where your home is located. If your property is located within a subdivision or site condominium, the accessory building height cannot exceed the height of your home. On unplatted parcels, the maximum height is 30’.
Diagram for the Placement of Accessory Buildings
Notes
• This is not an exhaustive outline of all requirements for accessory buildings. To find a complete copy of Ordinance Sec. 57.100 – Accessory Buildings Serving a Primary Residence, please visit http://online.encodeplus.com/regs/oshtemo-mi/docviewer.aspx#secid-2362.
• If you reside in a subdivision/site condominium, please review HOA/Deed Restrictions for additional requirements.
• Questions? Please feel free to contact the Zoning Administrator at the Township’s Main Line: 269-375-4260.
The Planning Department consists of a Planning Director, Zoning Administrator, and Secretary. The department is responsible for administering the Zoning Ordinance and implementing the Township Master Land Use Plan.
2017 Master Plan Update
2011 Master Plan
2019 Village Theme Development Plan Update
In addition, the department provides assistance and information in the following areas:
- Review of all development proposals
- Zoning Ordinance provisions
- Rezoning requests
- Land divisions
- Master land use planning functions for the Township
- Water and sewer extensions
- Sign permits
- Economic development
- Demographic information
The department also responds to requests for information from residents, developers, and others and works closely with the other departments, engineer consulting firm and other County and State agencies.
Planning Documents and Forms you may find helpful:
- Applications
- Zoning Ordinance
- Drake Road Sidewalk Study
- Drake Road Sidewalk Study – appendix
- Non-motorized Plan Update
- Planning / Zoning Maps
- Frequently Asked Questions
Department Annual Reports:
Planning Staff includes:
- Iris Lubbert – Planning Director ilubbert@oshtemo.org
- Colten Hutson – Zoning Administrator chutson@oshtemo.org
- Karen High- Acting Zoning Administrator khigh@oshtemo.org
- Linda Potok- Secretary lpotok@oshtemo.org
OFFICE
7275 W. Main Street,
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
TELEPHONE
269 216-5223
FAX
269 375-7180
