Real Estate
Zoning Approvals for the Project You Have in Mind
A building is only worth what you are allowed to do with it. We help owners, buyers and businesses get the rezoning, land use approval or variance a project needs, in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs.
What We Handle
From the Zoning Map to the Final Approval
Every parcel in Michigan sits in a zoning district that controls what can be built there and how it can be used. When your plans don’t fit the district, or the use you want requires a special approval, the city or township has to say yes before you can open, build or lease.
We help clients understand what the ordinance allows, prepare a complete application, speak with planning staff, and present the request at public hearings. We also step in when a property has a compliance or licensing problem that is blocking a sale, a tenant or a certificate of occupancy.
- Rezoning requests, including conditional rezoning.
- Conditional and special land use approvals.
- Variances before the board of zoning appeals.
- Site plan review for new construction and changes of use.
- City of Detroit and suburban municipalities across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb.
- Compliance and licensing issues tied to use, occupancy or rental.
Common Situations
Where Zoning Gets in the Way
Most zoning questions start with a plan that looks simple until someone checks the ordinance.
“I want to open a business in this building.”
The use you have in mind needs a special land use approval, or isn’t allowed in the district at all.
“We’re buying, but can we actually use it?”
Before closing, you want to know the property’s zoning supports your plan and that the current use is legal.
“The lot is a few feet too small.”
Setbacks, parking or lot size rules don’t fit an older parcel, and you need a variance to build.
“We want to convert it to apartments.”
Adding units or changing an old commercial building to residential use requires approvals and site plan review.
“The city says the use isn’t permitted.”
You received a violation notice or were denied a certificate of occupancy or rental license.
“Neighbors are opposing our project.”
A public hearing is coming and you need a clear, factual presentation to the decision-makers.
How We Work
A Clear Path Through the Approval Process
Check the Ordinance
We confirm the zoning district, what is permitted, and which approvals your plan needs.
Build the Application
We assemble the application, drawings and supporting facts, and talk with planning staff early.
Present the Request
We appear at planning commission, board of zoning appeals or council hearings to explain the project.
Close It Out
We follow through on conditions of approval so permits and occupancy can be issued.
Plain English
How Zoning Decisions Are Made in Michigan
Who Decides What
Michigan cities, villages and townships adopt their own zoning ordinances under state law. In most communities, the planning commission reviews site plans and special land uses and makes recommendations on rezoning. The city council or township board decides rezoning requests, because a rezoning changes the ordinance itself. A separate board of zoning appeals hears variance requests and appeals of staff decisions.
The City of Detroit
Detroit has its own process and its own vocabulary. The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) handles many land use hearings and permits, the City Planning Commission reviews rezoning requests before they go to City Council, and the Board of Zoning Appeals hears variances. Suburban communities in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties each run their own version, with different forms, fees and calendars.
Rezoning and Conditional Rezoning
A rezoning moves a parcel into a different district. Michigan also allows conditional rezoning, where the owner voluntarily offers conditions, such as a limited use or design commitments, that become part of the approval. It can make a request easier for a community to accept.
Variances
A dimensional variance relaxes a rule such as a setback or parking requirement and generally requires showing a practical difficulty unique to the property. A use variance allows a use the district doesn’t permit and is much harder to obtain; some communities don’t grant them at all. Self-created hardship usually does not qualify.
What to Watch For
- Confirm zoning and the legal status of the current use before you buy or sign a lease.
- A grandfathered (nonconforming) use can be lost if it stops for too long.
- Public hearings require advance notice, so build the calendar into your timeline.
- Conditions of approval run with the land and bind future owners.
Questions
Zoning and Land Use FAQ
How do I find out how my property is zoned?
Most communities publish a zoning map and ordinance online, and planning staff can confirm the district. Reading the ordinance to see what your specific plan requires is where we can help.
What is the difference between a rezoning and a variance?
A rezoning changes the district the property is in and is decided by the legislative body. A variance leaves the zoning in place but relaxes a specific rule for one property, and is decided by the board of zoning appeals.
How long does a zoning approval take?
It varies by community and by the type of request. Notice periods, meeting calendars and any required review steps all affect timing. We’ll map out the likely schedule once we know what is needed.
Can neighbors stop my project?
Neighbors can speak at public hearings and their concerns are considered, but decisions are supposed to be based on the ordinance standards. A well-prepared request that addresses those standards directly is the strongest approach.
Should I check zoning before I buy?
Yes. Confirming that your intended use is allowed, or can realistically be approved, belongs in due diligence before your contingencies expire.
Do you work outside the City of Detroit?
Yes. We work with municipalities across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, each with its own ordinance and process.
Related Practices
Other Real Estate Work
Commercial Leasing
Leases that account for zoning, permitted use and who handles approvals.
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Due diligence that confirms you can use the property the way you plan.
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Title, land contracts, landlord counsel and the rest of our real estate practice.
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Need the City to Say Yes?
Tell us about the property and the plan. You’ll hear back from Kyle within one business day.