When you are planning new construction or building additions, zoning and building permits are required before you start construction. In the Jonesville city limits, zoning approvals are handled by the City. Building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are handled by the Hillsdale County Building Inspection Office. Most of the time for new construction and building additions, you will have to have a zoning approval first, before you apply for your building permit.
Before starting a project on a single-family home or lot, you will probably need a Zoning Permit. This includes building additions, new porches or patios, driveway work, and sheds or garages. Occasionally, work on a single-family property will require review by the Zoning Board of Appeals or the Planning Commission. But in most cases, the Zoning Administrator will be able to approve your request. Most Zoning Permits are reviewed within 1 to 2 business days after a complete application is received.
A complete application will include a readable drawing that shows what you plan to build, with distances to lot lines, streets, and other buildings on your lot. It will also include all of the information that is requested on the application form, including lot size and zoning district. If you don’t know this information, City staff can assist you. Incomplete applications will take longer to review.
Submit your completed application to City Hall. The staff can answer any questions that you have before you submit the application fee.
Most new construction on other properties requires approval of a Site Plan by the Planning Commission. Some small projects that involve new construction less than 5,000 square feet or building additions of less than 25% of the existing building can be approved by staff.
Don’t hesitate to contact staff at City Hall at (517) 849-2104 for assistance with getting the right application for your project.
Applicants are encouraged to contact staff to schedule a meeting for a preliminary review of your site plan for a proposed development project, before you submit your application. There is NO CHARGE for these reviews. The goal is for staff to better understand your plans for your property, and for staff to help you find the correct applications and to inform you of the typical review procedures and timeframes.
This process will be more successful if you bring preliminary drawings that show the building, parking and driveways, landscaping and other improvements that you are proposing, on the proposed site, with distances to property lines, streets, and other buildings. Often, we can identify issues that need to be addressed on your plans that will allow you to make updates and get the board approvals that you need.
Contact City Hall at (517) 849-2104 to schedule an appointment.
If you are putting new shingles, metal roofing, or a rubber membrane on an existing roof, no. If you are extending a roof or changing the pitch, then you will need a Zoning Permit before you get started. Don’t forget that a Building Permit is required for most roofing projects, so always check with the Hillsdale County Building Inspection Office too.
Yes, you always need a Zoning Permit before you put up a shed, garage or other storage building. This is true even for small buildings that do not require a Building Permit. The Zoning Administrator will review your application to make sure that the shed is placed the right distance from property lines and other buildings.
If you are making improvements to the exterior of the building, you should take advantage of our Facade Improvement Program. Click on Downtown Development Authority in the Related Pages section for more information.
Yes! Check out the Jonesville Industrial Park in the Related Pages Section You will find information on the available lots, amenities in the park, and other important information. The City and the LDFA offer competitive financial incentives to assist with the construction of new manufacturing businesses and expansions in the Industrial Park.
In most cases, yes. Especially if your work will meet up to the City street or sidewalk; this work in the City’s right-of-way needs approval from the Zoning Administrator.
Contact City Hall at (517) 849-2104 or check out the Staff Directory in Quick Links.
Jeff Gray
jgray@jonesvillemi.gov
