Apply for a Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Step 1.Review the Zoning Code

Review the City of Kalamazoo's Zoning Code for the district that your property is in. You can look up property details online using BS&A Online or GIS Mapping. If you have questions or are not sure if your project would require review by the ZBA, feel free to contact the Assistant City Planner for help. 

View the Zoning Code

Step 2.Schedule A Pre-application Meeting

Schedule a meeting with the Assistant City Planner about your request. You can confirm that an application is needed and you will have the opportunity to discuss your project and ask questions about the process. We will explain the timeline, what forms are required, and what you will need to do to notify neighbors about your request.  

To schedule a Pre-application Meeting, please contact:

Pete Eldridge
Zoning Administrator
(269) 337-8806
eldridgep@kalamazoocity.org

Step 3.Submit an Application

Complete the Zoning Board of Appeals Application Form and provide any relevant documents related to your request. The information you provide in your application will be reviewed by the ZBA and part of the basis for their decision. Supporting documents might include a site sketch, plan, photographs, or letters of support.  

Apply for a Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Step 4.Outreach and Notice

As part of your application, you should reach out to the neighborhood association (if there is one in the project neighborhood), neighbors, and nearby property owners. Let them know about your project and answer any questions that they have. During your hearing, the Board will ask about outreach.

The City of Kalamazoo will also mail a notice of the public hearing to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property. These notices will include the address of the subject property, the type of request, and the date, time, and location of the hearing. 

Step 5.ZBA Meeting and Guidelines

ZBA meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Your application should be submitted four weeks before the meeting that you would like to be heard at.   

View Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule

You (or a representative) are required to attend the meeting. You will have ten minutes to explain your project and describe the reasons and justification for your request. Once the presentation is over, members of the board may ask questions before the public hearing is closed. The ZBA will then vote to either grant or deny your request.

Step 1.Review the Zoning Code

Review the City of Kalamazoo's Zoning Code for the district that your property is in. You can look up property details online using BS&A Online or GIS Mapping. If you have questions or are not sure if your project would require review by the ZBA, feel free to contact the Assistant City Planner for help.

View the Zoning Code

Step 2.Schedule A Pre-application Meeting

Schedule a meeting with the Assistant City Planner about your request. You can confirm that an application is needed and you will have the opportunity to discuss your project and ask questions about the process. We will explain the timeline, what forms are required, and what you will need to do to notify neighbors about your request.  

To schedule a Pre-application Meeting, please contact:

Pete Eldridge
Zoning Administrator
(269) 337-8806
eldridgep@kalamazoocity.org

Step 3.Submit an Application

Complete the Zoning Board of Appeals Application Form and the relevant review sheet below. Include supporting documentation like site plans, photographs, letters of support, or correspondence with city staff. The information you provide in your application will be reviewed by the ZBA and part of the basis for their decision.  

Application:
Zoning Board of Appeals Application for a Hearing(PDF, 881KB)

Review Sheets:
Dimensional Variance Review Sheet(PDF, 249KB)
Use Variance Review Sheet(PDF, 243KB)
Ordinance Interpretation Review Sheet(PDF, 159KB)
Temporary Use Review Sheet(PDF, 214KB)
Appeal an Administrative Decision Review Sheet(PDF, 199KB)

Natural Features Protection Review Sheet(PDF, 350KB)

Return your application by mail to:

City of Kalamazoo
Community Planning & Economic Development
245 N Rose Street Suite 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Step 4.Outreach and Notice

As part of your application, you should reach out to the neighborhood association (if there is one in the project neighborhood), neighbors, and nearby property owners. Let them know about your project and answer any questions that they have. During your hearing, the Board will ask about outreach.

The City of Kalamazoo will also mail a notice of the public hearing to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property. These notices will include the address of the subject property, the type of request, and the date, time, and location of the hearing. 

Step 5.ZBA Meeting and Guidelines

ZBA meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Your application should be submitted four weeks before the meeting that you would like to be heard at.   

View Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule

You (or a representative) are required to attend the meeting. You will have ten minutes to explain your project and describe the reasons and justification for your request. Once the presentation is over, members of the board may ask questions before the public hearing is closed. The ZBA will then vote to either grant or deny your request.

Step 1.Review the Zoning Code

Review the City of Kalamazoo's Zoning Code for the district that your property is in. You can look up property details online using BS&A Online or GIS Mapping. If you have questions or are not sure if your project would require review by the ZBA, feel free to contact the Assistant City Planner for help. 

View the Zoning Code

Step 2.Schedule A Pre-application Meeting

Schedule a meeting with the Assistant City Planner about your request. You can confirm that an application is needed and you will have the opportunity to discuss your project and ask questions about the process. We will explain the timeline, what forms are required, and what you will need to do to notify neighbors about your request.  

To schedule a Pre-application Meeting, please contact:

Pete Eldridge
Zoning Administrator
(269) 337-8806
eldridgep@kalamazoocity.org

Step 3.Submit an Application

Complete the Zoning Board of Appeals Application Form and the relevant review sheet below. Include supporting documentation like site plans, photographs, letters of support, or correspondence with city staff. The information you provide in your application will be reviewed by the ZBA and part of the basis for their decision.  

Application:
Zoning Board of Appeals Application for a Hearing(PDF, 881KB)

Review Sheets:
Dimensional Variance Review Sheet(PDF, 249KB)
Use Variance Review Sheet(PDF, 243KB)
Ordinance Interpretation Review Sheet(PDF, 159KB)
Temporary Use Review Sheet(PDF, 214KB)
Appeal an Administrative Decision Review Sheet(PDF, 199KB)

Natural Features Protection Review Sheet(PDF, 350KB)

Return your application in person during business hours to:

City of Kalamazoo
Community Planning & Economic Development
245 N Rose Street Suite 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Step 4.Outreach and Notice

As part of your application, you should reach out to the neighborhood association (if there is one in the project neighborhood), neighbors, and nearby property owners. Let them know about your project and answer any questions that they have. During your hearing, the Board will ask about outreach.

The City of Kalamazoo will also mail a notice of the public hearing to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property. These notices will include the address of the subject property, the type of request, and the date, time, and location of the hearing. 

Step 5.ZBA Meeting and Guidelines

ZBA meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. Your application should be submitted four weeks before the meeting that you would like to be heard at.   

View Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Schedule

You (or a representative) are required to attend the meeting. You will have ten minutes to explain your project and describe the reasons and justification for your request. Once the presentation is over, members of the board may ask questions before the public hearing is closed. The ZBA will then vote to either grant or deny your request.