City of Ypsilanti Planning & Development Department
The Planning and Development Department administers a variety of programs and services focused on guiding proposed development, encouraging economic growth, coordinating programs and projects with surrounding local governments, and ensuring a high quality of life in the city. The department's one planner provides support to several city boards and commissions, including the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the Historic District Commission, the Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Major responsibilities of the department fall into five areas: long range planning, development review, zoning administration, historic preservation and economic revitalization.
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Long Range Planning - In conjunction with the Planning Commission, the department prepares the city's Master Plan and periodic amendments to the plan. This document contains goals and policies for the future of the city regarding land uses, transportation, physical form and design, and provides the legal basis for zoning regulations. Long range planning also encompasses planning for smaller areas, such as a corridor or neighborhood, and participation in regional planning initiatives. Engaging in public involvement strategies is important to the usefulness of the plans and to their acceptance by the community.
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Development Review - To achieve many of the goals of the Master Plan, each proposal for new development or redevelopment must be reviewed by several departments and agencies to determine its compliance with adopted regulations and standards, including the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning and Development Department coordinates these reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Commission, which makes the final decision about site plans or special use requests. Other decisions, including rezoning requests, alley and street vacations, and zoning text amendments, belong to City Council.
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Zoning Administration - Ordinances have value only if they are enforced, so the department spends a good deal of time inspecting sites, in conjunction with the Building Department, to ensure they have been built according to approved plans. If they have not, staff seeks compliance, which can include plan revision or, in some cases, court action. The department also reviews proposals for variances from adopted standards and makes recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals about them.
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Historic Preservation - the city has one of the largest historic districts in the state, so substantial staff support is provided to the Historic District Commission regarding work permit applications for modifications to or demolition of historic buildings. Staff also administers the Historic District ordinance and provides information to the public about historic preservation.
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Economic Revitalization - Adding to and diversifying the tax base is key to the long term vitality of the city. The department promotes economic development by providing financial and regulatory assistance to prospective projects, by identifying brownfield sites (those that are contaminated, obsolete or blighted) and assisting owners in remediating them, and by planning for and securing funding for public facility improvements.
Director: April McGrath
Contact: 734-483-9646 or amcgrath@cityofypsilanti.com
