Community Development

The Planning and Community Development Department is responsible for enhancing the character of both residential neighborhoods and commercial areas while promoting a healthy environment to make Buchanan an attractive place to live, work and play.

The Planning and Community Development Department is responsible for the administration and execution of building inspection, code enforcement, planning and zoning related activities. In addition to the director, who also serves as the zoning administrator, there are two assigned staff members and one shared staff member assigned to carry out the goals and objectives of the City Commission as they relate to community development.

Building Department - Responsible for issuing building permits and completing necessary inspections. The state of Michigan is currently using the 2015 Michigan Residential Code and 2015 Michigan Building Code. The City also issues required electrical permits. Plumbing and mechanical permits are processed and inspected by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Bureau of Construction Codes. Permits must be obtained prior to starting any work.

Code Enforcement - Responsible for enforcing sections of the Code of Ordinances, Unified Development Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) and International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).  Concerns about tall grass, parking on grass or upkeep of buildings can be forwarded to the code enforcement officer. They are also responsible for the Residential Rental Registration program and 50/50 Sidewalk program.

Planning/Zoning - Responsible for enforcing the Unified Development Ordinance (zoning ordinance) which includes the sign regulations and oversees the adopted Master Plan. Staffs the appointed Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Downtown Design Review Committee and is the main contact for requests pending before the three groups. In addition, processes requests for land divisions, boundary adjustments, or land divisions along with sign and fence permits.