1. Contact Community Development Director (staff) regarding proposed request. Staff will review zoning ordinance regulations and will provide zoning information and next steps.
2. Pre-submittal Meeting with staff. If a land division is requested or a Neighborhood Plan in accordance with Section 71-10 of the Zoning Ordinance, staff may recommend a Pre-Submittal meeting. This meeting typically includes the City Manager, Director of Public Services, Fire Chief, Police Chief, Building Official, Community Development Director and consulting engineers to allow for discussion of the proposed project prior to the finalization of any drawings and submittal.
a. This meeting is scheduled by staff on an as needed basis once an application for Pre-Submittal meeting is received. Please allow one to two weeks for the meeting to take place.
3. Submission of Application. Complete applications may be submitted at any time.
a. It is suggested that you make an appointment with staff to submit the application.
b. All required applications, supplemental information and fees must be submitted at one time.
c. The city has notaries available during business hours. Please bring state issued photo identification.
4. Acceptance of Application. Staff reviews the application and supplemental information for completeness.
5. Application is Formally Accepted.
a. Staff may forward the accepted application packet to other city departments for review and comment.
6. Revisions to Drawings. Based on comments received from the city departments, the applicant may need to revise the supplemental drawings.
7. Staff Approval. If the request meets the requirements of the applicable zoning district and complies with all other local and state regulations, staff can administratively approve the request. In some cases, conditions may be placed on an approval.
8. Staff Forwards Approval to the Berrien County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department.
9. Recording of Approvals. Applicant records approved plans as soon as possible after City approval. It is the applicant's responsibility to record the approved document with the Berrien County Register of Deeds and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department. Please contact them directly to learn more about payment and processes. The office Berrien County Administrative Building is located at 701 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085. The Register of Deeds telephone number is 269.983.111 extension 8562 and the GIS telephone number is 269.983.7111 extension 8300. Fees are associated with the process and paid to Berrien County.
