Planning Commission

About
The Planning Commission was created utilizing the Michigan Planning Enabling Act 33 of 2008 and Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances and has the following main functions:

1. To conduct public hearings and make recommendations to the City Commission regarding map (“rezonings”) and text amendments; Special Use Permits, and Planned Unit Development (PUD) requests;
2. To review and approve or deny sign requests;
3. Are involved in the creation and implementation of the adopted Master Plan; and
4. Make recommendations to the City Commission regarding land use development in the city.

Meetings

The Planning Commission meets on the first Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 700 Broad Street,

Membership

The Planning Commission is made up of nine members who are appointed by the Mayor, with approval by the City Commission. Members are residents of the City and serve a three-year term.

We encourage you to apply if you have skills or interests in any of the following areas:

• architecture/landscape architecture
• building construction
• business ownership/management
• civil engineering
• community engagement
• land use planning
• historic preservation
• GIS/AutoCAD
• real estate development/law

If you are someone who is interested in beginning the development process

Before beginning any development process in the City of St. Joseph, applicants are encouraged to meet with City staff for a Pre-Submittal meeting. This meeting helps ensure a smoother approval process once a formal application is submitted. To request a Pre-Submittal meeting, please complete the following application and submit it to our Community Development Director/Zoning Administrator at kgundersen@sjcity.com.