Planning & Zoning

Responsibilities

The Planning and Zoning Division is responsible for long‑range planning related to growth and development within the city, particularly in the areas of land use, neighborhoods, commerce, industry, infrastructure, natural resources, transportation, and recreation.

The division also maintains and provides information on land use regulations, including allowable uses and development standards. Staff review building and zoning permit applications (including fences and signs), various licensing applications, and site plans for all multi‑family residential, commercial, and industrial expansions and new projects to ensure compliance with the zoning ordinance. Planning staff also support the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic District Commission.

Prior to starting any project on your property, please use the contact information provided on this webpage to determine the regulations that apply to your property and project, as well as any required review processes.

One Pager Pluses - Frequently Asked Questions

A One Pager Plus (OPP) provides an overview on a specific aspect of the planning and zoning process. They provide quick answers to some common questions about Battle Creek, as well as point to the sections of the Zoning Code for a more comprehensive answer. These are replacing our previous FAQ document.

Zoning Ordinance and Map

The Zoning Ordinance guides how each lot or parcel in the community may be used and developed by assigning properties to specific zoning districts. Updates to the City of Battle Creek’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map occur through text amendments and property rezonings, as needed.

You can access the most recently adopted documents using the links below:

Historic District Map

For properties located in one of the City's five local historic districts, a Certificate of Appropriateness application is needed for any exterior work being done at the property. To determine if a specific property is in one of these historic districts, please use the link below to access a map of the districts.