Planning & Zoning

Responsibilities

The Planning and Zoning Division is responsible for long-range planning pertaining to growth and development in the city, particularly around land use, neighborhoods, commerce, industry, infrastructure, natural resources, transportation, and recreation. 

The division also maintains and provides information relative to land use regulations, including allowable uses and development regulations. Staff review building and zoning (fence/signs) permit applications, 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 provides support to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Historic District Commission.

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.

• Accessory Structure One Pager Plus
• Commercial Sign One Pager Plus
• Community Garden One Pager Plus
• Dimensional/Non-Use Variance One Pager Plus
• Duck License One Pager Plus
• Fence One Pager Plus
• Hen License One Pager Plus
• Honey Bee Registration One Pager Plus
• Residential Paving One Pager Plus
• Pools and Hot Tubs One Pager Plus
• Private Garden One Pager Plus
• Public Parcel Imagery One Pager Plus
• Raised Beds in Front Yards One Pager Plus
• Quail License One Pager Plus
• Zoning Districts and Uses One Pager Plus

Zoning Ordinance and Map

The Zoning Ordinance regulates the use and form of each lot or parcel in the community by dividing properties into zoning districts. Updates to the City of Battle Creek Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map occur through text amendments and property rezoning as needed. The most recently adopted Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map can be accessed through the links below.

Those updates appear here, in our city ordinances.

Interactive zoning map

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. 

Interactive Historic District Map