PLANNING & ZONING

The Supervisor is the Zoning Administrator.  To report possible Ordinance Violations, contact Marc Larabel, Ordinance Enforcement Officer (email link).  Office hours are M,T, Th  1PM to 5PM. 

FORMS & APPLICATIONS

ZONING ORDINANCE
The entire Lowell Township Zoning Ordinance may be viewed in text format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view on-line.

• Zoning Ordinance
• Official Zoning Map of Lowell Township

2008 MASTER PLAN - Summary of the 2008 Master Plan

• Future Land Use Map
• Existing Watermain Map
• Existing Sanitary Sewer Map
• Road Classification Map
• Natural Features Maps
• Appendix A
• Appendix D

*Zoning Ordinance: In Adobe, "Edit" menu and then "Find" can be used to search the document for specific words or phrases.

The Planning Commission
The basic function of the planning commission is to make and adopt a plan for the township's land use development, called the Master Plan. The planning commission is the agency by which the Township regulates and controls the development and use of property to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. The planning commission may provide reasonable restrictions on land use to assure conformity to the Master Plan. The planning commission may issue Special Use Permits according to the standards in the Zoning Ordinance for such uses. The planning commission may recommend zoning changes to the Township Board for approval. Planning Commission members are volunteers who are appointed by the Township Supervisor with Board approval for 3 year terms. One member of the Planning Commission must be a Township Board representative.

The Planning Commission meets monthly, and often twice monthly. All meetings are open to the public. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETS ON THE SECOND MONDAY - IF A HOLIDAY FALLS ON THAT MONDAY IT IS HELD ON TUESDAY. MEETINGS BEGIN AT 7:00 p.m.

The Zoning Board of Appeals
The ZBA must hear and decide appeals on decisions by the Planning Commission or other administrative official regarding zoning issues. The ZBA may grant certain variances according to the law of the State of Michigan. ZBA decisions are final, but may be appealed to the circuit court under specific circumstances. The ZBA meets twice a year or more often if needed. All meetings are open to the public. Application for Zoning Board of Appeals

Building Inspections
Lowell Charter Township contracts with Cascade Township Building Department for necessary inspections. Building Permits are issued at the Lowell Charter Township Hall. You may first need to get site plan and/or zoning approval. Codebooks are available for review at Cascade Township. For Inspections, contact: Cascade Township Building Department

Cascade Charter Township
2865 Thornhills SE Grand Rapids MI 49546
phone: (616) 949-3765 fax: (616) 949-7271 Inspector Office Hours: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
General Office Hours: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm