Planning and Zoning

Zoning Ordinance

The City’s Zoning Ordinance states the requirements for land use and building aesthetics within the various city districts.  Each district has different permitted ways in which the land can be used and occupied, how tall a building can be, and how close  to the property line(s) a building can be constructed.  All construction projects must comply with the zoning ordinance and any applicable building and trade codes.

View the Zoning Map.
View the Zoning Use Matrix.
View the Zoning Ordinance.
View the Zoning Illustrated Visual Guide.
View the Guide to Development.

City Master Plan

The Master Plan was adopted in September 2018.  The plan outlines the future of development within the City and proposes possible changes to policy and zoning alike.  The plan was authored by Community Development staff and the Planning Commission and was shaped by public input.  The plan is required to be reviewed every five years and is intended to be used in considering all redevelopment and new construction commercial projects.

View the Master Plan.

Planning Commission

The Community Development Department is the proposed staff liaison to the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission is the appointed body that reviews proposed development(s), approves and amends zoning ordinances, and develops the City Master Plan.  See the Planning Commission page for more information including application, deadlines, and membership.

Visit the Planning Commission page for deadlines, applications, and more information.

Pre-Application Meeting

If your project requires site plan approval, you will need to have a pre-application meeting with the Community Development Director and Planning Consultant.  This meeting costs $350 and allows the developer/architect/real estate agent/property owner to pitch his or her idea to the appropriate individuals at the City prior to presenting formally to the Planning Commission.

The pre-application meeting is the opportunity to discuss any potential issues with parking, landscaping, site circulation, density, signage, ingress and egress, height, and land use before the formal site plan review process begins.  Applicants are encouraged to bring site plan sketches, surveys, photographs, and proposed drawings/elevations to the pre-application meeting.  At the conclusion of the meeting, applicants should have a sense of how their project will fare in front of the Planning Commission.  Call our office today at 734-453-1234 ext. 232 to set up a pre-application meeting.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Community Development Department is the staff liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  The Zoning Board of Appeals is the appointed body that reviews projects that do not meet the City’s zoning ordinance(s).  See the Zoning Board of Appeals page for more information including application, deadlines, and membership.

Visit the Zoning Board of Appeals page for deadlines, applications, and more information.

Redevelopment Ready Community Certification

The City of Plymouth has been pursuing Redevelopment Ready Community certification since 2017.  The program is presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and certification allows for additional economic and financial support. 

View Plymouth’s Baseline Report.

Development Fees

Planning and zoning fees may be paid by mail, in person, or online.  Review the fee schedule here for an estimate of fees.  Planning and zoning fees are at the end of the document.

Capital Improvements Plan

A capital improvements program is a plan for the scheduling of public improvements, such as streets, sewers, buildings and parks over an extended period of time. The schedule is based on the priorities for the various needs and desires of the local community, coordinated with the community's ability to pay for them. These priorities are guided by the community's Master Plan, and the input of the City's boards and citizens.

View the Capital Improvements Program for FY 2021-2022.