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We here in the Planning Department get all kinds of questions. Scroll down to some of the most commonly asked and most interesting questions.
For definitions, see the Glossary
How many people live in the City of Ann Arbor?
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 114,024 persons in the City. This figure does include University of Michigan students. Yearly population estimates are projected by SEMCOG (the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments). The next Census will be conducted in 2010.
How many students attend the University of Michigan?
U of M's current enrollment is about 36,000 total students. About 2/3 are undergraduates and 1/3 are graduate or professional students. For an official count, go to The University of Michigan Office of the Registrar.
How big is the City?
GIS records indicate there are 18,108 acres of City zoned land as of 2008, which includes roads, right-of-ways, rivers and lakes. This is quite a large increase from the 1 square mile (640 acres, or one township section) that John Allen and Elisha Rumsey were originally granted in 1824.
What does the Planning part of Planning and Development Services do?
Officially, the Planning Department prepares and updates the city master plan and capital improvements program to guide Ann Arbor's short and long-range development. The department also coordinates city review of annexation, zoning, site plan, site condominium, land division and plat proposals for private development. In addition, the department coordinates review of major public developments and initiates land use ordinance revisions. The Planning Department submits reports to the Planning Commission, which makes recommendations to the City Council. This department also makes available aerial photographs, maps, census data and other information." (Guide To City Services, 1998.)
In other words... Planning performs a variety of functions, most dealing with new development. Land which is to be annexed into the City, is proposed to be rezoned, or is to have a change in use (i.e. is to be developed or redeveloped) is reviewed by Planning. Planners examine area and site plans, checking the compatibility with surrounding land uses and zoning districts, seeing if any natural features will be impacted, and taking traffic and congestion issues into consideration, just to name a few. Planning also coordinates the review process by other City departments. Planners make recommendations to the City Planning Commission for actions on projects.
Planning also prepares comprehensive plans and studies which comprise the City's master plan. The plans are a guide for the future development of the City, which is broken down into four areas: Northeast, West, Central, and South. There are also several sub-area plans, such as the Downtown Plan and the Briarwood Area Plan. Click here for more information about the Area Plans.
I want to put an addition onto my house. Who should I talk to?
For a house addition, a new garage or deck, contact the building desk at 734.794.6267. You may refer to City Code Chapter 55 (the Zoning Ordinance) to check what's allowed in your zoning district. Specific questions about the Zoning Ordinance should be directed to the Zoning Coordinator, who can be reached by calling 734.794.6265.
How do I find out my zoning district?
Stop by the 6th floor of City Hall to browse or purchase the Zoning Map Book. If you know the street address or parcel ID, you can call the zoning coordinator at 734.794.6265. The Zoning Map Book is also available online.
What's allowed in my zoning district?
Chapter 55 is the City's Zoning Ordinance and it spells out what can and can not be done within each zoning district. Once you have determined your zoning district, consult Chapter 55 to determine the intent and permitted principal uses it allows. Permitted accessory uses, required conditions, and area, height, and placement regulations are also listed.
If you have questions about what is allowed within your zoning district, call the Zoning Coordinator. The Zoning Coordinator is responsible for interpreting the Zoning Code and can be reached through the Planning and Development Services for answers to specific questions regarding permitted uses and possible variances.
What are the orange signs I see posted?
City Code requires that sites be publicly posted at least one week in advance of the public hearing for some planning procedures. Orange notices are posted in a conspicuous location on the affected property for any area plan, site plan, PUD site plan, land division or preliminary plat. Planning, as a matter of practice, also posts rezoning or annexation. See our public involvement page for more information.
I have received a notice letter in the mail for a public hearing. Why did I get one, and what does it mean?
Like public postings, City Code requires that everyone living within 300 feet of a proposed rezoning, area plan, site plan, PUD site plan, or land division be notified by a mailed letter. The 300 feet rule applies owners and occupants living in the building. The notice describes the requested approval and states the date, time and place of the public hearing. If you have a question about a notice, please call us 734.794.6265. For more information about public notices, see our public involvement page.
I heard there is going to be a new development in my neighborhood. Where can I find out more about it? What can I do about it?
If you have heard about an new project proposed in your area, find out first if it's just a rumor or if plans are actually underway. All new subdivisions, multi-family residential, and commercial developments must be reviewed by the Planning Department, but in order to conduct this review a project plans must be officially submitted. Unfortunately we have no control of what people are thinking about doing, just what they have actually proposed.
Once a project has been submitted to Planning, there are many opportunities for public input in the planning process. Please refer to our public involvement page for more infomation about how to get involved.
Proposal files are a part of the public record and can be reviewed on the 6th floor of City Hall. Staff reports on proposed projects are made available by 3 pm on the Friday before Planning Commission meetings. (The Planning Commission meets every first and third Tuesday of the month.)
How can I form a neighborhood association? How can I register my neighborhood association?
Once you have gathered your neighbors together, register your association with the Planning Department. Registered associations and business groups receive regular Planning Department mailings and are often invited to participate in planning issues in their respective areas. Filling out a simple form is all that is needed to register a neighborhood association or business group. For more information see our public involvement page.
Who is on the Planning Commission? When do they meet? How are they selected?
There are nine Planning Commissioners who meet on a regular basis throughout the year. Planning Commission meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The Commissioners are appointed by City Council. People interested in becoming a Planning Commissioner, or any other appointed position, begin by applying at the Mayor's Office. The Mayor reviews applications and then nominates potential candidates to the City Council. City Council then selects from the candidates, and appoints the new Planning Commissioner for a three year term. Commissioners can be reappointed at the end of their term. One City Council member also serves as one of the nine Planning Commissioners, but has a one year term. He or she can also be reappointed.
The Planning Commissioners select among themselves a Chairperson and a Secretary. They also volunteer for the many Planning Commission committees and sub-committees. |