Kalamazoo Township Offices will be closing at 12:00 P.M.on Friday, March 29, 2024  Normal business hours will resume Monday, April 1, 2024

Permits & Licensing FAQs

Do I need a permit for this construction project?

Construction permits (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing) are handled through the Kalamazoo Area Building Authority (KABA). Construction trade permits begin with KABA and are then subsequently routed to the Township for all applicable reviews. KABA can be reached at: 269-216-9511 or by visiting www.kaba-mi.org

Do I need a permit for a shed?

If the square footage of the shed is less than 200, no permit is required. A permit is required for a shed/detached accessory building that is greater than 200 square feet.

What are the requirements for a fence? Do I need a permit to install a fence?

No permit is required to install a fence. Fences may not exceed six (6) feet in height. Fences may be placed up to the property line, except for on a corner lot: corner lots require fences to be placed a minimum of ten (10) feet back from the property line on the non-addressed roadway. The more finished side of the fence is required to be faced outwards towards adjacent property. Fences must be maintained in good condition. For further stipulations regarding fences, please refer to the Township Zoning Ordinance, Article 6.

Is there a limit to the number of marijuana facilities located in the Township?

The following attached ordinance was adopted by the Kalamazoo Township Board on November 27, 2017 with an amendment changing the application date from December 1, 2017 to March 1, 2018.The Ordinance sets no limit for the number of marijuana facilities located in the Township. The number of facilities may be limited by the number of parcels available that meet the zoning requirements. See Ordinance 591 for more detailed information.

What is the history of Medical Marijuana in Michigan?

In 2008, Michigan voters voted to allow the medical use of marihuana within prescribed parameters for the alleviation of certain medical conditions. Thereafter, the Michigan Legislature adopted the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA), that regulates the use of marihuana for medical purposes by qualifying patients and primary caregivers. The use of medical marihuana as allowed by the MMMA has been ongoing since 2008 and continues to be allowed by law in Michigan.

In 2016, the Michigan legislature enacted a group of statutes that authorized commercial medical marihuana facilities, developed a tracking system for medical marihuana and expanded the definition of medical marihuana to include edibles and other types of marihuana. The Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) authorizes the establishment and operation of five types of commercial medical marihuana facilities: growers, processors, secure transporters, safety compliance facilities and provisioning centers. The MMFLA allows a municipality to decide if the municipality wants to allow any or all of the five types of commercial medical marihuana facilities to establish in the municipality. If the municipality wants to allow any of the five types of commercial facilities, the municipality must adopt an ordinance to “opt in” to allowing commercial medical marihuana facilities. Additionally, if a municipality does decide to “opt in” and allow commercial medical marihuana facilities, the municipality may decide what types of facilities and the permitted number of each type. The municipality should also adopt zoning ordinance regulations to specify what zoning districts commercial medical marihuana facilities may locate in and whether the zoning approval will be by a permitted use or a special use process.

The MMFLA (PA 281 of 2016, as amended) was effective on 12/20/16; the State of Michigan will begin accepting applications for licenses for commercial medical marihuana facilities on 12/15/17. As that date approaches, many municipalities, including Kalamazoo Charter Township, have reviewed the possibility of allowing medical marihuana facilities within their jurisdiction. Kalamazoo Charter Township’s discussions have included input from the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, township police department, township attorney and a number of interested residents and potential business owners that have attended a number of Township Board work sessions and meetings over the last several months. As a culmination of the months long review process, the Kalamazoo Charter Township Board voted on November 13, 2017 to “opt in” and allow all five types of commercial medical marihuana facilities in the Township. Currently, the Township Planning Commission is working to develop zoning ordinance regulations to identify appropriate locations for the facilities, along with the recommended approval process. The Township’s zoning approval process will most likely include consideration of security issues, lighting, hours of operation, landscaping or buffering requirements, traffic impacts, spacing of marihuana facilities and setbacks from residential uses.

What are the zoning requirements for medical marijuana facilities in the Township?

The Township’s Zoning Ordinance for Medical Marijuana Facilities (Ordinance 595) went through a public hearing with the Planning Commission on February 8, 2020, and was given to the Board of Trustees for first reading on February 12, 2020. The Board of Trustees voted to adopt  the ordinance at a special meeting on February 20, 2020. See the map to review the Kalamazoo Township zoning and approximate buffer zones.

 

How do I submit my application for a Charter Township of Kalamazoo Marijuana Facility/Establishment Permit?

Review the Process to Apply for a Charter Township of Kalamazoo Marijuana Facility/Establishment Permit and submit an Initial Application for a Marijuana Facility/Establishment in the Charter Township of Kalamazoo.

How do I get my dog licensed?

Michigan State Law requires all dogs to be rabies vaccinated and licensed at four (4) months of age and that dogs must be licensed within 30 days of obtaining ownership or within 30 days of the dog turning 4 months of age. Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement sells dog licenses all year.  Licenses may be purchased in-person (by appointment only) or via mail: 1316 Lamont Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.  Renewal licenses may also be purchased through the online portal.  For more information, visit the Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement website.

How do I file for a liquor license?

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission processes requests for retail, manufacturer & wholesaler, and special liquor licenses.

Do I have to register my business with the Township?

According to Township Ordinance 443, applications for new business registrations shall be made to the Township prior to the commencement of business. Complete the Township of Kalamazoo Business Registration Form and submit it to Fire Marshal Todd Kowalski via email (tckowalski@ktwp.org) or mail to 1720 Riverview Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49004.

Do I need a permit for my garage sale?

Yes.  According to Zoning Ordinance Article 8, Section 8.02-P, you are required to complete the Township of Kalamazoo Garage Sale Permit Application and return it to the Township Ordinance Enforcement Officer for approval.

How do I apply for a Solicitor’s Permit?

To apply for a Solicitor’s Permit, fill out the License Application for Hawkers, Peddlers, Solicitors for Kalamazoo Township and return to the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department.  Your application will be reviewed by the Township Clerk, who will either approve or deny your application.

How do I request a building inspection?

Building permits and inspections are handled by the Kalamazoo Area Building Authority (KABA).

KABA mailing address:

Kalamazoo Area Building Authority
2322 Nazareth Road
Kalamazoo, MI  49048

Phone: (269) 216-9511
Fax: (269)290-9078
Email: permits@kaba-mi.org

Can I operate my food truck or trailer in the Township?

Mobile food trucks and trailers used within the Charter Township of Kalamazoo are required to meet certain minimum standards for general safety, according to the Mobile Food Trucks and Trailer Fire Safety Requirements Ordinance. The Kalamazoo Township Fire Prevention Bureau Application for Mobile Food Vehicles can be found at the bottom of the ordinance.

How do I obtain a building permit?

Building permits and inspections are handled by the Kalamazoo Area Building Authority (KABA).

KABA mailing address:

Kalamazoo Area Building Authority
2322 Nazareth Road
Kalamazoo, MI  49048

Phone: (269) 216-9511
Fax: (269)290-9078
Email: permits@kaba-mi.org

How do I register my vehicle?

For information about vehicle registration, visit the Michigan Secretary of State website.

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Birth certificates can currently be requested from the Kalamazoo County Clerk’s Office by mail or drop box, by email, or fax. Visit the Kalamazoo County Clerk’s Office website for more information about how to get a copy of a birth certificate.

How do I get a marriage license?

Marriage License applications are available at the Kalamazoo County Clerk’s Office and online.

How do I get a driver’s license?

For more information about driver’s licenses and state identification cards, visit the Michigan Secretary of State website.

What are zoning restrictions in the Township?

Please refer to the Charter Township of Kalamazoo Zoning Ordinance  for the zoning restrictions in the Township.

How do I report a housing code violation?

Fill out the Housing and Building Complaint Form online or download the form and return it to the Township Manager (manager@ktwp.org) at 1720 Riverview Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004.

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