Frequently Asked Questions

For definitions, see the Glossary

We here in the Planning Department get all kinds of questions.   Scroll down to some of the most commonly asked and most interesting questions. 

Question:  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, see The University of Michigan Office of the Registrar. 

What else can you tell me about the City?

     The 2000 U.S. Census give tons of statistics about Ann Arbor and other cities.  Here is a selection of interesting data for the City of Ann Arbor:

Question:  How big is the City?

    GIS records indicate there are 17,252 acres of City zoned land as of 1998, 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.  

Question:  What does the Planning Department 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...The Planning Department 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 the Planning Department.  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.  The Planning Department also coordinates the review process by other City departments.  Planners make recommendations to the City Planning Commission for actions on projects. 

     The Planning Department 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. 

 

Question:  I want to put an addition onto my house.  Whom should I talk to?

    In general the Planning Department only deals with things, other than the square footage of a house on a lot, relating to an entire residential parcel.  For matters about things inside your lot, like a house addition, a new garage or deck, the City Building Department is who you should contact.   Of course, 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 the Building Department. 

How do I find out my zoning district?

    Anyone can stop by City Hall and visit the Zoning Coordinator in the Building Department on the 6th floor.  The Zoning Ordinance is available for purchase, or to just browse through.  The Zoning Map Booklet divides the City into sections so you can look up the zoning for any parcel within the City limits.  Finding the zoning classification of your lot, or any other, can be done in person during normal business hours.  If you know the street address or the tax ID number, you can call or visit the Zoning Coordinator (994-2674), visit us at the Planning Department or we can help you over the phone. 

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 there. 

    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 City Building Department  for answers to specific questions regarding permitted uses and possible variances.  

Question:  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.  The Planning Department, as a matter of practice, also posts any rezoning or annexation.  See our public involvement page for more information.  

Question:  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 to people being assessed for property (i.e. the owners) as well as occupants living in the building.  The notice describes the requested approval as well as identies the property and states the date, time and place of the public hearing.  If you have a question about a notice, please call us (994-2800).  For more information about public notices, see our public involvement page.  

 

Question:  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 proposed to the Planning Department, 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 in the Planning Department.  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.) 

 

Question:  How can I form a neighborhood association?  How can I register my neighborhood association?

   How you form your neighborhood association is your choice, but 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. 

 

Question:  What kinds of activities and developments does the Planning Department keep track of?

  The Planning Department publishes several handouts and flyers offering a wide variety of information.  Below are some of the topics which we have information about:

- List of Large Housing Projects (1979 to Present)

- List of New Nonresidential Construction (1980 to Present)

- List of Assisted Living Facilities

- List of Condominium Projects

- Research, Office and Industrial Parks

- Residential Construction in Southeast Michigan (1991)

- SEMCOG Population Forecasts

Question:  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 Commissioner, 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.