Planning and Zoning
The City of Ionia is a zoned community. On this page, you will find documents and links to learn about the City's land use plans and zoning regulations. If you have questions, email Jonathan Bowman, Assistant to the City Manager, at jbowman@ci.ionia.mi.us or call directly at (616) 523-0147.
Frequently Asked Questions
All fees associated with a permit or application should be indicated on the application. Payments can be submitted using cash, check, or a credit card with the application at City Hall. If you would like to pay the associated fee online, an invoice can be requested. Once an invoice has been made, the applicant would use the Online Payment portal on the City's website and search for the invoice under miscellaneous receivables.
The City’s Zoning Ordinance does not have a specified distance that your driveway must be from your property line. It is always a good idea to discuss your plans with your neighbor so that you agree on the actual location of the shared property line.
The City's Zoning Ordinance establishes different rules for fences in side/rear yards and front yards.
Front Yard:
- Shall not block the view of traffic.
- Shall consist of split rail, decorative iron, wood, engineered wood or plastic products, or similar material.
- Shall not be chain link, snow fence, woven fence, or rubber of any kind.
- Shall not exceed 50% in opacity.
- Shall not be installed within the street right-of-way.
- The finished side shall face to the exterior of the property.
- Fence posts may not be taller than 48 inches with the fence no higher than 42 inches.
Side/Rear Yard:
- Shall not exceed 6 feet in height
- Shall not extend toward the front of the lot nearer than the front of the house or the required minimum front yard, whichever is greater.
- May be placed on the property line (be sure to consult with your neighbor to be sure that you agree on the location of the shared property line).
- The finished side shall face the exterior of the property.
Process:
A zoning permit is required from the city before construction. In order to secure a permit a plot plan (sketch) illustrating your property and the location where the fence is to be constructed must be submitted. A description or illustration of the type of fence that you propose to construct must also be submitted.
NOTE: A few of the neighborhoods in the City have specific neighborhood rules (deed restrictions). If you reside in one of the neighborhoods with specific rules, be sure to consult those rules as well.
It depends on the size of your lot. Additionally, standards vary from zoning district to zoning district. Standards that apply to all residential zoning districts include the following:
- Shall only be located on a lot where there is an existing primary structure (residence).
- Shall only be located in the rear yard. Special standards apply to corner lots.
- Shall be setback a minimum of 6 feet from any lot line and shall not be placed closer than 10 feet to any building on the same lot.
- Structures that are at least 200 square, but less than 600 square feet, in size shall be securely attached to a foundation, footing or concrete slab.
- Structures that are more than 600 square feet in size shall be securely attached to a frost free footing meeting building code requirements.
- Shall not be constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic film, nylon or similar pliable material. The portable garages (sometimes referred to as car canopies or temporary carports) that are sold at the home improvement stores are NOT permitted.
The number, size and height of the garage or storage shed that may be constructed must meet specifications. Contact the planning and zoning department for specifications.
Process
A zoning permit, and in some instances a building permit, is required before you begin construction. In order to secure a permit a plot plan (sketch) illustrating your property and the location where the garage or shed is to be constructed must be submitted. The plot plan should also illustrate the size and setbacks of the existing buildings on the property. A sketch of the garage or shed to be constructed must also be submitted. More detailed construction plans may be necessary if a building permit is required.
The answer to both parts of this question depends on the zoning district in which your property is located. The setback requirements and the total area that a lot may be covered by buildings will vary from zoning district to zoning district.
Please consult with City Hall about information for your specific situation.
Planning Commission Information
To learn more about the City of Ionia Planning Commission, please visit our Boards and Commissions page.
The Planning Commission regular meeting schedule can be found on our City Calendar page. The public is welcome to attend Planning Commission meetings.
Food Truck Permits
The City of Ionia regulates all food trucks as Mobile Food Vending Units (MFVUs) in Chapter 1293 of the City Codified Ordinances. A permit is required to operate anywhere within the City's corporate boundary. Food trucks associated with a public event/street closure will need to be included on the Parade and Street Closure permit application.
All regulations related to food trucks can be found in the attached Chapter 1293. The permit applications associated with food trucks are also attached below.
Download a File:
Chapter 1293 - Food Truck Ordinance (PDF)
Mobile Food Vending Unit (MFVU) Permit Application (PDF)
Parade and Street Closure Permit Application (PDF)
Sign Regulations
On January 4, 2022, the Ionia City Council adopted an updated sign ordinance in Part Twelve, Title Six, Chapter 1284 of the City Code of Ordinances. Please view the link below to see the new sign regulations as adopted.
Download a File:
Ordinance No. 558 - Chapter 1284: Signs (PDF)
Building Code Information
The administration and enforcement of the building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes is handled by the Ionia County Building Department. Visit their website page for more information.
Documents and Links
The City of Ionia Master Plan has been prepared by the Planning Commission under the provisions of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Public Act 33 of 2008, as amended. This link includes the 2015 amendment to the 2012 Master Plan.
- Download Document:
- City of Ionia Master Plan 2019 (PDF)
- Download Documents:
- PLANNING AND ZONING FEES (PDF)
- Site Plan Review Document Package / Flowchart (PDF)
- Accessory Structure Permit Application (PDF)
- Fence Permit Application (PDF)
- Home Construction/Addition Permit Application (PDF)
- Land Division Application (PDF)
- Open Space Neighborhoods Application (PDF)
- Planned Unit Development Application (PDF)
- Rezoning Application (PDF)
- Site Condominium Application (PDF)
- Site Plan Review Application (PDF)
- Site Plan & Special Land Use Permit Application (PDF)
- Subdivision Platting Application (PDF)
- Zoning Variance Application (PDF)
Qualifications for Application: An applicant for approval of a Medical Marihuana Facility shall be a person who is also an applicant for a state operating license issued pursuant to the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, MCL 333.27101 et seq. An applicant for approval of a Marihuana Establishment shall be a person who is also an applicant for a state operating license issued pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, MCL 333.27951 et seq. as amended. An application for a Medical Marihuana Facility or a Marihuana Establishment must include an application for a Special Land Use as required by Chapter 1274 of the City of Ionia Zoning Ordinance and an application for Site Plan Approval as required by Chapter 1276 of the City of Ionia Zoning Ordinance.
Chapter 1293 regulates food trucks as Mobile Food Vending Units (MFVUs) and there are two applications associated with mobile food vending.
- Download Document:
- Municipal Standards, Design and Construction For Land Development (PDF)
A schedule of monthly meetings for the Planning Commission. (2nd Wednesday of the month)
- Download Document:
- City of Ionia Zoning Map, 2022 (PDF)
- Go to Link:
- City of Ionia Code of Ordinances, Part 12, Title Six, Zoning
Guide to Development
The City of Ionia has created a Guide to Development to provide a detailed look at the development process in Ionia. View the link below to see the full guide. Any questions can be directed to Assistant to the City Manager Jonathan Bowman.
Download a File:
Guide to Development (PDF)
Zoning Map
The City of Ionia last updated its Zoning Map in March of 2023. A link is provided below to this map.
Download a File:
Zoning Map 2023 (PDF)
New Ordinances
Below are ordinances that have been passed by City Council but have not been codified.
Download a File:
Ordinance No. 577 - Amend Ch. 440: Parking (PDF)
Ordinance No. 576 - Water and Sewer Rates (PDF)
Ordinance No. 575 - City Income Tax (PDF)
Ordinance No. 574 - Codification (PDF)
Proposed Ordinances
Below are ordinances that have been proposed and are being considered within the City of Ionia.
Download a File:
Ordinance No. 578 - Amend Ch. 204: Municipal Standards (PDF)
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