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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
A schedule of monthly meetings for the Planning Commission. (2nd Wednesday of the month)
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)
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)
Below are ordinances that have been passed by City Council but have not been codified.
Download a File:
Ordinance No. 575 - City Income Tax (PDF)
Ordinance No. 574 - Codification (PDF)
Ordinance No. 573 - Amend Ch. 1043 Storm Water Management (PDF)
Ordinance No. 572 - Rezoning of the Business Districts (PDF)
Ordinance No. 571 - Amend Business Zoning Districts (PDF)
Ordinance No. 570 - Amend Chapter 692, Fireworks (PDF)
Ordinance No. 569 - Amend Chapter 202 Municipal Civil Infractions (PDF)
Ordinance No. 568 - Amend Chapter 1242 Zoning Violations (PDF)
Ordinance No. 567 - Food Trucks (PDF)
Ordinance No. 566 - Amend Ch. 1286: Misc. Regulations (PDF)
Ordinance No. 565 - Rezoning of the RT, Two-Family Residential District (PDF)
Ordinance No. 564 - Fee Schedule 2022 (PDF)
Ordinance No. 563 - Rezone 715 W. Lincoln. Ave. (PDF)
Ordinance No. 561 - Amend Ch. 1250: RT Two-Family Residential District (PDF)
Ordinance No. 562 - Codification (PDF)
Below are ordinances that have been proposed and are being considered within the City of Ionia.
Download a File:
Ordinance No. 576 - Water and Sewer Rates (PDF)
114 North Kidd Street Map
Post Office Box 496
Ionia, Michigan 48846
Phone 616-527-4170
Fax 616-527-0810
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 4:00p
(Holiday exception)
EMERGENCIES: PHONE 911
For local news and information,
tune to WION AM 1430/FM 92.7
or read the Ionia Sentinel-Standard