Planning and Development Review

If your project involves new construction, major renovation, a change in use, or site/building modifications, it may require review through the City’s Economic Development and Planning Department.

Types of Review

Administrative Review (Sketch Plan Review)
In some cases, a sketch plan can be submitted instead of a full site plan when a complete review is not necessary. City staff will review the request using the same standards applied to full site plans. 

Site Plan Review
Some projects are permitted by right but still require site plan review to ensure compliance with zoning standards and development requirements. Projects that require site plan review include new buildings or additions, parking lot construction or changes, significant exterior site or building modifications. To complete and submit a  site-plan-review-application.pdf , use our  site-plan-review-checklist.pdf . These requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission meets the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 14000 Oak Park Blvd.

Conditional Land Use
Some uses are permitted when specific conditions are met and are subject to site plan review. These uses must demonstrate compliance with ordinance standards.

Special Land Use
Certain uses require additional review to ensure compatibility with surrounding properties. These requests are reviewed by the Planning Commission and include a public hearing. Complete a site-plan-review-application.pdf  to submit a request for a special land use permit.

Rezoning Requests
 If your proposed use is not allowed in the current zoning district, you can apply for rezoning. This requires Planning Commission review and City Council approval.

Variances (Zoning Board of Appeals)
If your project cannot meet zoning requirements such as setbacks, height or signage, you can request a variance through the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Contact the Economic Development and Planning Department early in your project to ensure a smooth process.

Development Review Process

Whether you are planning a small improvement or a large-scale development, city staff is committed to making the development review process clear, efficient and collaborative. We encourage you to connect with us early in the process.

To help you navigate the process easier, you can review our guide-to-development.pdf.

Most projects follow these general steps:

1. Conceptual Site Review Meeting (Optional)
Scheduling a conceptual site review (pre-application) meeting with the Economic Development and Planning staff allows you to discuss your ideas before submitting an application. Our conceptual-site-plan-review-meeting-checklist.pdf can help you understand the process. to schedule a meeting use our online request form or call  the Economic Development & Planning team at (248) 691‑7455.

These meetings are free and designed to help you:

• Understand applicable zoning requirements and standards
• Identify potential issues early
• Get feedback on your concept before investing in detailed plans

We encourage you to begin with a conceptual site plan review meeting.

2. Application Submission
The applications listed below must be completed and submitted with all required plans, documents, and fees. The type of application will depend on your project.

• Site Plan Review Application Link the application
    (Includes administrative review, special land use and conditional land use)
• rezoning-application.pdf 
• zoning-boad-of-appeals-variance-application.pdf 

Submitting a complete application will help avoid delays.

3. Staff Review

City staff will review your application for completeness and compliance with zoning regulations and city standards. Staff will also prepare a report with comments and recommendations to guide the next steps in the process.

4. Public Notice (if required)
Certain applications require public notification and hearings, including:

• Special Land Use
• Rezoning
• Zoning Board of Appeals requests

This step ensures transparency and provides an opportunity for public input.

5. Board and Commission Review
Your application will be reviewed either by the Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals. 

They will either:

• Approve the application
• Deny the application
• Request revisions

Rezoning requests will also go to City Council for final consideration.

6. Next Steps
Once approved, you can move forward with final plan submissions, permits and construction. City staff will continue to work with you to ensure all requirements are met.

Timeline

In general, the review process takes approximately 30 days from the submission of a complete application to Planning Commission consideration, depending on the project's complexity.

Projects that require City Council review, such as rezonings, will take longer due to the extra approval step.

We’re here to help. Reaching out early is the best way to save time, reduce costs and keep your project on track.

Contact our team to start the conversation. We look forward to working with you.

Planning Commission and Zoning Boards of Appeals meetings

Planning Commission:

The Oak Park Planning Commission is warranted under Michigan Public Act 285 of 1931 and Oak Park City Ordinance. It is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to guide community development. The Planning Commission also makes recommendations on zoning and other land controls and updates the Master Plan.

The Planning Commission meets the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Oak Park City Hall at 14000 Oak Park Blvd. View the Planning Commission meeting schedule here.

Zoning Board of Appeals:

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) is established under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The ZBA hears and decides appeals of administrative interpretations and reviews requests for variances from the application of zoning requirements.

The ZBA meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Oak Park City Hall at 14000 Oak Park Blvd. View the ZBA meeting schedule here.

Master Plan

The city's Master Plan establishes a long-term vision and policy framework to guide growth, development and investment in the City of Oak Park. It serves as a road map for land use, infrastructure and community development decisions, to ensure change occurs in a coordinated and thoughtful manner.

The plan addresses land use, community facilities, transportation, recreation and economic development. It is used by city officials, boards and staff to inform decision-making, evaluate development proposals and plan for future needs.

• View the oak-park-master-plan.pdf 
• View the city's future-land-use-map.pdf

Ongoing Master Plan Update (In Progress)

The City of Oak Park is partnering with the planning firm of Giffels Webster to develop the next update to the Master Plan. This effort will build on past work while incorporating new data, trends and community input to shape the city’s future.

Community participation is a critical part of this process. Residents, business owners and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and share their input by visiting https://engage.giffelswebster.com/oak-park-master-plan.

Your feedback will help guide decisions about land use, development, infrastructure and quality of life in Oak Park for years to come

Annual Reports

In accordance with the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (MCL 125.3819), the Planning Commission prepares an annual report to the City Council summarizing its activities and recommendations.

These reports provide an overview of cases reviewed, actions taken and emerging development and zoning trends. This helps ensure transparency and informed decision-making within the City of Oak Park.

Review past annual reports below.

• planning-commission-annual-report-fiscal-2024-2025.pdf
• planning-commission-annual-report-fiscal-2023-2024.pdf
• planning-commission-annual-report-fiscal-2022-2023.pdf
• planning-commission-annual-report-fiscal-2021-2022.pdf

Payment Options

Site Plan Review applications, Zoning Board of Appeal requests and all other Economic Development and Planning Department fees may be paid online at https://oakparkmi.gov/pay-bills-online or in the following ways.   

• Pay in-person at the Municipal Services Office at 14300 Oak Park Blvd. 
• Drop your payment in the drop box outside City Hall at 14000 Oak Park Blvd.
• Mail your payment to Municipal Services, 14300 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237