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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
2022
City of Saginaw
Development Guide
Summary of the Development Guide
Ultimately, this guide was written in hopes of helping a potential developer or citizen to navigate the development process within the
City of Saginaw. The guide was created to be user-friendly and simple to understand. The development guide is a very important part
of helping to ensure future development within the City of Saginaw.
Many individuals will be involved in the development of various projects within Saginaw. This documents main purpose is to assist
individuals who are in the beginning stages of the development process understand the steps involved. Whether a resident, developer,
inspector, stakeholder, or others, this document will be easy to understand for all. Saginaw is ready to help assist anyone who is
thinking about developing property within the City.
We want to reiterate the importance of utilizing city services and proper contacts can be found in the City Contacts section of the
guide.
Thank you for investing in the City of Saginaw!
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
CONTENTS
A LOOK INTO THE CITY OF SAGINAW….
............................................................................................ 4
Why Develop in Saginaw? ........................................................................................................................ 4
CONTACTS ....................................................................................................................................... 5
City Contacts ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Outside Agencies...................................................................................................................................... 6
MEETING SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................ 6
PLANNING AND ZONING .................................................................................................................. 7
What Applies to me?................................................................................................................................ 7
Pre-Application Meeting .......................................................................................................................... 8
Plan Review Fees ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Site Plan Review....................................................................................................................................... 8
Site Plan Review Timeline ........................................................................................................................ 9
Site Plan Review Checklist........................................................................................................................ 9
Special Land Use Approval ..................................................................................................................... 10
Zoning Amendments.............................................................................................................................. 10
Zoning Amendment Timeline ................................................................................................................. 11
Board of Appeals on Zoning Review....................................................................................................... 11
Board of Appeals on Zoning Timeline..................................................................................................... 11
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION .................................................................................................. 12
Commission Review ............................................................................................................................... 12
Historic Districts..................................................................................................................................... 12
BUILDING AND INSPECTIONS ......................................................................................................... 13
Building Codes ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Requirements for Obtaining Building Permits from the City of Saginaw ................................................ 13
Instructions for Completing Application................................................................................................. 14
Building Permit Fees .............................................................................................................................. 14
When to Call for an Inspection............................................................................................................... 14
LICENSING...................................................................................................................................... 15
Business Licenses ................................................................................................................................... 15
Liquor Licenses....................................................................................................................................... 15
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
A look into the City of Saginaw….
The City of Saginaw was established in 1819 as an early settlement in the frontier of Michigan. By the mid-19th
century Saginaw had begun to grow, thanks in part to the timber industry. Saginaw is the county seat of Saginaw
County which is situated in mid-Michigan. The City has been through tough times but has shown its resiliency.
The City currently has a population of just under 50,000 residents.
Located in what is called the Great Lakes Bay Region, Saginaw has much to offer for its residents and visitors.
It is surrounded by great places to learn, such as Saginaw Valley State University, Central Michigan University
School of Medicine and Delta College. Saginaw has countless entertainment venues such as the Dow Event
Center, the Temple Theater, the Children’s Zoo and many more. Many great companies are located in Saginaw
such as Ascension St. Mary’s, AT&T, Covenant Health Care, General Motors, and that is only a handful. Saginaw
is a great place to raise a family with various resources like a water park, a skate park, recreational areas, and
much more.
Saginaw is not only proud of its rich history but is also striving to alter itself in a way that will enable it to offer a
stable future for its residents and continue to be a major contributor to the local economy. The City prides itself
in being proactive and has consecutively been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting by the Government Financial Officers Association. Please visit our website to learn more
Click here to visit City of Saginaw's website
Why Develop in Saginaw?
Saginaw is committed to development projects. The City has put forth many incentives for developers. The
Saginaw Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is responsible for many projects within the City. They
provide Capital needs to small businesses. The SEDC operates with the intention of developing economic
enterprises and programs by offering loans to start-up businesses, existing businesses, or expanding
businesses that are located or will locate in the City of Saginaw.
Saginaw offers many special tax treatments for different types of properties. Saginaw utilizes tax incentives
such as (OPRA) which stands for Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act and Commercial Rehabilitation Act.
(OPRA) is a property tax exemption for commercial and/or commercial housing properties that are rehabilitated.
Commercial Rehabilitation Act or CRA, is similar to an OPRA however it can only be used for building or
property that has been vacant for at least 5 years, and it can be utilized once construction has already began.
Other tax exemptions include an (IFT) exemption which is a property tax exemption that goes to manufacturers
for renovation and expansion of aging facilities, building of new facilities, and establishment of high technology
facilities. Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act (NEZ) is a property tax exemption for the development and
rehabilitation of residential housing located within eligible distressed communities. The Downtown
Development Authority (DDA) offers many possibilities to develop a business in the downtown area. The DDA’s
purpose is to increase property values within the City’s business district.
Click to visit City of Saginaw website/Saginaw Economic Development
Corporation
Click to view more about property tax exemptions
Click to learn more about the DDA
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
CONTACTS
City Contacts
City of Saginaw – City Hall
Engineering/Public Services
1315 South Washington Ave. 1435 South Washington Ave.
Saginaw, MI 48601 Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 399-1311 (989) 759-1410
City Manager Office
Tim Morales, City Manger 989-759-1403 tmorales@saginaw-mi.com
Vicki Davis, Executive Marketing Coordinator 989-759-1403 vdavis@saginaw-mi.com
Rachel Hozeska, Administrative Support Specialist 989- 759-1401 rhozeska@saginaw-mi.com
Office of Management and Budget
Yolanda M. Jones, Director 989-759-1784 yjones@saginaw-mi.com
Johnathon Baker, Budget Analyst I
989-759-1519 jbaker@saginaw-mi.com
Planning and Zoning and Community Services
Cassi Zimmerman, Director 989-759-1423 czimmerman@saginaw-mi.com
Robert Gollin, Urban Planner 989-759-1308 rgollin@saginaw-mi.com
Kanah Franklin, Deputy Director of Community Services 989-759-1533 kfranklin@saginaw-mi.com
Neighborhood Services and Inspections
James Martin, Chief Inspector 989-759-1296 jmartin@saginaw-mi.com
Pete Salo, Code Enforcement Inspector 989-759-1583 psalo@saginaw-mi.com
Brian Wicker, Electrical Inspector 989-759-1425 bwicker@saginaw-mi.com
Alex Sheppard, Code Enforcement Inspector 989-759-1548 asheppard@saginaw-mi.com
Michael Keenan, Code Enforcement Inspector 989-759-1303 mkeenan@saginaw-mi.com
Scott Thomas, Code Enforcement Inspector 989-759-1420 sthomas@saginaw-mi.com
Vacant, Code Enforcement Inspector
Public Services
Phillip Karwat, Director 989-759-1662 pkarwat@saginaw-mi.com
Beth London, Deputy Director 989-759-1413 blondon@saginaw-mi.com
Travis Hare, City Engineer 9897592196 thare@saginw-mi.com
Michael Denome, Engineering Assistant 989-759-1417 mdenome@saginaw-mi.com
Josh Hoffman, Superintendent, Maintenance and Service 989-759-1614 jhoffman@saginaw-mi.com
Building Safety
Thomas Raines, Fire Chief 989-759-1375 TRaines@saginaw-mi.com
Fire Marshal, Derron Suchodolski 989-759-1374 Dsuchodolski@saginaw-mi.com
Deputy Fire Marshal, Michael Campbell 989-759-1376 MCampbell@saginaw-mi.com
Saginaw Economic Development Corporation
Kisha Smith 989-759-1395 ksmith@saginaw-mi.com
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
TIFA/LDFA
Yolanda M. Jones, OMB Director 989-759-1784 yjones@saginaw-mi.com
Lori Brown, Finance Director 989-759-1473 lbrown@saginaw-mi.com
Outside Agencies
The following agencies are involved in the development process within the City of Saginaw. Please feel free to use their assistance
at any time throughout the development process.
Saginaw Future Inc.
515 N. Washington Saginaw, MI 1-989-754-8222 http://saginawfuture.com
Michigan Department of Transportation
5859 Sherman Road, Saginaw, MI 1-989-754-7443 http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/
Consumers Energy
2400 Weiss St, Saginaw, MI 800-477-5050
Saginaw County Road Commission
3020 Sheridan Ave, Saginaw, MI 989-752-6140 http://www.scrc-mi.org/
Miss Dig
3285 W. Lapeer Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 800-482-7171 http://www.missdig.org/
MEETING SCHEDULE
Saginaw-Annual Boards and Commissions
Board/Commission Meets
Board of Appeals on Zoning (BAZ) 1st Wed. of the Month @ 6:00 pm
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) 2nd Tue of the Month @ 1:30 pm
City Council 2nd & 4th Mon of the Month @ 6:00 pm
Downtown Development Corporation (DDA) 4th Tue. of the Month @ 3:30 pm
Historic District Commission (HDC) 4th Thurs. of the Month @ 4:30 pm
Planning Commission 4th Tue. of the Month @ 6:00 pm
Saginaw Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) 2nd Thurs. of the Month @ 12:00 pm
Click to view City of Saginaw’s Government Calendar
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
PLANNING AND ZONING
Master Plan
The Master Plan serves the following functions:
• Representation of the community’s desired direction for the
future;
• Classifies land use and infrastructure issues, including
streets elements;
• Includes recommendations for implementation,
incorporating goals, actions, timelines and responsible
parties;
• Is the foundational basis (policies and future vision) for the
zoning ordinance (Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Act 110
of 2006).
The plan encompasses a five year period and a review will take
place in 2021. A current land use map for the City can be
viewed on page 81 of the Master Plan.
Click to view Saginaw's Master Plan
What Applies to me?
Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map
In order to implement the Master Plan upon its creation, the
Planning Commission will develop and administer the
Zoning Ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance is the specific
law related to land use in a community. While the Future
Land Use Map is written in broad terms and is not a law that
can be enforced, the Zoning Map and Ordinance describe
the specific types of uses allowed on any given property and
are adopted as law by the legislative body. Saginaw’s
zoning map provides an overview of the whole city. It
includes different zoning classifications according to how
each area is defined for zoning purposes. For a description
of the various zoning districts and land uses within the City
of Saginaw
click here
Click to view Saginaw's zoning map and legal
regulations
For any new development or alterations to an existing structure or use, there are a few steps you need to follow. First, you must
define the type of zoning district in which you are located. Next, determine the type of development process in which you are
undertaking.
City Planning Commission
The City Planning Commission’s power and duties include
hearing and deciding appeals or requests with regard to the
Zoning Ordinance. These including, but not limited to, the
following:
• Site plan review
• Permitted Uses requiring special approval
• Nonconforming use substitutions
• Rezoning or Zoning Amendment petitions
Board of Appeals on Zoning
The Board of Appeals Zoning’s main purpose is to examine
requests for special exceptions and variances from the zoning
code such as off-street parking, construction below flood level
in floodway areas, grant approval for temporary buildings and
uses, and allow the expansion of a non-conforming building or
structure. Types of variances considered by the Zoning Board
of Appeals Include:
• Use Variance: A use variance permits a use of land
that is otherwise not permitted in the zone in which
the property is located.
• Non- Use Variance: A non-use variance allows for
modification of the regular provisions of the zoning
code for height, size, setback, lot coverage, and
other physical requirements of the zoning code.
• Set Back Variance: Allows for when a proposed
structure is too close to a lot line.
• Lot Coverage Variance: Allows for when too much of
lot may be covered by buildings.
Makes
Recommendation
Approves
Planning & Zoning
Planning
Commission
City
Council
Zoning Board Of
Appeals
Admin.
Staff *
Site Plan
x
x
Special Use Permit
x
Rezoning
x
x
Text
Change/Ordinance
x x
Zoning
Compliance
x
Variance
x
Appeal
x
*The following projects may be eligible for staff review: accessory building containing less than 1,000 sq. ft. and changes in the use
of a structure or land which does not require additional parking and does not involve exterior structural alterations. Please speak to
planning department for clarification.
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
Pre-Application Meeting
Preemptive to any new development or altering any existing structure or use, it is always advisable that you consult with City of
Saginaw’s internal development team to review in detail all plans for a specific site. This team varies based on the needs of the
developer and can include individuals from the planning and zoning, inspection, engineering, water and sewer departments, as well
as other partners such as Saginaw Future. The Development Team may be able to provide advice about certain things such as
obtaining proper documents or which process may be best for the project. For any further questions or to schedule a pre-application
meeting please contact:
Cassi Zimmerman, Dir Planning and Econ Development
Robert Gollin, Urban Planner
(989) 759-1423
(989) 759-1308
czimmerman@saginaw-mi.com
rgollin@saginaw-mi.com
Click here to view Planning and Zoning part of Saginaw's website
Note: It is important to make sure to contact the appropriate person(s) for any questions you may have along the way. The follow
describes the procedures outlined above.
Plan Review Fees
Fees issued by the City of Saginaw are to cover the cost of personnel, meeting notices, public hearing notices, and document
processing for the various boards. The following link will direct you to the City of Saginaw’s current fee schedule:
Click here to view information regarding the fee schedule in the City of Saginaw
Site Plan Review
The purpose of the Site Plan Review is to promote the orderly development of the City, ensure stability of land values and promote
the proper attention to sitting and appearance of structures both altered and new. The Site Plan Review is a procedure used involving
documents and drawings specified in the zoning ordinance. They are reviewed to make sure that the development proposal is in
conjunction with local, state, and federal regulations. These plans show the layout of proposed uses and structures. Prior to
construction or renovation of any structure in any zoning district in the City, a site plan shall be submitted for review and approval.
This procedure also includes any land use requiring special approval or any planned unit development. This review and approval can
be performed by the Urban Planner or by the City Planning Commission depending upon the following:
Review by the Urban
• Residential structures having four or less dwelling units and accessory buildings, structures and
Planner:
uses
• A change in the use of a structure or land, which does not require additional parking and does
not involve exterior structural alterations
• An accessory building containing less than 1,000 sq. ft.
• An addition to an existing structure if such addition totals 25 percent or less of the floor area of
the existing structure; and only if the exterior of the addition will be surfaced with material or
materials which do not differ from the material or materials on the existing structure
City Planning
All other structures and uses of land or buildings shall be reviewed by the City Planning
Commission
Commission. (Please refer to the site plan review Time-Line Check List below)
Review:
Click here for information relating to Planning and
Click here for site plan application Zoning
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
Site Plan Review Timeline
S te p
Process
Timing
Beginning
Cont ac t zoning st aff at cit y hal l ; underst and what f orm s
needed, and what zoni ng requi rem ent s appl y.
P reem pt ive t o s ubm it t ing applic at ion.
Devel op
Ap plication
B as ed of f c heck lis t f ound in t his guide.
S ubm i ttal of
Ap plication
Mus t be s ubm it t ed t o Cit y P lanning Comm iss ion s t af f. Mak e
s ure plan i s i n acc ordanc e wi t h c it y rul es . S end c om pl et ed
s it e plan doc um ent as P DF wi t h al l requi red f i l es . A ls o,
provide 2 hard c opies of all requi red s it e pl an doc um ent s.
30 days bef ore next s c hedul ed
P lanning Com m iss ion Meet ing
(Meet on t he f ourt h Tues day of e ac h
m ont h).
Revi ew
A ppropriat e departm ents wi l l wor k t oget her t o anal yze t he
plan. P lanning Com m is s i on wi l l revi ew pl an and approve i t
as pres ent ed, wit h c ondit i ons, return t o appl ic ant t o m ak e
c hanges , or rejec t.
M eeti ng
Meet ing will be sc heduled t o revi ew s it e plan wi t h st af f. W ithin t wo week s .
Ap proval
I f s it e plan is approved, appl ic ant wi l l rec ei ve not i f ic ati on
let t er.
Construction
Draw ings
Mus t be s ubm itt ed t o t he B uilding I ns pec t i ons Di vis i on af t er
approval.
Can be s ubm it t ed at any t im e duri ng si t e
plan review proc es s
Site Plan Review Checklist
Nam e and address of applic ant
Legal desc ript ion of t he propert y under revi e w
A rea of s ubjec t parc el of land in acres or s quare f eet
P res ent zoning class ific at ion of t he s ubj ec t parc el
General des c ript ion of t he propos ed devel opm ent
S it e plan drawn at appropri at e sc ale 1” : 50’ @ 3 ac res or 1”
: 100’ over 3 ac res
S it e plan legend, nort h arrow, scale, dat e, nam e and
addres s of preparer of t he s it e plan
Lot lines , dim ensions, angles , and s ize t o c orrelat e wit h
legal desc ript ion
V icinit y map t o loc at e s it e
Loc at ion of buildings wit h f inis h f l oor grades
S ize of m ain and acc es s ory buildings
S how all exis t ing buildings on t he s it e
Height of all buildings and s quare foot age of f loor areas
Dens it y sc hedule f or m ul t i -f am ily developm ents s howi ng
dwelling unit s per ac re, t ype of uni t s and t ot al num ber of
unit s
E xis t ing and propos ed s t reets, dri vewa ys , s i dewal k s and
ot her vehic le pedes t ri an c i rc ul at i on on and adj ac ent t o
the s it e. A ll rem oval/ dem ol it i on s heet s are t o be s hown
on s eparat e s heets f rom new/ prop os ed c onst ruc ti on
Loc at ion and s i ze of al l parki ng s pac es, any requi red
park ing wheel s t ops , s ervic e dri ves , del i very and l oadi ng
areas
Open s pac e loc ation, l andsc api ng, s c reening, f enc i ng,
wells , t opography c hanges , ot her nat ural f eat ures
Im pact on adjac ent propert y s hown, adj ac ent s t ruc t ures,
drives , and park ing wit hin 100’
On s it e lighting, dri ve acc ess es , s idewal k , s i gnage, and
lands c aping
Topography of s it e at 2’ c ont ours
S urf ac e wat er drainage and gradi ng pl an, and any pl ans
f or st orm wat er ret ention
Drainage c alc ulations i nc l udi ng impervi ous c alc ul at i ons and
propos ed t en year event run-
of f c alc ulat ions, inc luding
propos ed ret ent i on
W at er and s ewer and ot her public ut ilit y c onnec t i ons and
propos ed utilities, includi ng proposed m at eri al , s t ruc t ure
det ails, and rim and invert elevat ions of all st ruct ures
I f on a s t at e highway, appro val f rom MDOT-apply bef ore
s ubm it t ing s it e plan
Dis t inguis h bet ween perm eable and non-perm eable
ground
Loc at ion of exi s t i ng drai nage c ours es , f l oodpl ai ns, l ak es
and s t reams, wit h elevat ions
Typic al c ross -s ect ion of propos ed roads , park i ng l ots ,
s idewalk s and driveways
Curb, s idewalk , and driveway det ai l s
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
Special Land Use Approval
Each zoning category includes a list of special land uses, which are allowed only through a special review and permitting process.
These uses are those which could be appropriate in the district where they are listed, but have certain characteristics which must be
managed to protect the integrity of uses permitted by right. Permitted Uses After Special Approval are granted by the Planning
Commission. The Planning Commission may approve the use with added requirements such as screening or buffering.
The following conditions for Permitted Uses After Special Approval apply:
o Subject to the approval of the City Planning Commission:
o Subject to applicable site design standards
o Listed as a permitted use after special approval for the respective zoning district
o Uses either municipally operated or operated by publicly regulated utilities or uses traditionally affected with a public
interest
o Uses entirely private in character but of such an unusual nature that their operation may give rise to unique problems
with respect to their impact upon neighboring property or public facilities.
The steps that should be followed for this process are the same as the Site Plan Review process, with a couple of exceptions:
1. An application form for a permitted use after special approve along with the site plan review form has to be filed at least 30
days before the next Planning Commission meeting. (Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of every month.)
2. City must notify property owners located within 300 feet of the property applying for a special use 15 days in advance. The
notice will be placed in the Saginaw News and sent through mail.
Click to view Saginaw's zoning map and legal
Click here for special use permit application regulations
To request a permitted use after special approval contact:
Cassi Zimmerman, Dir Planning and Econ Development
(989) 759-1423
czimmerman@saginaw-mi.com
Robert Gollin, Urban Planner
(989) 759-1308
rgollin@saginaw-mi.com
Zoning Amendments
Zoning is a method in which a municipality divides land into areas called zones within which certain land uses are permitted or
prohibited. Sometimes there are certain exceptions that can be made as it relates to whether development trends have changed
and if the area proposed to be rezoned is an appropriate area for the proposed zone. The petitioner must justify why they feel
a particular amendment would be appropriate. Please take into consideration that rezoning request follows the same
amendment process as an ordinance text change (i.e. formal application, public hearing, planning commission considerations
and recommendations, and final action by the city council).
A request for a zoning amendment to the City’s Zoning Code might also entail changes to particular zoning standards that
regulate and restrict various types of uses. This might include changing a standard due to a particular change in technology
or use that was not otherwise anticipated at the time the code was adopted. Often these changes are initiated by the City but
may be requested by an individual or group representing a private concern. These zoning amendment requests also follow
the same amendment process described above.
Click to view Saginaw's zoning map and legal
Click here for Rezoning Application regulations
To request a Rezoning or Zoning Amendment contact:
Cassi Zimmerman, Dir Planning and Econ Development
Robert Gollin, Urban Planner
(989) 759-1423
(989) 759-1308
czimmerman@saginaw-mi.com
rgollin@saginaw-mi.com
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
Zoning Amendment Timeline
Step
Process
Timing
Beginning
Requests for zoning amendments are made through City
Clerk’s Office. Obtain proper forms from City Clerk’s office or
Planning and Zoning Division. You are advised to contact
Planning office first.
Prior to submitting application.
Pre-Application
Meeting
Applicant discusses their case with City staff and they identify
applicable regulations.
Submittal of
Rezoning petition
If applicant proceeds with the process they can submit a
rezoning petition to the City Clerk’s Office.
30 days before next scheduled
Planning Commission Meeting.
Review
City Clerk forwards petition to City Council. Council refers
application to City Planning Commission for a public hearing.
City Planning Commission makes the recommendation to
City Council.
Notification is given to affected
owners and occupants of
potential rezoned district at least
15 days before public hearing.
City Council
Review
City Council reviews the recommendation and makes final
decision.
At least 28 days for council
review.
Approval
If approved, applicant receives letter from City Clerk notifying
them of approval.
Board of Appeals on Zoning Review
The Board of Appeals on Zoning meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM in Council Chamber at City Hall. A
representative must be present at the meeting for appeal to be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals. A signature on the
application gives an inspector or Planning and Zoning official permission to enter property. To request a variance, special
exception, district boundary interpretation, or if you have any questions please contact:
Cassi Zimmerman, Dir Planning and Econ Development
Robert Gollin, Urban Planner
(989) 759-1423
(989) 759-1308
czimmerman@saginaw-mi.com
rgollin@saginaw-mi.com
Click here for Zoning Board of Appeals Application
Board of Appeals on Zoning Timeline
Step
Process
Timing
Beginning
Contact Associate Planner. Discuss proposed
appeal with Planning and Zoning staff.
Before submitting application.
Application Submittal
Submit completed application to the Planning and
Zoning Division.
At least 30 days prior to
scheduled meeting.
Public Hearing
Appeal should be presented to the board at hearing
by the appellant or designated person that has
knowledge of the request.
Meets 1st Wednesday of each
month at 6:00 P.M. in Council
Chamber at City Hall.
Granting of appeal by Board
of Appeals on Zoning
If granted, applicant must apply for a building permit
or certificate of occupancy.
Within six months of hearing
date.
Approval
If approved, applicant must submit a site plan to the
Planning Commission or contact Inspections at City
Hall in order to acquire information on what is
needed for a building permit.
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
The Saginaw Historic District Commission was established by ordinance in 1987. The Commission is responsible for reviewing all
plans for construction, alteration, repair, moving, or demolition of structures or signs in the City’s three local historical districts. The
Commission was established in order to assist property owners in their rehabilitation and improvement efforts. Districts can be
located at following link:
Click here to view a map of Saginaw's Historical Districts Click here for a Historic District Permit
and the Historic District Guidelines. Review Application
Commission Review
Any proposed project which is located in the Heritage Square Historic District, Old Saginaw City Historic District, or the North
Michigan Historic District, are required to be reviewed by the Saginaw Historic District Commission. The review is limited to
any project that will affect the outside appearance of any structure or its surrounding lot. Examples include:
• Building Additions
• Signs
• Garages & Carports
• Demolitions
• Siding
• Roofing
• Awnings
• Parking Lots
• Fences
• Tree plantings and removal
Regular meetings of the Commission are held on the fourth Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
City Hall. To determine if your project is located within one of the local Historic Districts, determine if your project requires a
review or request a Historic District Permit Review Application please contact:
Cassi Zimmerman, Dir Planning and Econ Development
Robert Gollin, Urban Planner
(989) 759-1423
(989) 759-1308
czimmerman@saginaw-mi.com
rgollin@saginaw-mi.com
Historic Districts
There are three local Historic Districts within the City of Saginaw:
1. Heritage Square Historic District
2. North Michigan Avenue Historic District
3. Old Saginaw Historic District
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Development Guide
BUILDING AND INSPECTIONS
The function of this division is to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the public by administering and enforcing the City's
building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, housing and general codes and other ordinances. The division is also responsible for aspects
of the Zoning Code, historical issues and the dangerous building program. In combination, these efforts are designed to enhance the
quality of life for residents, fight blight and to eliminate unsafe living conditions.
Click here to view additional information regarding code enforcements in the City of Saginaw
Building Codes
Residential Buildings (Single Family, Duplex or Townhouses)
Building
2015- Michigan Residential Code (MRC)
Effective February 8, 2016
Electrical
2015- Michigan Residential Code (MRC)
Effective February 8, 2016
Plumbing
2015- Michigan Residential Code (MRC)
Effective February 8, 2016
Mechanical
2015 Michigan Residential Code (MRC)
Effective February 8, 2016
Energy Code
2015- Michigan Uniform Energy Code
Effective February 8, 2016
Commercial Buildings
Building
2012 Michigan Building Code (MBC)
Effective October 9, 2014
2012 Michigan Rehab Code Existing Buildings
Effective October 9, 2014
2012 International Fire Code (IFC)
Accessibility
2003 ICC/ANSI A117.1
Effective October 9, 2014
Electrical
2011 Michigan Electrical Code (MEC)
Effective July 1, 2013
Plumbing
2012 Michigan Plumbing Code (MPC)
Effective January 17, 2014
Mechanical
2012 Michigan Mechanical Code (MMC)
Effective September 27, 2013
2012 International Fuel Gas
Effective September 27, 2013
Fire Code
2009 International Fire Code (IFC)
Adopted
2009 International Fire Code (IFC) Appendix
Adopted
Sprinkler
2010 NFPA-13 (Commercial Buildings)
Reference Standard 2012 MBC
2010 NFPA- 13R (Residential Buildings)
Reference Standard 2012 MBC
2010 NFPA- 13D (One & Two Family Buildings)
Reference Standard 2012 MBC
Fire Alarm
2010 NFPA-72
Reference Standard 2012 MBC
Comm. Hood
2009 NPFA-17 (Kitchen Hoods)
Reference Standard 2012 MBC
Energy Code
MUEC Part 10a R408.31087 to R408.31099
Effective October 9, 2014
Requirements for Obtaining Building Permits from the City of Saginaw
Residential Construction projects
Residential construction projects - Applies to one and two family residential houses with less than 3,500 square feet.
• Building Permit/Plan Review Application
• Two sets of paper plans and specifications with original signature and seal of an architect or engineer registered in the
State of Michigan and an electronic .pdf file that includes Foundation and floor plans, roof and wall section, building
elevations and site plan.
Commercial Construction Projects
Commercial construction includes one and two family residential structures with more than 3,500 square feet.
• Building Permit/Plan Review Application:
• Plan Review fee
• Two sets of paper plans and specifications with original signature and seal of an architect or engineer registered in the
State of Michigan and an electronic .pdf file that includes Foundation and floor plans, roof and wall section, building
elevations and site plan.
Pre-manufactured Homes
• Building Permit/Plan Review Application
• Minimum of two sets of plans for the foundation and the method of anchoring the unit to the foundation
• For Michigan approved pre-manufactured units; two copies of the “Building System Approval” and the approved plans
must be submitted.
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
Instructions for Completing Application
Click here Building Permit Application
*Applies to building permits
• Page 1 of the application: complete all applicable sections. Note section II (C). If the homeowner is doing the
construction, enter “Homeowner” in the contractor information space.
• Page 2 of the application: Enter the information as required.
• Page 3, section VI of the application: Must be completed by the permit applicant and signed.
• Section VII: Must be completed by the local governmental agency (city/township) for zoning (environmental)
approval.
Building Permit Fees
Click here to view information regarding the fee schedule in the City of Saginaw
Building permit fees can be obtained from the City of Saginaw by calling the Inspections division at 989 759-1421.
The following information is required:
• Total square footage of the structure
• Use group (example, “R-3” use group for single family homes, “U” use group for detached garages, pole barns, etc.)
• Type of construction (“5B” for wood frame construction).
Please note if you submit your building permit application and plans without the fee, your application will be put on hold until
such time that the fee is paid.
When to Call for an Inspection
Please call the building inspector’s telephone number listed on your building permit at least two days prior to the time you need an
inspection. A minimum of three inspections are required on most structures. It is the permit holders’ responsibility to call for
inspections, prior to the construction being covered.
Footing Inspection: Prior to pouring concrete in piers, trenches and formwork.
Backfill Inspection: Prior to backfill and after the footings, walls, waterproofing, and drain tile are installed.
Final Inspection: Scheduled upon completion of the building or structure, and before occupancy occurs.
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City of Saginaw
Development Guide
LICENSING
City Clerk’s Office
City Hall Room 102
1315 S. Washington Avenue
Saginaw, MI 48601
(989) 399-1311
Business Licenses
Businesses must acquire a license from the City Clerk prior to beginning operations. These licenses can be acquired Monday
through Friday 8:00 am to 4 pm. Business licenses processed by the City Clerk include the following:
• General Business Licenses
• Non Owner Occupied Dwelling Registration Application (Rental License)
• Unoccupied Property Registration Application (Vacant License)
• Application for License for Tent Used for Assembly and other Purposes
• Transient Merchant License
• Peddlers License
• Marijuana Facilities
• Pawnbroker/Second Hand Dealer
• Food Vendor Application
Upon receipt of the application, the City Clerk will verify with Planning and Zoning to determine whether business is
permissible for operations. To begin the process of obtaining the business licenses, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Click here to view Saginaw City Clerk information
Liquor Licenses
In order to serve alcohol, a business must be approved for a liquor license with both the Michigan Liquor Control Commission
and the City of Saginaw. Contact the City Clerk’s Office for assistance regarding getting a liquor license.
Click here to view Liquor Control Commission portion of Michigan's website
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