1. Land Use & Zoning Review & Recommendation

In accordance with appropriate statute or ordinance, the Kalamazoo Metropolitan County Planning Commission provides recommendations on zoning amendments at or near municipal boundaries, farmland agreements, preliminary plats, and future land use plans.

2. Planning Library

Planning reference books and magazines, statistical information including Census data and Census maps, County street directory, maps (zoning, topography, wetlands, floodplains, etc.), Model Zoning Ordinance, Model Subdivision Ordinance, and aerial photography.

3. Planning Assistance

Limited planning assistance services are available from County planning staff to local units of government in Kalamazoo County for various land use planning and zoning projects. Hours of service are contingent upon staff availability and workload. Projects may include zoning ordinance amendments, land use plan amendments, training workshops, etc.

4. Economic Development Service

County planning staff provides community and economic development assistance to public and quasi-public agencies. Services typically include grant application and management, financing conduit for infrastructure improvements, planning and zoning support, and intergovernmental coordination.

5. Planning Education

In order to improve education in issues related to planning and community development, the Department publishes "The Kalamazoo Planner", a quarterly newsletter sent to all planning commissioners and zoning board members in Kalamazoo County, and presents training workshops (as needed).

Our Mission

1. Intra-County Coordination/Cooperation

Provide staff planning and technical support to other County departments in areas of County-wide community development plans/projects and provide necessary staff for community development related citizen advisory boards of the County, including the Kalamazoo Metropolitan County Planning Commission.

2. Intergovernmental Coordination/Cooperation

A. Coordinate developmental activities (physical or socio-economical) affecting more than one unit of government (i.e., land use plans and zoning along borders, utility extensions, infrastructure changes).

B. Provide a forum for discussion of plans and community development activities affecting neighboring counties (i.e., solid waste management plan, economic development).

C. Act as liaison between County and other levels of government, public and quasi-public agencies in matters related to community development (i.e., Southwest Michigan First, Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study).

D. Prepare/assist in the preparation of the various grants and assume grantee and conduit for funding role on behalf of other units of government and quasi-public agencies (i.e., Community Development Block Grant, MEGA).