Permitting and Zoning County Guides Now Available - May 23

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2011

Contact:

Carrie Bourdages, Communications Specialist 
Voice: (231) 929-5038
Email: carriebourdages@nwm.cog.mi.us  

Nigel Griswold, Regional Planner
Voice: (231) 929-5056
Email: nigelgriswold@nwm.cog.mi.us
 

Northwest Michigan Permitting and Zoning Updates
Comprehensive County Guides Now Available

NORTHWEST MI—Volume 1 of the Northwest Michigan County Permitting and Zoning Guides are now available to the public both on CD and online at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments’ (NWMCOG) and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce’s websites.

The County Guides to Permitting and Zoning are available through a collaboration between the NWMCOG, the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, and the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce.

The guides are quick references for contact information and education tools for individuals, seasoned contractors, and developers. The guides include critical information about the approval process necessary prior to applying for permits or undertaking a project within a county or municipality. Volume 1 includes requirements for Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties. Volume 2, expected to be completed by October 2011, will include information for Charlevoix, Emmet, and Manistee counties. The guides will be updated continuously by county officials.

“With an understanding of the permitting and approval process, we can increase the efficiency of the process for both the private and pubic sectors, in turn creating more successful projects throughout the region,” said Tino Breithaupt, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce senior vice president of economic development.

The guides are not intended to be "do-it-yourself" tools, as project requirements vary. Following
the flowcharts in the guides does not guarantee that a permit or approval will be issued at the end of the process. However, the applicant or contractor will have a clear understanding of the process and expectations by using the guides.

The applicant or contractor should always contact the local zoning administrator, plan reviewer, or permit agent of the various agencies prior to beginning a project, Breithaupt said.
Applicants and Contractors are encouraged to seek the assistance of local professionals who have experience in dealing with the requirements of permits and approvals.

View, download or print the guides at http://www.nwm.org/countyguides.asp

Also available are CDs (disks) containing all of the available county guides. Please contact Nigel Griswold, Regional Planner, at: 231-929-5056 or nigelgriswold@nwm.cog.mi.us. Each disk is $10. Check or money order should be payable to: NWMCOG, PO Box 506, Traverse City MI 49685-0506.