Planning, Zoning & Grants

The Office of Planning, Zoning & Grants is staffed by the City Planner / Zoning Administrator, who provides staff assistance to the City Council, Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Planning Commission

The City of Coldwater Planning Commission serves as an advisory group of the city. The commission administers the Coldwater Comprehensive Plan that sets forth the policies, guidelines and land use designations for long-range development of the city. As new trends are recognized and priorities change, it is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to propose changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance that will further promote the public health, safety and welfare of the community.

The Planning Commission also reviews all rezoning requests, special use permits, subdivision plats, lot splits and development site plans.  The Planning Commission meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building. All meetings are open to the public.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The City of Coldwater Zoning Board of Appeals has two primary responsibilities. The first of these is to interpret the language of the City of Coldwater Zoning Ordinance when its meaning is unclear, or when there is uncertainty as to whether the language applies to a particular situation. The board is also responsible for the interpretation of the zoning map, including questions concerning the location of zoning district boundaries.

The Zoning Board of Appeals also considers requests for dimensional variances. The City of Coldwater Zoning Ordinance contains dimensional requirements (distance, size, height and width) for items such as fencing, signage and building setbacks. A variance is required of anyone wishing to construct over and beyond the limits set forth in the ordinance. Residents are urged to contact the Office of Planning, Zoning & Grants prior to the start of any project to ensure that it is compliant with the City of Coldwater Zoning Ordinance and, if necessary, inquire about the variance process.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:15 p.m. in the City Council Chamber of the Municipal Building.  All meetings are open to the public.

Staff is available to provide information concerning the responsibilities of the above City Boards and Commissions, current projects and planning and zoning issues including site plan review, rezoning, building setback requirements, permitted and special uses, zoning variances, fence regulations and sign regulations. 

Please remember, if you plan to make any changes to your property, including new construction, additions to your home and/or garage, signage, fencing, home occupations, etc., contact the appropriate City office for information. In most instances certain regulations are in place, and prior approval is required.

Housing Rehabilitation Grants

In addition to the above daily activities, the Office of Planning, Zoning & Grants currently administers two grant programs for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation for city residents. The first grant provides up to $1000 to low and moderate income homeowners for exterior home repairs. Eligible activities could include siding, painting, windows, doors or any other exterior repair that would improve your home. The exterior home grant is available in the spring of each year.

The second program is an emergency grant of up to $1000 to low and moderate income homeowners. The emergency grant will provide funding for serious interior repairs that are necessary to abate severe health and safety code violations. Interior conditions will be evaluated by the City staff to establish the critical need for a proposed repair. Repairs could include electrical, heating and water / sewer service emergencies. Due to the nature of emergency grants, applications will be accepted all year round but are dependent upon funding availability.

Deadlines, income limits and applications will be available at the Planning office, which is located on the first floor of the Henry L. Brown Municipal Building, on the Applications, Documents, Forms & Maps page of the City’s web site or by calling Piers Kirby at 279-6911.