Welcome

The Planning and Zoning Department provides a variety of services to preserve and enhance the uniquely high quality of life offered to those who live or work in Gaines Charter Township. These departments are responsible for the Township’s current land use and development issues, long-range planning strategies, and enforcement of regulations. They serve as support staff to the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Parks and Recreation Committee, the Township Board, and other committees, task forces, and associations. 
Department activities are generally divided into three sections; Current Planning, Long-Range Planning and Code Enforcement. Current Planning activities include Site Plan Review, the processing of Land Divisions, and the processing of Zoning Board of Appeal applications.  Long-Range Planning activities include directing the orderly development and growth of the community by overseeing implementation of the Township’s “Master Plan", preparation of sub-area or neighborhood plans, overseeing the creation and adoption of new ordinances, and providing staff support to such entities as the Division Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority (DACIA). The Department also conducts enforcement efforts for most Township ordinances.
 

Staff

Community Development Director

Dan Wells

Assistant Planner

Dakota Swan

Ext. 119

Planning Consultant

Jeff Gritter, P.E.

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  • Division Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority Plan
  • Kalamazoo and 84th Street Subarea Plan
  • Kalamazoo and 84th Street Subarea Plan Future Land Use map
  • 2010 Gaines Charter Township Nonmotorized Transportation Plan

PLANNING COMMISSION

Current Planning Commissioners:

Connie Giarmo, Ronnie Rober, Lani Thomas, Tim Haagsma, Brad Waayenberg, Ryan Wiersema, and Talimma Billips
The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM. The Agenda and Minutes are in PDF Format gr_smallpdf

 Planning and Zoning Meeting Agendas and Minutes

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Current Zoning Board of Appeals Members:

Ruth Ringnalda, Ryan Wiersema, Mark Krier, Matt Kooiman, James Peacock, Greg Gauthier (Alternate), Rob DeWard (Alternate),
The Zoning Board meetings are scheduled as needed for the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM. The Agenda and Minutes are in PDF Format gr_smallpdf

CODE ENFORCEMENT

Most people would agree; Gaines Charter Township is a great place to live. It's suburban lifestyle, combined with urban amenities and careful planning for growth, contributes to its high quality of life.
In order to maintain that high quality of life, Township ordinances are put in place to balance the rights of the individual with the needs and rights of other citizens. Citizens typically become aware of code requirements when they feel something is negatively affecting their own home or neighborhood and they seek to change it. 
Please either stop by, call (616-698-6640), or email the Gaines Charter Township Office with any questions and or concerns you may have.

Most application forms and permits are in PDF Format andgr_smallpdf require the FREE Adobe® Acrobat® Reader available from the Adobe website.
Gaines Charter Township maintains this website to enhance public access to information.  Content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as certified unless so stated.