Whether you’re considering opening a business, developing a property, expanding an existing building, or simply exploring what may be possible on a property in Battle Creek, understanding the development process is an important first step.
The City of Battle Creek has created a Guide to Development to help property owners, developers, business owners, and others navigate the city’s development processes and connect with the right resources.
The guide brings together information that can help answer important questions before a project gets underway, including:
- Who to contact: Key city department and staff contact information to help you connect with the right people.
- Permits and certificates: Information about building and trade permits, certificates of occupancy, and other required approvals.
- Predevelopment meetings: Guidance on meeting with city staff before beginning the formal development process. These meetings can help identify applicable requirements, approval processes, and potential questions early in a project.
- Planning and zoning: Information about zoning districts, permitted uses, zoning permits, rezoning, variances, special use permits, and other land-use processes.
- Site plan review: An overview of the site plan review process and what may be required for new development or expansions.
- Boards and commissions: An explanation of the various boards, commissions, and approval authorities that may be involved in a development project.
- Historic properties: Information about Certificates of Appropriateness for exterior work in Battle Creek’s local historic districts.
- Utilities and infrastructure: Resources related to the infrastructure considerations that can impact a development project.
- Small business resources: Information about the City’s Small Business Development Office and organizations that can provide additional assistance.
- Development incentives: An overview of financial incentives and development and financing authorities that may be available for qualifying projects.
- Business licenses: Information to help businesses understand licensing requirements before opening or operating in the city.
A Helpful Starting Point
One of the most valuable steps for a proposed project is connecting with the City early. Battle Creek encourages applicants to schedule a pre-application meeting with city staff, which can help determine the appropriate process and identify requirements before a formal application is submitted.
The Guide to Development brings many of these resources together in one place, making it a useful starting point for anyone considering a development or business project in Battle Creek.
Ready to explore what’s possible?
View the City of Battle Creek’s Guide to Development
For additional planning, zoning, permit, and development resources, visit the City of Battle Creek’s Planning & Zoning webpage or Permits & Licenses page.