Zoning 101 Workshop – July 23, 2025
Hosted by the City of Flint’s Department of Business Services
What to Expect:
- A simple breakdown of zoning laws and why they matter
- How zoning impacts your ability to build, remodel, or repurpose properties
- Real-life scenarios and examples from right here in Flint
- A walkthrough of the City’s zoning maps, tools, and processes
- Pro tips from the City’s Zoning Team to help you navigate city systems like a pro
Bring your lunch and your questions! Our zoning experts will be on hand to help you understand what’s allowed, what’s not, and what’s possible for your next big idea.
Please RSVP by emailing [email protected]
Location:
The Durant
607 E. Second Ave.,
Flint MI, 48502
Date and Time:
Wednesday July 23, 2025
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Boards and Commissions
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission drafts the Comprehensive Plan and Capital Improvement Plan to plan for future development in the City. It reviews rezoning requests, site plans, subdivisions, special use, and other land use applications while also developing new zoning standards.
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals grants variances and interprets provisions of the City’s zoning ordinance, as well as resolves disputes regarding decisions of the zoning official.
Historic District Commission
The Historic District Commission reviews proposals for additions,
alterations, or other changes to structures within the City’s historic districts.
Appointment Interest Form
Anyone who wishes to volunteer in an appointed position on a Board or Commission may fill out an interest form. As positions become available the forms will be provided to the individual responsible for putting forward a prospective candidate for City Council vote.
Zoning Violation Reporting Form
Zoning Inquiry Form
Report Streetlight Outage
Zoning Map
Current City of Flint Zoning Map, dated February 6th, 2025.
Prior versions are kept on record and may be requested from staff.
Flint GIS
The Geographic Information Systems Division maintains multiple mapping dashboard to provide visual and geographic information.
Guide to Development
The City of Flint Guide to Development is a document designed to outline various development processes and their reviewing bodies within the Zoning Division.
Zoning Ordinance Materials
| Resource | Description | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| City of Flint Zoning Code | Current City of Flint Zoning Code. Adopted October 29th, 2022. Amended per Ordinance 240264 September 29th, 2024. | Open File | Download |
| Article 8 – General Provisions | Residential Information Standards regarding fencing, accessory structures, decks and patios, clear vision areas, swimming pools, etc. Note: A Zoning Permit is not required for fencing, however, Zoning Code standards must still be met. Please review the requirements in Article 8 carefully and check with Zoning staff if you are unsure whether your proposed fence meets the requirements. | Open File | Download |
| Zoning Map of the City of Flint, Michigan | Current Zoning Map of the City of Flint, dated February 6th, 2025. | Open File | Download |
| Zoning Use Table | Table of Uses permitted per zoning districts. Please note that all information contained in this PDF must be confirmed via the Zoning Ordinance. Updated 2.17.25 | Open File | Download |
| Zoning Districts Quick Reference Guide | Summarized information for each of the City of Flint's zoning districts. | Open File | Download |
Recent Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Below are recent amendments to the Zoning Ordinance for review.
| Resource | Description | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement Text Amendment Memo and Language 2024 | An amendment to Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordnances was approved by City Council on September 9, 2024. The amendment adds language to §50-200 and §50-202 allowing the Building Official, Zoning Coordinator, and their designated staff to write municipal civil infractions for violations of Chapter 50 in addition to existing enforcement options. The amended text went into effect on September 29, 2024. | Open File | Download |
| Child Care and Group Living Text Amendment Memos and Language 2024 | An amendment to Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordnances was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on August 6th, 2024. These amendments were designed to address various uses related to child and adult care standards with the ultimate goal to simplify standards, align the standards to State law and best practices, reduce the cost and time for approval to residents, and provide oversight by the Planning Commission for high intensity care uses or where environmental factors may be of concern. These amendments are currently awaiting a decision by City Council. | Open File | Download |
| Housing Readiness Text Amendment Memo and Language 2025 | An amendment to Chapter 50 of the Code of Ordnances was recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on February 11th, 2025. These amendments were designed to add clear language for two-family homes, allow two-family homes and other residential uses in more zone districts as permitted or special land uses, amend the bulk standards to allow more properties to be developable, clarify the applicability of general requirements, and other minor clarifications. These amendments are currently awaiting a decision by City Council. | Open File | Download |
Applications
| Resource | Description | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Zoning 2025-26 Fee Schedule | FY25-26 Fee Schedule - Planning and Zoning | Open File | Download |
| Application for Zoning Permit | Decks, Fences, Accessory Structures, Pools, Spas, Dwellings, etc. including new construction, additions, and alterations. Variable application fee based on the project. | Open File | Download |
| Application for Sign Permit | Please review Article 15 of the Zoning Code for City of Flint signage standards. Setbacks are required on location maps for ground mounted signs showing the distance to the nearest property lines. Variable application fee based on the project. | Open File | Download |
| Application for Zoning Coordinator Review | New construction of principal buildings and Permitted and Accessory Uses not eligible for Zoning Permit Review. | Open File | Download |
| Application for Zoning Confirmation Letter | Application to request specific written information about a parcel on City letterhead by the Zoning Division staff. Typically used to verify current zoning designation, to verify current or proposed uses, to check for violations, etc. | Open File | Download |
Informational Materials
| Resource | Description | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual Meeting Checklist | Prior to any development or redevelopment, applicants and/or their representatives are encouraged to contact the City of Flint Planning and Zoning Division to schedule a Conceptual Review Meeting, also referred to as a Pre-Development Meeting. The checklist details items to be provided by an applicant. | Open File | Download |
| Public Participation Plan | Adopted in 2022 with updates on August 8th, 2023. The City of Flint’s Public Participation Plan is designed to provide a framework for determining the appropriate type and amount of public participation required for various purposes, and also to identify a variety of communication and participation strategies that are appropriate based on the intended audience. | Open File | Download |
| Commission Training Strategy | Training Goals, Priorities, and Process for the City of Flint Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Historic District Commission. | Open File | Download |
Zoning Division Staff
Please make an appointment to ensure availability of in-person meetings. If you are unable to meet during standard business hours please let staff know and we can work with you to schedule time that is more accommodating.
Zoning Division
Flint MI 48502
