ZoningPrior to any sort of construction within the village limits, a zoning permit application needs to be completed (please find a downloadable application on the right-hand side of this screen). The Village Zoning Administrator, Jeanne Vandersloot, will review the application and provide an approval or denial. A copy of the approved zoning permit application will be available to the applicant. You will need a copy of this approved permit if your construction requires approval through the Ionia County Building Department.
Zoning permits are required for the following: New House, House Alteration, House Addition, Deck, Pool, Sign, Building Move, Demolition, Garage/Carport, Storage Building, Foundation, Fence, etc. If a zoning permit application is denied, the applicant can file a Zoning Board of Appeals Application. A $100.00 non-refundable fee must accompany this application for mailing notifications, publications incurred. A public hearing will be scheduled with the Lake Odessa Zoning Board of Appeals. The application must be approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals prior to commencement of construction, excavation or use regulated by the Lake Odessa zoning ordinance. |
Zoning MapA village zoning map is available by clicking here.
Jeanne Vandersloot Zoning Administrator (616) 897-4242 Email: zoningadmin@msn.com 
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Application Procedure for Zoning Permits
Prior to the construction or physical development of a proposed new or used structure, or the restoration and structural improvement (other than normal repairs and minor improvements) of any existing use or structure, a zoning permit must be obtained. An application for a required zoning permit must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator.
Contents of Application. Among the date to be supplied by the applicant and which shall constitute the application package, the following shall be included:
• Name and address of applicant or applicants;
• Location, shape, area, and dimension of the lot, and of the proposed structure or improvement (shown on a site plan)
• Description of proposed use and of the building (dwelling, structure, barn, garage, etc) or improvement
• The proposed number of sleeping rooms, dwelling units, occupants, employees, customers, and other users;
• The yard, open space and parking space dimensions (as shown on site plan); and
• A site plan where required
Fees. A fee as may be set by the Village Council and listed in the Village’s Schedule of Fees shall accompany any plans or application in order to defray the cost of administration and inspection.
General Procedural Steps. Upon submission of an application, the Zoning Administrator: Reviews the application package within fifteen (15) days from the date of application:
• To make sure that it is the proper application for the zoning action requested.
• To see that all information is submitted.
• To determine conformance with zoning regulations
Takes one or more of the following preliminary actions:
• Requests from the applicant that any omitted or pertinent and necessary information now be submitted.
• If necessary, request the Board of Appeals (ZBA) to interpret an unclear Ordinance provision.
• Where required, review site plan according to site plan review standards for approval as set forth in Section 4.6.
• If necessary, discusses the application and site plan with the Planning Commission for advisory comments.
• Make a site inspection to verify accuracy of the application and to gather additional information.
Upon satisfaction of the standards for site plan review/approval, and of any addition requirements or conditions that may be needed to meet those standards, the Zoning Administrator shall approve site plan and issue a zoning permit. One copy of the Zoning Permit shall be returned to the owner or applicant. A performance bond may be required.
Denial of Zoning Permit. If the application for zoning permit is denied by the Zoning Administrator, the reason or cause for denial shall be stated in writing.
Validity. A Zoning Permit shall be valid for one (1) year. A valid permit is eligible for one (1) additional one-year extension granted by the Zoning Administrator as a reasonable length of time within which to begin construction.
Inspection. At least one site inspection by the Zoning Administrator must be held before development.
The Zoning Administrator for the Village of Lake Odessa is Jeanne Vandersloot. For more information or questions, please contact Jeanne at (616) 897-4242 or by email at: zoningadmin@msn.com.
Contents of Application. Among the date to be supplied by the applicant and which shall constitute the application package, the following shall be included:
• Name and address of applicant or applicants;
• Location, shape, area, and dimension of the lot, and of the proposed structure or improvement (shown on a site plan)
• Description of proposed use and of the building (dwelling, structure, barn, garage, etc) or improvement
• The proposed number of sleeping rooms, dwelling units, occupants, employees, customers, and other users;
• The yard, open space and parking space dimensions (as shown on site plan); and
• A site plan where required
Fees. A fee as may be set by the Village Council and listed in the Village’s Schedule of Fees shall accompany any plans or application in order to defray the cost of administration and inspection.
General Procedural Steps. Upon submission of an application, the Zoning Administrator: Reviews the application package within fifteen (15) days from the date of application:
• To make sure that it is the proper application for the zoning action requested.
• To see that all information is submitted.
• To determine conformance with zoning regulations
Takes one or more of the following preliminary actions:
• Requests from the applicant that any omitted or pertinent and necessary information now be submitted.
• If necessary, request the Board of Appeals (ZBA) to interpret an unclear Ordinance provision.
• Where required, review site plan according to site plan review standards for approval as set forth in Section 4.6.
• If necessary, discusses the application and site plan with the Planning Commission for advisory comments.
• Make a site inspection to verify accuracy of the application and to gather additional information.
Upon satisfaction of the standards for site plan review/approval, and of any addition requirements or conditions that may be needed to meet those standards, the Zoning Administrator shall approve site plan and issue a zoning permit. One copy of the Zoning Permit shall be returned to the owner or applicant. A performance bond may be required.
Denial of Zoning Permit. If the application for zoning permit is denied by the Zoning Administrator, the reason or cause for denial shall be stated in writing.
Validity. A Zoning Permit shall be valid for one (1) year. A valid permit is eligible for one (1) additional one-year extension granted by the Zoning Administrator as a reasonable length of time within which to begin construction.
Inspection. At least one site inspection by the Zoning Administrator must be held before development.
The Zoning Administrator for the Village of Lake Odessa is Jeanne Vandersloot. For more information or questions, please contact Jeanne at (616) 897-4242 or by email at: zoningadmin@msn.com.