“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people."
PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS
- Dan Smothermon – Chairperson
- Charles Durm
- Dave Spurlock
- Richard Cooper
- Gladys Bybee
- John McNelis
- Dale Strefling
- Peg Hartman
- Mike Ellis
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PLANNING
COMMISSION
- Maintain and update the Master Plan for the Townships land use development and preservation.
- Maintain and update the Zoning Ordinances.
- Review site plans for all major developments in the township and make recommendations.
- Review all zoning change requests and special use requests.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING MINUTES
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
- Receive applications for zoning compliance permits and issue or deny same.
- Assist and communicate with the general public, applicants, developers and their representatives with zoning inquires, proposals and applications.
- Work with the Township Planner and provide staff reports and other information as needed to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Overall responsibility to administer the zoning ordinances. Any question regarding zoning ordinances contact Stefanie Woodrick at the number above.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEMBERS
- John Vandyke - Chairperson
- Dan Smothermon
- Lee Hoffman
- James Ellis
- Martha Wilcynski
- Position Vacant - Alternate
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals conducts hearings for property owners or prospective buyers requesting a variance or deviation from the Niles Charter Township Zoning Ordinance or an interpretation of the ordinance language. They will also hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is an error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Administrator. An application and supporting documentation must be submitted. The ZBA will only grant variances in the rarest situations as the zoning regulations are intended to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the township.
APPLICATIONS
