Marquette Township Planning Commission
& Zoning Board of Appeals
What Is Planning?
Planning or "urban planning", is an collaborative process that aims to improve the welfare of people and their community by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations to live, work and play. Planning enables civic leaders, businesses, and citizens to have a meaningful role in creating a community that enrich people's lives. Good planning helps create communities that offer better choices for where and how people live. Planning helps envision our future. It assists in helping find the right balance of new development and essential services, environmental protection, recreational opportunities and innovative change.
What Is Zoning?
Zoning is a tool used in the protection of the public health, safety and general welfare by prescribing how land owners may develop or build upon their properties. Zoning laws serve several functions. To begin with, they protect existing businesses and residences. For example, in a community without zoning laws, a company could build a factory in the middle of a residential zone, potentially impacting the quality of life and/or property values of its residents. Zoning laws ensure that land use is consistent within a specific area, and that conflicting uses like heavy industry and residential housing are kept isolated from each other for the convenience and welfare of all.
For questions on how our staff may assist your commercial or residential planning endeavors, please contact us!
Jason McCarthy Town Planner/Zoning Administrator - 906.228.6220 Ext.105
Janelle Ruff Planning Technician/Property Maintenance Official - 906.228.6220 Ext.110
The Marquette Township Planning Commission is a 5-member Commission appointed by the Township Supervisor for a 3 year term. The Township Assessor/Zoning Administrator also attends the Planning Commission meetings.
PLANNING COMMISSION CONTACTS:
Lyn Durant - Board Representative
Term of Office ends - November 2012
Ellen Sargent - Chairperson
Term of Office ends - December 2012
Judy Boyle
Term of Office ends - December 2013
Steve Pelto
Term of Office ends - December 2012
Michael Springer
Term of Office ends - December 2013
The Zoning Board of Appeals is a 5-member Board. The terms for the Board-appointed members is 3 years. The Township Assessor also attends the meetings.
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CONTACTS:
Peg VanOverloop - Chairperson
Term of Office ends - December 2011
John Markes
Term of Office ends - December 2011
Steven Heikkinen
Term of Office ends - December 2012
James O'Dovero
Term of Office ends - December 2012
Steve Pelto - Planning Commission Representative
Term of Office ends - December 2013
If you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission or the Zoning Board of Appeals, please click on the link "Get Involved" to fill out an application and mail to:
Marquette Township Clerk
161 County Road 492
Marquette, MI 49855
