Online Payment
If your account becomes delinquent you will be sent a delinquent notice approximately two weeks before the shut-off date. If the delinquent notice is not taken care of water service will be discontinued. Your bill, including any fees, must be paid in full before water service will be re-established. In accordance with Township Ordinance, any unpaid balance becomes a lien on the property and will be added to the next tax billing.
Payments may be dropped in the payment drop box at any time. The drop box is located to the right of the front door at the Township Hall which is located at 2010 South Lincoln Road, Mt Pleasant MI 48858. Payment must be by check or money order. If you have the bill, attach it to the payment or place it in an envelope. If you don’t have the bill, please note your account number or address on your check or money order. Payments can also be made online on at BS&A Online. Postmarks are not accepted as being an on-time payment.
Building Services
Here is a link to the currently adopted Township fee schedule for various applications and permits:
A permit is not required for ordinary repairs. Please refer to the Check First pdf below for details. In some cases building permits are not required but a zoning approval may be needed.
We have developed a checklist for you to use before you hand in your Plan Review.
The following documents are required for all new construction, change of use, or new additions to existing uses within the Charter Township of Union.
Yes. Visit our Rental Housing page for information
Yes. Pools are allowed in the Township subject to a building permit and compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance. Please refer to the Check First below for details.
For requirements for a building permit issued by the Township Building Official, please visit the Building Services page.
All Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Permits will be pulled with Isabella County Community Development Department.
Rental Housing
Here is a link to the currently adopted Township fee schedule for various applications and permits:
All rentals in Union Township are regulated by the Housing Licensing Code, 20-04, and are required to be inspected and certified annually by the Township Rental Inspector for conditions which might jeopardize the health and safety of the occupants. If you have questions about these requirements, please contact our Rental Inspector at 989-772-4600 ext. 236.
Residents/owners contract with independent service providers. This is not a township provided service. For a list a vendors that service the area please visit our Essential Services page
Trash
If a rental has a cart, it should be placed at the curb early in the morning on pickup day and removed no later than 6:00 p.m. the day after pickup. Carts should be stored in garages, back or side yards with adequate screening, out of sight from the street or alley.
Recycling
See list of acceptable materials on the Isabella County website or call (989) 773-9631 for further information.
Larger apartment complexes may offer on-site recycling, or residents may drop off acceptable items free of charge at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), located at 4208 East River Road.
Ordinance No. 1998-5 covers this question.
The ordinance prohibits grass and weeds to grow higher than 12″ with the following exceptions:
- Parcels of land that are three acres or more and are vacant
- Landscaping features may contain tall or ornamental grasses
- Nursery and landscaping business may grow ornamental grasses
- On parcels of land which are zoned “Agricultural” by the Union Township Zoning Ordinance, the provisions of this section shall apply to an area that is within 60 feet of a dwelling, and shall also extend to the road right of way(s)
Please call 989.772.4600 ext 241 to report properties at or near 12″ of grass/weeds. The resolution process allows 10 days for the property owner to mow, and the property is mowed by an agent of the township and the costs charged to the property.
As a courtesy to other residents, snow should be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. Please refer to the Sidewalk and Pathway Ordinance No. 24-02
Tenants should first contact the landlord and ask that the problem be corrected.
If the landlord does not correct the problem, there are specific steps tenants can take. They are outlined in “A practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords,” which clearly summarizes Michigan’s laws governing tenant and landlord issues, including maintenance problems. For a copy, download the document below.
If you have complaints on property conditions, please fill out the Submit a Request Form. For emergencies call 911.
Zoning
Here is a link to the currently adopted Township fee schedule for various applications and permits:
Ordinance No. 1998-5 covers this question.
The ordinance prohibits grass and weeds to grow higher than 12″ with the following exceptions:
- Parcels of land that are three acres or more and are vacant
- Landscaping features may contain tall or ornamental grasses
- Nursery and landscaping business may grow ornamental grasses
- On parcels of land which are zoned “Agricultural” by the Union Township Zoning Ordinance, the provisions of this section shall apply to an area that is within 60 feet of a dwelling, and shall also extend to the road right of way(s)
Please call 989.772.4600 ext 241 to report properties at or near 12″ of grass/weeds. The resolution process allows 10 days for the property owner to mow, and the property is mowed by an agent of the township and the costs charged to the property.
Yes. Pools are allowed in the Township subject to a building permit and compliance with the Township Zoning Ordinance. Please refer to the Check First below for details.
No, the Township does not issue burn permits. To check if open burning is allowed in your area visit the DNR Burn Permit Info page and call the City of Mt. Pleasant Fire Department 989-779-5100.
Yes, quiet hour are in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. For a list of noises and disturbances that would be considered a violation, please refer to Anti-Noise and Anti- Nuisance Ordinance # 1991-10 and Nuisance Party Ordinance #1993-3.
The non-refundable review fee for development and zoning-related applications is intended to help cover at least part of the Township’s fixed costs for processing the application and anticipated staff time needed to review and respond to the application.
The refundable escrow deposit amount is intended to be sufficient to cover the Township’s variable costs associated with the application, which can include preparation, publication, and mailing of any required public hearing notices, and the costs of any professional consultations (land use planning, engineering, legal services, etc.) determined necessary for a complete review of the application.
The refundable escrow deposit amount is used to cover the Township’s variable costs associated with an application, which can include preparation, publication, and mailing of any required public hearing notices, and the costs of any professional consultations (land use planning, engineering, legal services, etc.) determined necessary for a complete review of the application.
Following completion of the application review process and recording of all associated charges against the deposited funds as described above, any remaining balance of the escrow deposit will be refunded by check mailed to the applicant. For site plan approval projects, this refund is typically processed following completion of the associated construction. For other applications, this refund is typically processed for check authorization by our Board of Trustees within 65 days of the conclusion of the application review process.
Assessing
A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is a property tax benefit available in some U.S. states—most notably Michigan—that exempts a homeowner from paying a portion of local school operating taxes on their primary residence.
Requirements:
-
You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence.
-
You cannot claim a similar exemption on another property (in Michigan or another state).
-
You must file the appropriate form (e.g., Form 2368 in Michigan) with your local assessor.
On March 15, 1994, Michigan voters approved the Constitutional Amendment known as Proposal ‘A’.
Prior to Proposal ‘A’, property tax calculations were based on the Assessed Value.
Proposal ‘A’ established “Taxable Value” as the basis for the calculation of property taxes. This
meant there were now two values on property, Assessed Value and Taxable Value.
Increases in Taxable Value (after adjustments for additions and losses) are limited to the percent of
change in the rate of inflation (Annual Inflation Rate Multiplier) or 5%, whichever is lower.
The limit on Taxable Value increases does NOT apply to a property in the year following a transfer of
ownership (sale).
The Michigan Constitution requires property to be uniformly assessed at 50% of the usual selling
price, also referred to as True Cash Value (TCV).
Each tax year the Assessor determines the Assessed Value (AV) of each parcel of Real Property
based on the condition of the property as of December 31 (Tax Day) of the previous year. The
Assessed Value is guided by market conditions and property sales.
Anyone who disagrees with the tentative values of their property, either Assessed (AV) or Taxable
(TV), is encouraged to speak with the Assessor. If you still do not agree with the values, you are
encouraged to make an appointment to meet with the Board of Review at their meetings in March.
The dates and times are listed on the Assessment Change Notice which is mailed to all property
owners at the end of February each year. If you do not agree with the Board of Review decision, you
then have the right to appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. This information is included on the
petition that is filled out for the March Board of Review.
A property is said to “uncap” the year after there is a change in ownership. When an “uncapping” occurs, the property’s Taxable Value is “uncapped”, and made equal to the Assessed Value.
Taxable Value (TV) is the LESSER of the SEV or Capped Value, unless the property has had a
transfer of ownership.
The State Equalized Value (SEV) is the Assessed Value after adjustments by County and State
equalization.
Parks and Recreation
We enjoy hosting classes and groups in our parks. Contact our Community and Economic Development Director at (989) 772-4600, extension 232 or via the Contact Us link to learn more and make the necessary arrangements.
Per our Parks Ordinance dogs must be kept under immediate control on a leash not exceeding six feet in length. Dogs in the parks shall not be left unattended or be allowed to run loose or create a disturbance. With the exception of clearly designated and trained service animals, dogs shall not be brought into an enclosed park building.
Our parks are closed to the public overnight between10:00pm. and 8:00am. No overnight parking, camping, or other entrance or activity is allowed in the parks during these overnight hours.
Our Hall & Pavilion Rental page includes all you will need to know to be able to make a reservation. Unless they are reserved for an event, our park pavilions are open for public use and enjoyment during park hours.
Public Services
Here is a link to the currently adopted Township fee schedule for various applications and permits:
Quarterly utility bills are for service and usage for the previous three months. When you move out of a house you need to have a final bill calculated. The utility billing staff needs some basic information including a final reading of your meter to compute the bill. In order to request a final bill you must fill out the attached form to request a service person be sent out to read the meter. All name changes and final bill request must be made in writing. There is a $78.00 charge to process a final bill. Below is a link to a form you can use to change the name or request a final bill on a water and sewer bill.
The utility billing staff follows the same collection procedures for rental property as owner-occupied property. Township Ordinance provides for unpaid utility bills to become a lien on the property. Therefore, landlords should check with the utility billing department prior to releasing the security deposit to determine if there is an outstanding utility bill.
Quarterly bills, final bills, and payments can be looked up ONLINE, or you can call the utility billing department at 989-772-4600 ext. 223.
If your account becomes delinquent you will be sent a delinquent notice approximately two weeks before the shut-off date. If the delinquent notice is not taken care of water service will be discontinued. Your bill, including any fees, must be paid in full before water service will be re-established. In accordance with Township Ordinance, any unpaid balance becomes a lien on the property and will be added to the next tax billing.
When a bill due date falls on a weekend or a holiday for which Township Hall is closed payments may be made in the drop box on a weekend or holiday. These payments will be considered on time as long as they are in the drop box by 8:00 a.m. following the weekend or holiday after the due date. Payments received after 8:00 a.m. on the day after the weekend or holiday will be considered late and a 15% penalty will apply. Postmarks are not accepted as being an on-time payment. Payments received the day after the due date in the mail, even if the due date falls on the weekend are considered late.
Payments may be dropped in the payment drop box at any time. The drop box is located to the right of the front door at the Township Hall which is located at 2010 South Lincoln Road, Mt Pleasant MI 48858. Payment must be by check or money order. If you have the bill, attach it to the payment or place it in an envelope. If you don’t have the bill, please note your account number or address on your check or money order. Payments can also be made online on at BS&A Online. Postmarks are not accepted as being an on-time payment.
Payments must be received in the Township Hall on or before the due date to be considered on time. The Township does not look at postmarks to determine if mailed by the due date. The Post Office recommends allowing seven to ten days for postal delivery.
Water meters can be installed in various locations. Typical locations include the basement, hall closet, or in a crawl space. They should be installed in a warm, dry place, protected from drafts and the cold.
Automatic meters are used and allow meters to be read without coming inside each individual home or business.
Reading your water meter is similar to reading the odometer in your car. Read all the numbers from left to right. Do not include the numbers after the decimal point or the numbers with a black background. Submeters are read in the same way.
To calculate your water usage, subtract the (P) previous meter reading from the (C) current meter reading. In this Meter Example, the water consumption was 5 thousand gallons. (Meter Example: 15 (current read) -10 (previous read) =5 x 1,000 meter multiplier = 5,000 gallons usage). This example is based on a residential 5/8″ / 3/4″ meter with a 1,000 gallon read.
Residents in the Community
Residents/owners contract with independent service providers. This is not a township provided service. For a list a vendors that service the area please visit our Essential Services page
As a courtesy to other residents, snow should be removed from sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall. Please refer to the Sidewalk and Pathway Ordinance No. 24-02
You can find information on community activities by visiting Meet Here found on the Featured Link page
You can find information on local businesses by visiting the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce found on our Featured Link page.
Treasurer
An owner of eligible property may file a completed summer property tax deferment form with his or her city or township treasurer
before September 15, or before the date your summer taxes are due, which ever is later. A valid deferment permits summer property
taxes to be paid on or before February 14 without any additional penalty and interest.
Taxpayers may defer their summer property tax if they meet the following criteria. Payment may be deferred until February
15 (payment must be received on or before February 14 in order to avoid penalties and interest) for principal residence property
owned by a taxpayer who:
• Has a total gross household income of $40,000 or less for the preceding tax year, and
• Is totally and permanently disabled, blind, paraplegic, hemiplegic, quadriplegic, or
• Is an eligible serviceperson, eligible veteran, or eligible widow or widower, or
• Is at least age 62
• Residential real property that is the principal residence of the taxpayer seeking deferment of summer taxes
• Agricultural real property, if the gross receipts of the agricultural or horticultural operations in the previous year, or the average
gross receipts of the operations from the previous three years, are not less than the total household income of the owner in the
previous year or the combined household incomes in the previous year of the individual members of a limited liability company
or partners in a partnership that owns the agricultural real property. A limited liability company or partnership may claim the
deferment under this section only if the individual members of the limited liability company or partnership qualified for the
deferment under this section before the individual members formed the limited liability company or partnership.
Household Income is the total income (taxable and nontaxable) of both spouses or of a single person maintaining a household and
other sources of income for all individuals living in the household.
It is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) plus all income exempt or excluded from your AGI. Total household income includes
wages, salaries, tips; net income from a business, rent, or farm; Social Security less the amount deducted for Medicare premiums;
SSI (Supplemental Security Income), DHS (Department of Human Services), and FIP (Family Independence Program) benefits;
child support; alimony; unemployment, workers’ and veterans’ disability compensation; pension benefits; interest income; gifts
and winnings in excess of $300, and other sources of income. Total household income includes gains realized on the sale of your
residence regardless of your age or whether or not these gains are exempt from federal income tax.
Household income does NOT include:
• Federal economic stimulus payments (rebates) issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
• Payments received by participants in the foster grandparent or senior companion program.
• Energy assistance grants.
• Government payments to a third party (e.g., a doctor) Note: If payment is made from money withheld from your benefit, the
payment is part of household income. (For example, the DHS may pay your rent directly to the landlord.)
• Money received from a governmental unit to repair or improve your homestead.
• Surplus food or food stamps.
• State and city income tax refunds and homestead property tax credits.
• Chore service payments (these payments are income to the provider of the service).
• The first $300 from gambling, bingo, lottery, awards, or prizes.
• The first $300 in gifts, cash, or expenses paid on your behalf by a family member or friend.
• Amounts deducted from Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits for Medicare premiums.
• Life, health, and accident insurance premiums paid by your employer. However, if you pay medical insurance or Health
Maintenance Organization (HMO) premiums for you or your family, you may deduct the cost from household income.
• Loan proceeds.
• Inheritance from a spouse.
• Life insurance benefits from a spouse.
• Payments from a long-term care policy made to a nursing home or other care facility.
You can defer the summer taxes on only your principal residence. You are required to pay the summer taxes for all other
properties that you own in a timely manner. All property classified agricultural under your ownership and contributing to the
household income can be deferred.
Your local treasurer will review the submitted tax deferment forms for completeness. If, as the property owner, you are requesting a
summer tax deferment, you will be responsible for determining that you qualify for the deferment. If the deferment form contains
any misleading or false statements, as the property owner, you may be subject to penalties and late payments on the taxes deferred
Payment is due by no later than February 14. Interest and penalty payments are not assessed for the deferment period. Cities
and townships may allow certain homeowners and farmers to pay deferred property taxes in the last two weeks of February without
penalty or interest (see MCL 211.44(3)). County boards of commissioners may allow certain homeowners to pay deferred property
taxes before May 1 without penalty or interest (see MCL 211.59(3)). Contact your local collecting treasurers for more information.
A special assessment is an assessment against real property calculated on a benefit or ad valorem basis. Special assessments are
assessments for curbs, gutters, sewers, water, connection fees to sewers or water, sidewalks, street paving and drains. Special
assessments DO NOT include charges for current service.
A Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) is a property tax benefit available in some U.S. states—most notably Michigan—that exempts a homeowner from paying a portion of local school operating taxes on their primary residence.
Requirements:
-
You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence.
-
You cannot claim a similar exemption on another property (in Michigan or another state).
-
You must file the appropriate form (e.g., Form 2368 in Michigan) with your local assessor.
To qualify for the special assessment deferment you or your spouse (if jointly owned) must:
A. Be 65 years of age or older at the time this affidavit is filed (Exception: If you or your spouse are totally and permanently
disabled, the age requirement is waived by authority of Public Act 360 of 1978, as amended)
B. Have been a Michigan resident for five years or more and must have owned and occupied the homestead for five years or more
C. Be a citizen of the United States
D. Have a household income less than $24,305 for the year 2019. Household income is the total income (taxable and
nontaxable) of both spouses, or of a single person maintaining a household. It is the sum of your AGI plus all income exempt
or excluded from your AGI. Total household income includes wages, salaries, and tips; net income from a business, rent, or
farm; Social Security less the amount deducted for Medicare premiums; SSI, DHS and FIP benefits; child support; alimony;
unemployment, workers’ and veterans’ disability compensation; pension benefits; interest income; gifts and winnings in
excess of $300, and other sources of income for all individuals living in the household
E. Have a special assessment of $300 or more
F. If a mortgage or an unpaid balance on a land contract encumbers the homestead, a deferment of special assessments shall not be
made without the written consent of the mortgagee or the land contract vendor. The consent letter must state that the mortgagee
or the land contract vendor understands that the lien by the State of Michigan is the ‘First Lien’ on the property.
The deferment application is initially made to the local assessing officer in the city or township where the property is located. After
the local assessing officer verifies the information provided, it is forwarded to the Department of Treasury for processing. The
Department will approve the application if all of the requirements are met.
Development
Here is a link to the currently adopted Township fee schedule for various applications and permits:
As required by our Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06 and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended), a site plan must be approved upon determination by the approving body (Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator) that:
- All required information for the type of site plan has been provided per Section 14.2.P (Required Site Plan Information) of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06;
- The site plan satisfies all applicable standards for approval per Section 14.2.S (Standards for Site Plan Approval) of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06; and
- The site plan conforms to all other applicable requirements and standards of the Zoning Ordinance and other Township ordinances, and is consistent with the policies of the Township’s adopted Master Plan and other adopted Township planning documents.
The non-refundable review fee for development and zoning-related applications is intended to help cover at least part of the Township’s fixed costs for processing the application and anticipated staff time needed to review and respond to the application.
The refundable escrow deposit amount is intended to be sufficient to cover the Township’s variable costs associated with the application, which can include preparation, publication, and mailing of any required public hearing notices, and the costs of any professional consultations (land use planning, engineering, legal services, etc.) determined necessary for a complete review of the application.
The refundable escrow deposit amount is used to cover the Township’s variable costs associated with an application, which can include preparation, publication, and mailing of any required public hearing notices, and the costs of any professional consultations (land use planning, engineering, legal services, etc.) determined necessary for a complete review of the application.
Following completion of the application review process and recording of all associated charges against the deposited funds as described above, any remaining balance of the escrow deposit will be refunded by check mailed to the applicant. For site plan approval projects, this refund is typically processed following completion of the associated construction. For other applications, this refund is typically processed for check authorization by our Board of Trustees within 65 days of the conclusion of the application review process.
To provide sufficient time to review the application for accuracy and completeness, and to prepare, publish, and mail the required public hearing notices in accordance with the minimum 15-calendar day lead time required by our Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06 and the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended).
Staff strives to prepare and deliver agenda packets with all applications and reports to the approving body (Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, etc.) about one week ahead of the meeting.
This is intended to provide sufficient time to verify that the application is accurate and complete, and for completion of staff and any consultant reviews of the application. Staff strives to prepare and deliver agenda packets with all applications and reports to the approving body (Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, etc.) about one week ahead of the meeting.
The list of details needed for each type of site plan application can be found in Section 14.2.P (Required Site Plan Information) of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06.
The standards for approval that apply to each type of site plan application can be found in Section 14.2.S (Standards for Site Plan Approval) of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06.
The minor site plan application process was added to the Zoning Ordinance to allow for administrative review of a limited range of low intensity projects that do not include significant engineering or design details. Projects eligible for an administrative minor site plan approval are typically smaller in scope and impact, such as a change of use for or limited expansion of a multiple-family or non-residential building, limited expansion of a parking lot or other small-scale site improvements, sidewalk, pathway, and barrier-free access improvements, and incidental changes or building modifications during construction.
See Section 14.2.C (Site Plan Approval Required) of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06 for a complete list.
The applicant is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits or approvals from applicable outside agencies, prior to submitting an application for final site plan approval.
Approval of a preliminary site plan by the Planning Commission indicates its general acceptance of the proposed layout of buildings, streets, drives, parking areas, and other facilities and areas. This approval action provides assurances to the applicant that the overall character and concept of their development project is acceptable and aligned with Township ordinances.
Preliminary site plan approval also provides clear direction to the applicant that the project is ready for the next steps of final engineering, securing of relevant outside agency approvals, and preparation of a final site plan application for approval prior to the start of construction.
Approval of a minor site plan or a final site plan constitutes the final zoning approval for the project and allows for issuance of a building permit to begin site work or construction, provided all other construction and engineering requirements have been met.
The following list includes both a list of “required” outside agency approvals typically needed prior to submittal of any final site plan application, and a separate list for additional outside agencies that may apply in some more limited circumstances specific to a given site or project.
The PUD Option in Section 3.19 of the Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06 (ADD LINK) offers an opportunity for collaboration between a developer and the Township and encourages innovation in land use planning and site design. The PUD Option also provides additional flexibility related to development and land use standards, creating a path by which a creative and innovative development project can be considered for approval even though it may not fit neatly into the boxes of the existing zoning districts. However, it should be noted that the PUD Option is not intended as a means to broadly toss out or ignore applicable Ordinance standards.
Section 3.19.B (Regulatory Flexibility) is included in the Ordinance to provide guidance related to consideration by the Township of proposed “limited deviations” from Zoning Ordinance standards that would otherwise apply to the development project. Such deviations must be consistent with the PUD Statement of Purpose and result in a higher quality of development than would be possible without the granting of the deviations.
In addition to this provision, the PUD Option provides flexibility related to allowable land uses. Section 3.19.C (Permitted Uses and Density) allows for a broader mix of land uses that are “compatible with the goals objectives, and policies of the Master Plan, including the future land use designation(s) for the site, unless the Planning Commission determines that conditions have changed significantly since the Plan was prepared or new information supports a change.”
The required application information and details needed for the associated PUD Concept Plan (conceptual development plan) can be found in Section 3.19 (PUD, Planned Unit Development District) of the Zoning Ordinance No. 20-06.
Construction of a private road can reduce the cost of development as compared in some cases to development of new public roads. A private road option also provides landowners with the ability to make more efficient use of their land in cases where construction of a new public road is not possible, and may allow in some circumstances for establishment of additional lots under the Land Division Act (Public Act 288 of 1967, as amended).
The current Private Road Ordinance No. 24-01 (ADD LINK) was also established by our Board of Trustees to establish minimum safety standards for maintenance of existing private roads and shared driveways to ensure that emergency vehicles and utility company equipment have safe and unobstructed access to all lots on a private road at all times.
Use of the subdivision plat process to divide land into new development lots can reduce the overall cost of development as compared to the more legally complicated site condominium option under the state Condominium Act. More importantly for investors in the new lots, a subdivision plat provides more certainty and minimizes potential variables related to what they are buying. In a site condominium, buyers are subject to additional rules and uncertainty associated with future actions or inactions of an overall governing board under the Condominium Master Deed and Bylaws. In addition, a subdivision plat offers far fewer restrictions on the number or arrangement of new lots as compared to the byzantine rules that apply to (unplatted) metes-and-bounds land division under the Land Division Act (Public Act 288 of 1967, as amended).
