Planning & Zoning

Here is a link to the currently adopted Township fee schedule for various applications and permits:

Yes, we require an Affidavit of Use for agricultural structures.

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.