What is Zoning?

Zoning is how local government regulates the development of land within its boundaries. The name refers to the creation of different areas, or zones, that each have rules about how land can be used within each one. Zoning regulations can help a community achieve valuable goals, such as a balance of housing choices, adequate and accessible goods and services, safe buildings and public spaces, and sufficient roads and utilities. Zoning also tries limit negative impacts to the environment, separate incompatible uses and protect property values, among other community goals.

A community defines its goals in a master land use plan that anticipates what will be needed to be encouraged, managed or prohibited in the future. The zoning regulations are created based on the community’s master plan. Zoning rules from one community may not work in another community, because each community has different goals.

A zoning ordinance has two parts: a text and a map. The text provides the rules and regulations about allowable land uses, the size and shape of buildings, as well as other standards for development. It also describes how the municipality will ensure the rules are being followed. The map shows the location of the zoning districts established in the zoning text.

Zoning Ordinance Rewrite

Saginaw is in the process of undergoing a comprehensive update to its zoning ordinance. The purpose of this rewrite will be to implement policies that align with the City's long-term vision established in the 2022 Master Plan. In addition, the new Ordinance will be shared with the community in a user-friendly, easy to navigate, Clearzoning® format.

The Zoning Ordinance rewrite will be guided by a citizen steering committee.

The new ordinance will result in the following improvements:

  • Alignment of existing zoning language with the Master Plan and state and federal law
  • Imrpovements to the current organization, format, and definitions in the Ordinance.
  • Updates (as needed) to existing zoning districts and permitted uses.
  • Updates (as needed) to existing site standards such as landscaping, parking, signs, etc.
  • Updates (as needed) to the review process for all types of approvals required in the Zoning Ordinance
  • Updates (as needed) to administrative language.
  • Updates (as needed) to address RRC Best Practices and other recognized best practices in planning and zoning
  • Updates (as needed) to incorporate public input as it relates to the current code
  • Updates (as needed) to consider potential modifications and consolidation of districts and creation of new districts, overlays, and/or form-based regulations, consistent with the Master Plan


    • Stay tuned to this webpage for updates on this project schedule and community engagement opportunities!

    Timeline

    • Timeline item 1 - complete

      Kickoff

      • Staff Kickoff
      • Set-Up Steering Committee
      • Launch Project Webpage
      • Kickoff Planning Commission Meeting: Zoning 101 and Zoning Audit
      • Launch Initial Survey

    • Timeline item 2 - active

      Community Engagement and Zoning Rewrite

      • Regular Steering Committee Meetings
      • Public Workshops
      • Survey Updates
      • Open House

    • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

      Public Hearing and Adoption Process