Frequently Asked Questions
Planning FAQ (Example: Zoning, Site Plan
Review, etc.)
Building FAQ (Example: Adding a deck,
Garage, etc.)
Planning FAQ
(Example: Zoning, Site Plan Review, etc.)
What is the zoning on my property?
Click on the link below to view the City’s Zoning Map.
Zoning Map
Please call the Planning Department at 248-347-0475 for
additional assistance.
What are the setbacks on my property?
While each zoning district does have specific setback
information, your neighborhood may have been designed with
requirements unique to that development or options to preserve the
wetlands and woodlands.
Below is a list of the setback requirements for standard
residential zoning. Remember that homes on corners are
considered to have two front yards.
Click here to check the complete Schedule of Regulations in the
Zoning Ordinance, which can be found in Appendix A, Article 24.
For additional assistance, please call the Building Department at
248-347-0415.
Zoning
District |
Front |
Rear |
Minimum
Side Yard |
Aggregate
Side Yard |
| R-A |
45 |
50 |
20 |
50 |
| R-1 |
30 |
35 |
15 |
40 |
| R-2 |
30 |
35 |
15 |
40 |
| R-3 |
30 |
35 |
10 |
30 |
| R-4 |
30 |
35 |
10 |
25 |
| R-T |
30 |
35 |
10 |
20 |
What new projects are planned for the City?
Click on the link below to view the City’s Projects Map.
Projects Map
What uses are permitted in my Zoning District?
Click here
to connect to the Zoning Ordinance, which is Appendix A of the Code.
Permitted uses for each zoning classification can be found in its
appropriate article. Some uses are considered Special Land
Uses, which means that the use may be permitted based on approval by
the Planning Commission. For further information call the
Planning Department at 248-347-0475.
What is the site plan process?
Below is a general description of the site plan process and the
timeline each level represents.
1. Interested in Novi?
Call the Planning Department at 248-347-0475 to arrange a Concept
Meeting. This meeting with a Planner, Engineer and Landscape
Architect provides an opportunity to learn more about the City and
the Planning process. Meetings are typically scheduled for
Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
2. Pre-Application Meeting
After you have attended a Concept Meeting and you have decided to
develop a project in Novi, call the Planning Department at
248-347-0475 to set up a Pre-Application Meeting. These
meetings are typically scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Bring ten sets of folded plans to the Planning Department and
allow ten business days for review of the available plans (site
plan, woodlands, wetlands, landscape plan, building façade
elevations, etc.) by each of the City’s reviewers before the
scheduled meeting date. There is no fee for the
Pre-Application meeting.
Pre-Application Form
3. Site Plan Approval
After you have attended a Pre-Application Meeting, you can submit
ten folded sets of Preliminary Site Plans to the Planning
Department for review by the various disciplines. In some
cases applicants are asked to resubmit Preliminary Site Plans
before they are scheduled for a Planning Commission Meeting, in
order to make changes to the plans to better comply with Ordinance
requirements. Plans that are recommended for approval will
be placed on the first available Planning Commission meeting
agenda for their approval. Planning Commission meetings are
typically held twice per month.
After receiving Planning Commission approval, allow for
additional time to seek variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals
(meetings held monthly) or additional approvals from City Council
(meetings held twice monthly).
When all necessary approvals have been granted, you can submit
ten folded sets of Final Site Plans to the Planning Department for
review. In some cases applicants are asked to resubmit
Final Site Plans with the necessary changes made to the plans.
Upon the approval of your Final Site Plans, you will be asked to
submit Stamping Sets. Your required legal documents
(easements, master deed, etc.) will be requested at this time, if
you have not already submitted them for review.
When can I apply for a building permit?
After you receive Preliminary Site Plan approval, you may work
concurrently with the Planning Department and the Building
Department. Contact the Building Department at 248-347-0415.
How long does it take to get a site plan approved?
The City of Novi is constantly striving to improve the time it
takes to have a site plan reviewed and approved for construction,
while balancing the unique environmental features of the community.
The Planning and Building Departments recently underwent a process
improvement review and have begun shortening the approval time for
new proposals. Currently, it takes approximately 7 months to
complete the site plan approval process. This can vary widely
based on the type of project proposed, whether or not a rezoning is
required, and the quality of plans being submitted for review, among
other factors. To discuss your specific circumstances,
contact the Planning Department at 248-347-0475.
What do the signs mean that say “Zoning Change Proposed”?
These signs mean that a property owner or applicant has requested
different zoning on the parcel than what is currently designated.
A change in zoning is requested when an owner wants to propose a use
(such as an office or shopping center) not allowed by the current
zoning designation. When you see the sign, this usually means
that an application is on file with the Planning Department, and
that the Planning Commission and the City Council will be
considering the applicant’s request in the near future. Please
click here for the current Planning Commission agendas to see if
the rezoning request is scheduled to be considered.
How do I contact my Homeowners’ Association?
Contact the Building Department at 248-347-0415 or Neighborhood
Services at 248-735-5678 to get the contact information for your
Homeowners’ Association. Contractors who need this information
are asked to contact Neighborhood Services.
 Building FAQ
(Example: Adding a deck, Garage, etc.)
What are residential setback requirements?
Setbacks are based on the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Article 24
Schedule of Regulations. The setbacks will depend on your
zoning district. Please contact the Building Department for
details.
What building codes does the City of Novi enforce for building
compliance?
Click
here for codes currently in effect.
I moved to the City of Novi and would like to review the set of
building plans used for the construction of my house. Does
Novi have blueprints on file and available for review?
If a building permit was issued for new construction or
alterations to a residence within the past 10 years, the Building
Department may have blueprints available. Please call the
Building Department in advance to request blueprints for review.
There will be a cost to retrieve the information from storage and to
copy the plans.
What can I do if my builder does not meet my expectations?
Avoid problems with a builder by checking if a residential
builder is licensed with the State of Michigan. We recommend
contacting the State of Michigan Consumer Industry and Services at
517-241-9347 or the Better Business Bureau at 248-644-9100 to check
if there have been any previous complaints.
Is it necessary to meet with the Inspector for an inspection?
On a new home the inspector does not need to meet with you as
long as the house is open for the inspector. However, if you
call for an inspection on your existing home for additions
renovations, etc., it is necessary for an 18-year-old adult to be
home to meet the inspector and show the inspector the permit and the
area where the improvement is located.
When should I call for an inspection?
Contact the Building Department prior to 3:30pm to schedule an
inspection for the next day.
May I request a specific time of day for an inspection?
No, you must contact the inspector in the morning from 8:00am -
9:00am to discuss when the inspector will be available.
Are inspectors available to help me if I have any questions
about building in Novi?
Code related questions may be addressed by the appropriate
inspector between 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00pm - 5:00pm.
What requires a building permit?
Requirement sheets for projects needing a permit are listed
here.
Is Homeowner Association approval required to get a building
permit for additions, decks, fences, garages or exterior
alterations?
Homeowner Association approval may be required prior to
construction of decks, additions, detached structures, fences or
exterior alterations. Contact your Association for more information.
Many
Homeowner Associations in Novi are now listed on this website.
Do my taxes pay for the Building Department?
No, the Building Department is self-supporting on permit revenue.
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