City of Saginaw, Michigan

BOARD OF APPEALS ON ZONING Meetings 2023

Purpose:

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews requests for variances from the strict application of zoning provisions, special exceptions, interpretations of zoning district boundaries and zoning text, and reviews appeals of zoning decisions in an adjudicatory fashion. Types of variances considered include:

• Use Variance:A use variance permits the use of land that is otherwise not permitted in the zone in which the property is located.
• Non- Use Variance:A non-use variance allows for modification of the regular provisions of the zoning code for height, size, setback, lot coverage, and other physical requirements of the zoning code.
• Set Back Variance:Allows for when a proposed structure is too close to a lot line. 
• Lot Coverage Variance:Allows for when too much of lot may be covered by buildings. 

Appointment Type:

Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval for a three (3) year term.

Meeting Frequency:

First Wednesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Term Limits:

   3-year Term, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:

An orientation packet is provided by the Planning and Zoning Department.

Positions:

7 Positions 

Examples of Work Performed:

The following tasks are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position. The list is not all inclusive and does not include all the tasks relevant to this position.

• Read and interpret staff, applicant, and consultant reports and
• Speak or otherwise communicate with commissioners, staff, applicants, and the public at a public
• Read and interpret plans, ordinances, maps, legal opinions, and other technical
• Attend training courses and

Required Commissioner Attributes

• Must reside within the city.
• One member shall be appointed from the City Planning Commission.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommended, but Not Required):

• Basic understanding of building construction or engineering, land use planning or zoning, real estate, development, or
• Ability to communicate through email.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the
• Willingness to learn!

Affecting Legislation:

Michigan Zoning Enabling Act 110 of 2006, City Ordinance Chapter 153 and Zoning Board of Appeals By-laws

BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2023 MEETINGS

Purpose:

The purpose of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is to promote the revitalization and redevelopment of properties within the City of Saginaw that may be complicated due to contamination.

Appointment Type:

Board consists of no less than 5 and not more than 9 members who are appointed by the City Manager and Council.

Meeting Frequency:

Quarterly

Term Limits:

3-year terms, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:

An orientation packet is provided by Staff person of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

Positions:

9  positions

Example of Work Performed:

The following task are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position.  The list is not all inclusive and does not include all the task relevant to the position.

• Read and interpret brownfield plans, financial reports, and renderings.
• Promote the revitalization, redevelopment, and reuse of contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete and/or historic designated properties.
• Make recommendation to the Saginaw City Council on Brownfield Plans.
• Authorize and permit the use of certain tax increment financing.

Required Commissioners Attributes:

Commissioners are selected among applicants that can demonstrate characteristics that include being analytical, logical, fair, and consistent when creating and developing board policies and reviewing brownfield plans

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommend, but not Required):

• Basic understanding of commercial real estate/development, economic development, and property appraisal/assessing.
• Basic understanding of tax increment financing
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the public.
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the public.
• Willingness to learn.

Affecting Legislation:

The State of Michigan, Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Act Public Act 381 of 1996 and Saginaw Brownfield Redevelopment Authority By-Laws.

City Planning Commission Meetings 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of the Planning Commission is to prepare and adopt physical plans for the city, as well as review development proposals. The Commission holds public hearings and makes determinations for appeals and requests related to development. Types of requests considered includes:

• Site plan review.
• Permitted uses requiring special approval.
• Planned Unit Developments.
• Zoning Ordinance Amendments.

Appointment Type:

Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval for a three (3) year term.

Meeting Frequency:

Fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

Term Limits:

   3-year Term, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:

An orientation packet is provided by the Planning and Zoning Department.

Positions:

9 Positions  

Examples of Work Performed:

The following tasks are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position. The list is not all inclusive and does not include all the tasks relevant to this position.

• Read and interpret staff, applicant, and consultant reports and
• Speak or otherwise communicate with commissioners, staff, applicants, and the public at a public
• Read and interpret plans, ordinances, maps, legal opinions, and other technical
• Attend training courses and

Required Commissioner Attributes

• Must reside within the city.
• Three members must be ex-officio members, one being the City Manager or his/her designee, one being the mayor, and one being a member of Saginaw City Council.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommended, but Not Required):

• Basic understanding of building construction or engineering, land use planning or zoning, real estate, development, or
• Ability to communicate through
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the
• Willingness to learn!

Affecting Legislation:

Michigan Planning Enabling Act 33 of 2008, City Ordinance Chapter 153 and Planning Commission By-law

Downtown Development Authority

Purpose:

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) strives to halt property value deterioration and increase property valuation where possible in the City’s business district and to eliminate the causes of deterioration. The purpose of the DDA is to bolster economic activity and development within the DDA district. This is done through business retention programs, job creation activities and overall economic development assistance.

Appointment Type:

Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval for a three (3) year term.

Meeting Frequency:

Fourth Tuesday of the Month at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall

Term Limits:

   3-year Term, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:

An orientation packet is provided by the Downtown Development Authority Staff.

Positions:

14 Positions 

Examples of Work Performed:

The following tasks are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position. The list is not all inclusive and does not include all the tasks relevant to this position.

• Read and interpret staff, applicant, and consultant reports and
• Speak or otherwise communicate with commissioners, staff, applicants, and the public at a public
• Read and interpret plans, ordinances, maps, legal opinions, and other technical
• Attend training courses and

Required Commissioner Attributes

• Must maintain a vested interest in the Downtown Development Authority District.
• One member must be a resident of the Downtown Development Authority District.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommended, but Not Required):

• Basic understanding of building construction or engineering, land use planning or zoning, real estate, development, or
• Ability to communicate through email.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the
• Willingness to learn!

Affecting Legislation:

Downtown Development Authority Act 197 of 1975, Public Act 57 of 2018, City Ordinance Chapter 12 section 12.055 and Downtown Development Authority By-laws

Historic District Meetings 2023

Purpose:

The Commission reviews and approves certificate of appropriateness for projects including construction, alteration, repair, moving, or demolition of structures or signs in the City’s three local historical districts: Heritage Square, North Michigan Avenue, Old Saginaw.

Appointment Type:

Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval for a three (3) year term.

Meeting Frequency:

Fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall

Term Limits:

   3-year Term, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:

An orientation packet is provided by the Planning and Zoning Department.

Positions:

7 Positions 

Examples of Work Performed:

The following tasks are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position. The list is not all inclusive and does not include all the tasks relevant to this position.

• Read and interpret staff, applicant, and consultant reports and
• Speak or otherwise communicate with commissioners, staff, applicants, and the public at a public
• Read and interpret plans, condition reports, legal opinions, and other technical
• Attend training courses and

Required Commissioner Attributes

• Clear and demonstrated interest in or knowledge of historic preservation.
• Must reside within the city.
• At least one Commissioner must be a graduate of an accredited school of architecture.
• At least two members shall be appointed from organized historic preservation organizations.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommended, but Not Required):

• Basic understanding of building construction or engineering, land use planning or zoning, real estate, development, or
• Ability to communicate through
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the
• Willingness to learn!

Affecting Legislation:

 State of Michigan Public Act 169 of 1970, City Ordinance Chapter 153 subsection 153.534 – 153.546 and Historic District Commission By-laws

Human Planning Commission 2023

Bylaws:
Saginaw Human Planning Commission Bylaws

2023 Calendar:

Purpose:
The purpose of the Human Planning Commission is to provide an effective participation in an advisory capacity to aid the City Council in solving social and physical problems in the City.

Appointment Type:
Board members consist of 21 members who are appointed by City Council approval for 2-year terms.

Meeting Frequency:
Monthly

Term Limits:
2-year Terms, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:
An orientation packet is provided by the Block Grant Specialist.

Positions:

21 positions

Example of Work Performed:
The following tasks are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position. This list is not all inclusive and does not include all the tasks relevant to the position.

• The primary purpose of the Saginaw Human Planning Commission is to provide constructive and effective citizen input in an advisory capacity to the City Council to assist them in solving community, social and physical problems.
• Read, interpret, and allocate funding to applicants for the Emergency Solutions Grant, Community Development Block Grant and HOME Program that is funded through the United States’ Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Assist in the improvement of the quality of life, housing, and economic opportunities within the quadrants of the City of Saginaw in which they reside.
• Speak or otherwise communicate with staff, fellow commissioners, applicants, and the public concerning the Human Planning Commission.

Required Commissioners Attributes:
Commissioners are selected among applicants that can demonstrate characteristics that include being analytical, having an understanding of financial matters, logical, and consistent when creating and developing board policies when reviewing non-profit applications.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommend, but not Required):

• Basic understanding of Community Development Block Grant Program and their role to develop a viable urban community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the public.
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the public.
• Ability to design and implement viable means of community input leading to and culminating in recommendations to City Council on funding to nonprofits.
• Willingness to learn.

Affecting Legislation:
Authorized under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383, as amended 42 U.S.C. 5301 et seq.

RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of the Riverfront Development Commission is to recommend and advise City Council on the development of the riverfront and implementation of the Riverfront Master Plan.

Appointment Type:

Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval for a five (5) year term.

Meeting Frequency:

Second Tuesday of the Monday at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall

Term Limits:

   5-year Term, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:

An orientation packet is provided by Commission staff.

Positions:

18 Positions 

Examples of Work Performed:

The following tasks are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position. The list is not all inclusive and does not include all the tasks relevant to this position.

• Read and interpret staff, applicant, and consultant reports and
• Speak or otherwise communicate with commissioners, staff, applicants, and the public at a public
• Read and interpret plans, ordinances, maps, legal opinions, and other technical
• Attend training courses and

Required Commissioner Attributes

• Members shall consist of a road range of expertise to contribute and promote riverfront development.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• The City Manager shall be appointed to this commission along with three additional staff persons appointed by the City Manager.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommended, but Not Required):

• Basic understanding of building construction or engineering, land use planning or zoning, real estate, development, or
• Ability to communicate through email.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the
• Willingness to learn!

Affecting Legislation:

SAGINAW ARTS & ENRICHMENT CENTER

SAGINAW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Purpose:

The purpose of the Saginaw Economic Development Corporation is to develop economic enterprises and programs for the benefit of moderate-income people to aid the community and geographic area in which it operates, establishing and attracting new business services as well as retaining and expanding businesses and services in the City of Saginaw.

Appointment Type:

Board members consist of 15 members who are appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval for 3-year terms.  A majority of the members must be City residents.

Meeting Frequency:

Monthly

Term Limits:

3-year Terms, unlimited number of terms

Orientation Materials:

An orientation packet is provided by the Saginaw Economic Development Coordinator.

Positions:

15 positions

Example of Work Performed:

The following tasks are typical examples of the work performed by an appointee holding this position.  This list is not all inclusive and does not include all the task relevant to the position.

• Read and interpret business plans and financial reports
• Assist in the stimulation, fostering, coordinating, planning, improving and encouraging the economic development in the City of Saginaw.
• Support educational programs designed to enable members of disadvantage groups to enter field of entrepreneurship, management, and advantageous employment.
• Speak or otherwise communicate with staff, fellow commissioners, applicants, and the public concerning the Saginaw Economic Development Corporation.
• To invest and reinvest the corporation’s funds for the stated purpose.

Required Commissioners Attributes:

Commissioners are selected among applicants that can demonstrate characteristics that include being analytical, having an understanding of financial matters, logical, and consistent when creating and developing board policies when reviewing business plan and business financial statements.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Recommend, but not Required):

• Basic understanding of commercial banking, commercial real estate/development, and economic development.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff and the public.
• Ability to listen and maintain professionalism with other commissioners, staff, and the public.
• Willingness to learn.

Affecting Legislation:

State of Michigan, Economic Development Corporation Public Act 338 of 1974, City Code of Ordinances Chapter 12, Subsection 12.070 through 12.073, and Saginaw Economic Development By-laws.