Assessing

Q. What is the difference between S.E.V. and taxable value?

A. S.E.V. stands for State Equalized Value which is 50% of Market Value. Taxable Value was created when Proposal A was voted in by the taxpayers in 1993. S.E.V. increases or decreases each year with the market. Taxable Value is affected by rate of inflation but never more than 5%. Beginning in 1994 your S.E.V. was capped and could only increase yearly by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less. If anything new is added to the property, 50% of the appraised value of this new item is added to your taxable value. Also if you just purchased your home, in the following year your taxable value will be uncapped, and your taxes will be based on S.E.V. In subsequent years you will be increasing by the taxable value rule.

Q. I feel there has been a mistake on the value of my home, what can I do?

A. If you believe a mistake has been made in the appraisal of your property, the first thing to do would be to contact the assessor to have your appraisal explained. If are not satisfied with their explanation, and feel you are over assessed, you can appeal to the March Board of Review.

Q. What is a principal residence exemption and how do I know if I have one?
A. (PRE) exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes up to 18 mills. 'Principal Residence' is the primary location that a person inhabits, as long as it is where you live most of the time.

Q. How do I combine or divide my land?

A. Please print and fill in the form, then contact the Zoning Administrator

Building

Q. What are my setbacks?

A. Contact Zoning Department

Q. What is a site plan? Do I need one for a permit?

A. Yes. A site plan is an accurate drawing of your property, with the size, shape and location of existing and proposed buildings accurately depicted. A site plan is required in order to obtain a building permit for a new home, a new garage or other accessory building, a building addition, or a swimming pool. Homeowners often have a survey of their parcel, and this makes a good site plan if kept up-to-date.

Q. What projects need building permits?

A. In residential, a detached accessory building that is 200-sf or less, does not need a building permit. It does still need Zoning Approval however. PCI will not ask for a building permit to side, re-roof or replacement windows. However, any structural repairs or roof changes do need permits and so do header changes for windows.

Q. What is the purpose of permits?
A. Permits allow the enforcement of the codes, which have been adopted by the State, County and Township. The enforcement of the codes is carried out to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

Q. Who do I contact if I want to do any building?
A. You can start with our Zoning Inspector and then the next step would be to contact PCI.

If a homeowner hires a contractor, the contractor should obtain the permit.

Q. Is a permit required for a fence?

A. A permit is required for any fence that is 7-foot tall or more

Q. Is a permit required for a shed?

A. Yes, If it is over 200 sq ft.

Q. Whom do I contact regarding questions about my well and septic?

A. Contact the Allegan County Health Department 269-673-5411

Q. Where do I get an address for a new residence?

A. Contact the Allegan County Health Department 269-673-5411

Q. Does the township have a copy of my land survey?

A. No, you will need to contact the company that did the survey.

Clerk

Q. What is required to reserve a meeting room at the municipal offices?

A. You must fill out the application for “Hall Rental”.

Q. Where do I dispose of hazardous waste and find more information about recycling?

A. The Allegan County Health Department will collect and recycle most hazardous materials. Please contact the ACHD at (269) 686-4559 or visit their website. 

Q. Where do I go to register to vote or get an absentee ballot?

A.Contact Clerk Hetzel, the Secretary of State Office, or designated state agencies.

Q. Who can be on the permanent absentee list?

A. Any registered voter may request to be on the permanent list and will automatically be sent an application for each Township election. For more information, please visit www.michigan.gov/sos/.

Planning and Zoning

Q. What's the purpose of the Planning Commission?
A. The planning commission acts in a formal, advisory role, making recommendations to the local legislative body. The most fundamental implementation tool is zoning. The zoning ordinance establishes regulations for the use of land and some standards for development within identified zoning district boundaries.

Q. When are rezonings required?

A. A rezoning request can be initiated by the landowner, Township Board, Planning Commission or Zoning Board of Appeals to accommodate a different land use than is permitted in that district.

Q. Can I pay delinquent taxes at Township Hall?
A. You may pay current summer and winter taxes by mail to Ron Hale, 4096 102nd Ave. or by appointment until March 1. After that date, all delinquent summer and winter taxes must be paid to the Allegan County Treasurer. 

Q. How can I get a Disabled Veterans Exemption from my property taxes?

A. You can fill-in the form, print, and bring to the Township

Q. Is there any way I could delay paying my summer taxes without paying interest?

A. Yes. It is possible to defer summer tax payment until February 28 if the owner meets age, disability and or income guidelines. You must fill out an application and return it to the Treasurer, Ron Hale no later than September 14.