"Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. Historic District Commission Meeting Agenda (PDF) 7900 South Westnedge AvenuePortage, MI 49002 Monday - Thursday7:30am - 5:30pm"

Kalamazoo County Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Ordinance Overview

3 days ago

"Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control OrdinanceThe Kalamazoo County Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control (SESC) Ordinance, last amended in 2019, protects natural resources and neighboring properties by regulating earth changes that could cause environmental harm through erosion or sediment accumulation. This ordinance is based on Part 91 of the Michigan Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994, as amended).Administration and EnforcementThe Kalamazoo County Drain Commissioner’s (KCDC) SESC Agents are responsible for administering and enforcing the ordinance throughout Kalamazoo County, except in areas governed by municipalities with their own SESC ordinances.Municipalities with Independent SESC Enforcement:City of Kalamazoo                            City of Kalamazoo Soil Erosion ProgramPhone: 269-337-8026City of Portage                                  City of Portage Soil Erosion ProgramPhone: 269-329-4412"

Portage Modernizes Zoning with New Unified Development Ordinance

4 days ago

"The City of Portage is creating a new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to modernize its existing zoning, subdivision, and condominium development codes. The UDO aims to establish a cohesive framework to guide Portage’s growth and development for years to come. It will implement key recommendations from the recently adopted Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan, including allowing more flexibility in meeting the city’s housing needs while protecting the character of neighborhoods and the environment. It will address land use issues and challenges such as the city’s current patchwork of development ordinances and zoning districts (some of which date back to the 1960s). The UDO will incorporate best practices and tools recommended by the State of Michigan for local government zoning and land use regulations.Some of the key changes proposed include allowing for smaller lot sizes and setbacks in residential areas and a wider variety of housing types. Narrower residential streets and curves are recommended to leave more room for housing lots and as standard for new public and private residential streets. The city has also proposed creating an incentive for preserving natural areas or green space in larger new developments by providing flexibility to cluster homes and use a variety of low-density housing types.To facilitate this work, the city has partnered with zoning experts from Kendig Keast Collaborative (KKC) to craft the UDO standards and illustrations. A Technical Committee consisting of members with knowledge of and experience working with the city’s existing regulations was formed from the beginning of the project to provide technical assistance and review. During 2025, the city provided presentations to the public, Planning Commission, and Technical Committee to present critiques and new information, receive feedback, and provide progress reports.The Unified Development Ordinance project will be accomplished in two sections, first the review of all the residential standards and procedures. After those changes are considered by the Planning Commission and Council, the section addressing all the commercial and mixed-use zoning districts will be considered. The intent is to have the whole UDO project completed later of this year."

Human Services Board Meets First Thursday of Each Month

4 days ago

"Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. Board activities involving the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program include reviewing and recommending annual program budgets - specifically human/public services, appeals of Housing Programs Guidelines, and reviewing planning documents required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Human Services Board meets on the first Thursday of each month. The Human Services Board consists of nine board members and one Youth Advisory Committee liaison that advises City Council on matters regarding human services, public transportation, and the City of Portage CDBG program. Human Services Board agendas will be posted on Monday before each Thursday meeting. Minutes will be posted once the board approves them. Agendas are available before the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. 7900 South Westnedge AvenuePortage, MI 49002 Monday - Thursday7:30am - 5:30pm"

Planning Commission Meeting Notice

4 days ago

Community Guidelines

Share local celebrations and life transitions.
Maintain a respectful and supportive tone.
Verify event details before posting.
No commercial advertising in announcements.

Upcoming Local Events

Jun17

Beatles in the Beer Garden with Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

Local Venue

Jun20

Kalamazoo Growlers vs. Royal Oak Leprechauns

Local Venue

Jun21

Kalamazoo Growlers vs. Royal Oak Leprechauns

Local Venue

Jun22

Kalamazoo Growlers vs. Kenosha Kingfish

Local Venue

Jun23

Kalamazoo Growlers vs. Kenosha Kingfish

Local Venue

Celebrate Together

Sharing announcements helps build a stronger, more connected community.

Post Yours

Have a milestone to share with your community? Let everyone know.

Create Announcement