FENNVILLE WELCOMES BUSINESS PEOPLE
The city of Fennville…Doorway to the Lake Michigan Coastline
and economic center of the Allegan State Game Area.
Home of the annual Goose Festival
How to Succeed at Business in Fennville
Start up Information
We want you to succeed. The key to success is a business plan. There are excellent
resources available to help you with a business plan. If you need help or a reference, please
read this information or call us.
A key element of our business plan is to secure all required permits and approvals and to
know what fees and expenses may be required.
In the City of Fennville you need to be aware of the following requirements-Be Prepared!
Are you taking over an existing business to operate as is?
Most business are in the City Center Overlay District, approval by the Downtown Design
Review Committee is required to change the sign face. All exterior alterations require review.
Contact City Hall.
Sandwich board signs are strictly regulated. Contact City Hall for rules.
Outdoor sales are regulated and may require a Special Events permit. Contact City Hall.
Do you need to make some interior alterations? Contact the Building Inspector at 1-800-626-
5964.
Home Business? See Zoning Administrator. 800-626-5964 or 543-3239.
Are you operating the same type of business but need to alter the structure?
All exterior alterations of structures located in the City Central Overlay District require review by
the Downtown Design Review Committee, Contact City Hall.
All additions must have a professionally drawn site plan that must be approved by the Planning
Commission. Contact the Zoning Administrator.
Many buildings were built prior to the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance and do not meet
current standards. This may make additions difficult. Contact the Building Inspector.
Contact the Building Inspector for any permits that may be required 1-800-626-5964.
Will you be changing the use of the structure to another type of business?
First, please check with the Zoning Administrator to make sure your use is allowed.
Second, have your architect check with the Building Inspector about alterations that will be
required under the building code.
Third, you must submit a Site Plan to the Planning Commission for formal review (see Zoning
Administrator and get a copy of ARTICLE XVIII SITE-SITE PLAN REVIEW). Be prepared! This
process can take two months or more, especially if you feel you need conditions different from
those allowed under City ordinances.
Budget for your architect’s fees.
Will you be constructing a new structure?
Site Plan Review by the Planning Commission is required. The process takes 3-8 weeks. It is
best to fit your plans to the Zoning Ordinance requirement. The more deviations you require,
the longer the process takes. (see ARTICLE XVIII-SITE PLAN REVIEW).
For certain uses a Special Use permit is required. This involves a public hearing before the
Planning Commission and additional site requirements. Final approval must come from the
City Council. The hearing adds 2 to 4 weeks to the process. (see ARTICLE XIX-SPECIAL
USES).
In all cases see the Zoning Administrator.
Do not forget to budget for fees in your business plan. Some of the fees are:
Site Plan Review $150.00
Sit Plan Amendment $75.00
Special Use Application $250.00
Variance Application $250.00
Rezoning Application $250.00
w/Land Use Plan Charge $250.00
Special Meetings $150.00
Signs, building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and commercial plan reviews fees based on
cost of project.
Are you asking “what have I gotten myself into”?
City staff can help guide you through the process. You have chosen to be an entrepreneur, this
is an honored professional in America. It demands self-reliance. America’s economic system
requires that everyone plays by the rules. City staff knows the rules and can help you get off on
the right foot.
OTHER SOURCES OF HELP, INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
Allegan County offices:
Clerk-Register e-mail: jwatts@allegancounty.org
County Clerk 269-673-0450
Register of Deeds 269-673-0390
Drain Commissioner 269-673-0440
MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CENTER
REGIONAL CENTER
526 N. Burdick Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269-492-1624 Fx 269-342-6035
www.gvsu.edu/misbtdc/region11/
Plus the following classes are offered at minimal cost:
Accounting & Records
Financing
Business Management
Government Regulations
Writing a Business Plan
Sales & Marketing
Financial Analysis
Personnel
Financial Forecasting
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
CITY OF FENNVILLE
City Hall 269-561-9321
City Clerk Pat Phenix clerk@fennville.com
City Treasurer Lisa Sheaffer treasurer@fennville.com
Assessor Renee Laws
For City Planning Commission
Downtown Design Review Committee. And, City Zoning Board of Appeals Contact City Hall
Staff.
Driveways City Sewer & Water
Public Works Gary Tuhacik gtuhacik@fennville.com
561-2444
Allegan County Road Commission
269-673-2184
M-89 Michigan Department of Transportation
877-320-6368
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Plainwell
District 269-567-3500
Wetlands 269-567-3567
Storm water 269-567-3515
Hazardous Materials 269-567-3590
Soil Erosion & Sediment Control
Allegan County Health Department
Permits 269-673-5411
Building, Electrical, Mechanical & Plumbing and Zoning
Permits contact 1-800-626-9583 or 673-3239; fax 673-9583
Michigan Township Services
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