Development

Thank you for your interest in investing in Cass City. With convenient access to the Thumb region and countless opportunities to invest in both new and historic properties, Cass City welcomes your interest. To ensure Cass City is providing the best development experience possible, it is actively working to maintain Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) best practices.

This page serves as a clearing house for everything you will need to know to smoothly navigate the planning and zoning review process. For full details, we encourage you to download Cass City’s Guide to Development.

If you have any questions, please contact our Village Manager/Zoning Administrator,

Meet Debbie Powell our Village Manager!
To contact Debbie call 989 872 2911

Please also consider providing feedback on your experience working in Cass City by completing this Development Guide Survey

 

Meet Early Apply Once

Prior to submitting a Zoning Permit Application, Zoning Board of Appeals Application, or any other permit, prospective applicants are encouraged to meet with the Zoning Administrator for a conceptual review of the project. These meetings are free of charge and provide an opportunity for an informal consultation of the project with Village staff to identify any barriers and opportunities prior to applicants investing substantial time and resources into a formal site plan draft and review. To schedule a conceptual review meeting, please contact the Zoning Administrator at the Village.

To help you prepare for this meeting, please download this checklist; it will be used at the meeting.

Zoning Ordinance

Cass City is a zoned community. This means that all development must confirm with applicable regulations. Zoning is based on the community’s master plan to help ensure consistent and orderly development. Cass City’s zoning ordinance was fully updated in 2021.

The zoning ordinance consists of two parts: the zoning map which shows the designated zoning district for each parcel and the zoning text. To use the zoning ordinance, first use the map to determine which zone the parcel(s) are in. Then refer to the text for applicable regulations.

Zoning Map
Zoning Text

Fees
As set by village council, Cass City charges fees for various zoning and development services including permits and reviews. For the most current fee schedule, click here. Payments for Village Development Fees may be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit card. For further information regarding online credit card payments, click here.

Forms
Ready to apply? All zoning and development review forms can be found here.

Building Inspections & Permits
All building reviews and permits are handled by the Tuscola County Building Department, which contracts with a third party to deliver those services. A project must have been issued a Cass City Zoning Permit before beginning the building review process. SAFEBuilt (989-262-4546) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 

Economic Development Incentives
Cass City understands that some projects may benefit the community and address master plan goals but not be financially feasible without additional investment. To address those cases, the village has adopted a formal economic development incentives policy which includes fee waivers and commercial/industrial abatements. For the full policy (including an application), click here.

Cass City also works closely with the Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Projects may be eligible for incentives through these entities as well. Cass City officials can help connect applicants with the right points of contact at these organizations.

Planning

Cass City maintains numerous plans to guide future growth while maintaining the things our residents and stakeholders love about the village: