Before You Build Guide

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If you are planning to build on your property in the Village of Shelby, please review this webpage completely for required steps before you start your project.

Questions on this information may be directed to the Zoning Administrator Phil Morse at 231-861-5450 or administrator@shelbyvillage.com 

• All new construction of dwellings, additions, alterations, remodels or the replacement of plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems  
• Demolition or removal of buildings 
• Construction of one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, that exceed 200 square feet 
• Construction of an attached deck or an unattached deck that is more than 30” above grade, or less than 36” from a structure, or more than 200 square feet. 
• In ground and above ground pools. 

• The installation of a fence, outdoor wall, screen, or sign. 
• Construction of an unattached deck 30” or less off grade, that is at least 36” away from a structure, NOT ingress/egress, AND under 200 square feet. 

• An accessory building (like a shed) that is larger than 120 square feet. (including pre-built sheds) 
• It still must meet the zoning requirements laid out in Section 3.11 of the Village of Shelby Zoning Ordinance.  
• Of note: 

1. In residentially zoned areas, accessory buildings shall be of residential construction and shall be compatible with surrounding residential homes. 
2. A shed shall be a minimum of 5 feet from rear or side property lines and shall not be permitted in the front yard and a minimum of 10 feet from any other building or structure.
3. Changing an existing use, for example, garage conversions, converting a house into an office or an apartment.
4. For other work not listed, please ask. 

• The pouring of a new driveway 
• Ordinary maintenance and repairs not involving structural changes 
• “Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.” 
• An accessory building (like a shed) that is 120 square feet or smaller. 
• It still must meet the zoning requirements laid out in Section 3.11 of the Village of Shelby Zoning Ordinance.  
• Of particular note: 

1. In residentially zoned areas, accessory buildings shall be of residential construction and shall be compatible with surrounding residential homes.
2. A shed shall be a minimum of 5 feet from rear or side property lines and shall not be permitted in the front yard and a minimum of 10 feet from any other building or structure.
3. For other work not listed, please ask. 

• Fill out the corresponding Zoning Application in the Village of Shelby office. 
• After approval of the zoning application, apply for a building permit through the Oceana County Building Department.  To apply for a building permit, the required items are:  

1. Address for your property which can be acquired via the Village of Shelby office
2. Approved well and septic plan from DHD #10 (if applicable)
3. Approval from the drain commissioner's office for soil erosion (if applicable)
4. Construction plans that include site/plot plan, floor plan, truss design drawings and specification sheet for type of construction 
5. Permit fees will be determined by the County Building Department based on a standard fee schedule at the time of application.
6. The County Building department website can be accessed here 

• The Village of Shelby enforces its local zoning ordinance which is based on the Village Master Plan and approved by The Village Council. The Ordinance is available on the Village website. 
• Contact the Zoning Administrator, Phil Morse at administrator@shelbyvillage.com or at 231-861-4401 to discuss your plans. 
• The Zoning Compliance Permit Application can be found here.