All districts
Three different bodies decide three different things in Rochester Hills.
- Dimensional variances (setbacks, height, lot coverage): the Zoning Board of Appeals, under the practical difficulty standard, by majority vote (§ 138-2.407). Check the City's posted meeting schedule and current agenda calendar for the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
- Use variances: the ZBA, under the stricter unnecessary hardship standard, by two-thirds vote. First you need a written determination that the use is not permitted and a final City Council denial of a rezoning (§ 138-2.408).
- Conditional uses: the Planning Commission holds a public hearing and recommends; City Council decides with written findings (§ 138-2.301). A denial blocks resubmission for 365 days absent new evidence. The ZBA cannot hear appeals of these decisions (§ 138-2.301.F).
- Site plans: single-family homes and accessory structures of 200 square feet or less need no site plan review. New non-residential and multiple-family construction goes to the Planning Commission (§ 138-2.200, § 138-2.202). Check the City's posted meeting schedule for the next Planning Commission meeting.
Appeals of administrative decisions must be filed with the Planning and Development Department within 21 days (§ 138-2.404).