Do I need site plan review in Novi?

For anything beyond a single-family house, probably yes. Site plan approval is required before building any structure or addition other than single-family homes, modifying or expanding off-street parking, changing a use in a way that increases parking demand, extending utilities, establishing a site condominium, building new roads, or revising a previously approved plan (Section 6.1.1.B).

Most site plans go to the Planning Commission. A defined list qualifies for administrative review instead (Section 6.1.1.C), including: parking lot modifications that do not drop below required counts, a change of use in an existing freestanding building where the change does not result in an attendant increase in off-street parking need (Section 6.1.1.C.iii), small building additions up to 1,000 square feet, additions up to 10,000 square feet that are under 10 percent of the building and 500 feet from any residential district, facade changes that meet the ordinance, landscape plan revisions, and outdoor seating for an existing restaurant. Some districts route decisions higher: TC sites of 5 acres or more and most RC site plans go to City Council after Planning Commission review (Section 3.27.1.A; Section 3.26.3).

Plans must follow the city's Site Plan and Development Manual, and special land uses add a public hearing under Section 6.2. Start with the Community Development Department at 248-347-0415 to confirm which track your project rides.