Do I need site plan review to open or expand a business in Shelby Township?

Almost certainly yes. Planning Commission site plan review is required whenever a building permit is sought for erecting or structurally altering any building other than a one-family home, a single two-family structure, or farm and accessory buildings; for any new or additional parking or storage area; for all special land uses; for substantial changes in use; and for demolition of non-residential buildings (Section 6.1.C.1).

The submission is substantial: signed professional drawings, full site data, building elevations, parking dimensions, landscaping, lighting, and utilities, routed to the county road commission, fire, police, engineering, and other agencies for comment before the Planning Commission takes it up (Section 6.1.C.2; Section 6.1.D.1). Approval is valid for 2 years, within which you must apply for a building permit or receive engineering approval (Section 6.1.D.3).

Two shortcuts exist: minor site plan amendments such as landscaping changes, parking lot redesign, or outdoor equipment can be approved administratively by the planning director (Section 6.1.D.2), and fences in non-residential districts that qualify as minor amendments skip the full commission process (Section 5.4). If your use is a special land use, budget for the longer Township Board approval track (Section 6.5).