City Launched an Update to Zoning and Development Regulations
The City of Portage is embarking on a significant initiative to modernize its zoning, subdivision, and condominium development codes. Over the 18 months from January 2025, the city will consolidate and streamline these regulations into a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This update aims to establish a cohesive framework to guide Portage’s growth and development for years to come.
The UDO will implement key recommendations from the recently adopted Portage Forward Together 2045 Master Plan. This Plan reflects input from numerous residents and sets the vision for Portage’s growth over the next two decades.
The UDO seeks to address issues and challenges such as the city’s current patchwork of development ordinances and zoning districts (some of which date back to the 1960s), outdated housing regulations needing to meet current housing preferences, inflexible zoning preventing innovative development, and more. The UDO will also incorporate the best practices and tools recommended by the State of Michigan for local government zoning and land use regulations. The updated code will:
- Preserve neighborhood character while enabling thoughtful redevelopment.
- Expand housing options, including attainable choices like duplexes and townhomes.
- Remove barriers to redevelopment and promote vibrant mixed-use developments in key commercial areas.
To lead the UDO update, the city has partnered with Kendig Keast Collaborative (KKC), a nationally recognized planning and zoning consulting firm. In January, KKC hosted a series of events to introduce the process, gather input, and provide a project overview to the City Council and Planning Commission. Additionally, KKC met with the city’s Community Development team and key stakeholders familiar with Portage’s current regulations. Further, to ensure the city and community receive desired outcomes of the UDO, the city created a Technical Committee, comprising of 13 community members experienced in development codes and local building knowledge, to review drafts throughout the process.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in ensuring Portage’s development aligns with the community’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable future. See the project introduction presentation below.
City Advances Unified Development Ordinance Update
On April 16 and 17, KKC was back in Portage to present their critique of existing ordinances. The findings were shared with the project’s Technical Committee and the public, with a formal presentation at the Planning Commission meeting on Thursday, April 17.
KKC drew from multiple sources to develop its critique, including feedback from January’s outreach meetings, policy goals from the Master Plan, Technical Committee, and insights from the Community Development Department.
Following the presentation and public feedback, KKC begins the next steps of drafting new regulations and revising existing standards related to housing development. These proposed changes will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and potential adoption later this year. Following that, other sections of the zoning code will be rewritten with final adoption expected in May 2026. Additional public presentations will be scheduled at key milestones to ensure ongoing community engagement throughout the process. KKC has planned future visits during the weeks of September 7, November 10, and December 11, 2025, as well as Spring 2026, to host further public engagement sessions.
Portage residents and stakeholders are strongly encouraged to participate in shaping this critical update. To learn more or express interest in participating, please call Biqi Zhao in the Department of Community Development at 329-4475 or Email Biqi Zhao.
