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1. What type of housing assistance is available through the City of Portage?

The city offers assistance to income-eligible Portage home owners with emergency repairs and housing rehabilitation in order to maintain decent, affordable housing and to promote neighborhood quality.  In addition, the city offers residents of Kalamazoo County assistance with the purchase of affordable houses within target Portage neighborhoods. Click on housing programs for more information.

2. How do I receive approval to vary from the requirements from the Zoning Code for my development or construction project or similar activity?

The City of Portage Zoning Board of Appeals meets once per month to hear and act on applications for variances from the requirements of the Zoning Code.  A review and consultation with staff can provide information regarding proposals for variances and is recommended prior to submitting an application. A Zoning Board of Appeals Application must be completed and submitted to the Department of Community Development for consideration by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

3. What types of property maintenance concerns are violations of the City Code? How do I request assistance from the city to help resolve property maintenance concerns?

The City of Portage Neighborhood Support Program seeks to improve the livability of Portage neighborhoods.  Being a good neighbor and properly maintaining property in accordance with the City Codes is an important part of maintaining a high quality of life for those who work and live in our community.  Click the following link to Report a neighborhood concern by address to the Department of Community Development.  For additional information please the Housing & Neighborhood Services section.

4. What is zoning and what is my property zoned? Can the zoning be changed?

Zoning is the primary tool used to regulate the use of land in most communities. Zoning classifies land uses into certain categories referred to zoning districts. Some uses are permitted by right while others, referred to as special land uses, require review and approval by the Planning Commission. The zoning districts are then geographically displayed on a map of the community areas determined appropriate for the various types of land uses. Each zoning district has its own set of regulations that control the intensity of development by regulating, for example:

• Accessory Signs
• Building Height
• Maximum Lot Coverage
• Minimum Lot Sizes
• The Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces
• Setback Distances

Information regarding the zoning designation for all properties located within Portage city limits is available on the GIS/City Maps. Land uses permitted within specific districts are found in the Zoning Code.  A review and consultation with staff can provide information regarding current and planned future land use for specific areas, which may help clarify potential uses within zoning districts, or if a potential change in zoning is feasible. View the City of Portage Comprehensive Plan (PDF) to learn about recommended future land uses throughout the city.

5. Can you tell me where my property lines are? On the City website it looks like my house is located on or near one of my property lines.

The best way to determine the exact location of property lines is to locate the property line markers (or monuments) that were installed at each property corner at the time the property was platted or surveyed.  Property lines indicated on the City of Portage GIS/City Maps page are for reference purposes only and may not be precise in relation to structures on your property.  It is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure that minimum setbacks from property lines are maintained according to zoning district regulations for new construction or alterations to existing structures.