About the Planning and Zoning Department
The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for  reviewing and making recommendations on rezoning requests, special land uses, subdivision plans and site plans; updating the Zoning Ordinance and related ordinances; administering and enforcing the Zoning Ordinance and related land use ordinances; and reviewing building permit applications for Zoning Ordinance compliance.

The Planning Director provides technical expertise and administrative support to the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Township Board, and the Parks and Recreation Committee. 

The Planning Director reviews and determines whether requested Land Divisions meet the standards of the Zoning Ordinance. Open Air Vendor, Public Gatherings and Solicitor permits are also reviewed for code compliance.  

Day-to-day questions regarding zoning issues are answered by the Planning Director, Sue Becker, who is also the Zoning Administrator for Alpine Township.  She can be reached at (616) 784-9090 (press option 3) or s.becker@alpinetwp.org.  Forms are available on the Public Documents portion of the website.  

Please contact the Building Official, Gary Campbell at (616) 784-9090 (press option 2) for questions regarding building codes.  

Please contact the Code Enforcement Officer, Deputy Douglas at (616) 784-9090 (press option 4) for issues pertaining to zoning complaints or other enforcement matters.   

What is the Difference Between Planning and Zoning?

Planning
In November of 2023, the Township Board adopted a new Master Plan for Alpine Township.  The Master Plan's function is to serve as a framework for land use decisions.   The Master Plan does not dictate the timing of development but rather the Plan sets forth recommendations for what types of land uses can be established, where they can be established and under what conditions they can be established. 

Although the Master Plan has no regulatory power, it states specific land development and preservation goals.  These goals are intended to guide both the Planning Commission and Township Board in making both day-to-day and long-range land use decisions.  

The tools to implement the Master Plan include but are not limited to the Zoning Ordinance, subdivision ordinances, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and education.

• 2023 Master Plan         
• 2023 Future Land Use Map

Zoning
Zoning is a "police power" regulation adopted to advance and protect the public health, safety and general welfare.  Other police power regulations include building codes, subdivision regulations and health codes.  Zoning is our tool to help implement the land use objectives of the Master Plan, protect the value of property, prevent the establishment of nuisances, ensure compatibility  between adjacent uses of land, and to protect and properly use natural resources.  If you have any questions regarding the Zoning Ordinance, please contact Sue Becker, Planning Director/Zoning Administrator at 784-9090 or s.becker@alpinetwp.org. 

Zoning Ordinance                     Zoning Map

Other Ordinances Pertaining to Land Use
Click here to see the following ordinances:

• Land Division Ord. #97-8
• Land Subdivision & Utility Extension Ord. #89-10
• Unplatted Property Ord. #91-4
• Storm Water Ord. #01-06
• Fill Ord. #93-1 

Interactive Property Mapping 

The attached link will take you to the REGIS (Regional Geographic Information System) Internet Mapping Service website.  Click Here.  You can interactively explore properties within Kent County; aerial photos are from the spring of 2023 and the property lines and dimensions are current.