Pre-Approved Housing Plans

Pre-Approved Housing Plans We're looking to make building new housing easier and more predictable in Kalamazoo with Pre-Approved Housing Plans. We've created plans for 8 different types of housing that are designed to meet all local codes and fit on common-width city lots. Each floor plan has a few different corresponding elevation options in order to provide visual variety even if the same plan was built directly adjacent to another. Most importantly, these designs fit in with the other homes in our neighborhoods while providing the features and interior layouts of modern houses.

The Pre-Approved Housing Plans include different sizes of two-story single-family homes, three configurations of duplexes, a carriage house, and a single-story cottage. The plan sets largely include basements and collectively offer options for varying the number of bathrooms and bedrooms to fit a variety of household needs and right-size the overall square footage. The sets also include detailed elevations, porch details, and example site plan configurations.

To aid in budgeting, the only upfront cost is paying a streamlined permit fee. Specialized subcontractor trades like plumbing or electrical will still be required to pull permits applicable to their work, but those are usually already built into their bid for a project. The applicant will also be required to submit a site plan (prepared at their own cost) with the building footprint accurately depicted to ensure the project fits on the site.

You can preview sample floor plans and elevation options online via the Plan Catalog. After you apply, the city will review the proposed lot to ensure applicable utilities are available.

View Catalog of Pre-Approved Plans(PDF, 5MB)

Before a permit can be issued with the drawing set, the building will need structural compliance review, which is usually in the form of shop drawings from a lumber yard/truss manufacturer, who does detailed drawings to ensure the lumber provided meets the building code. Alternatively, an architect can provide a stamped drawing.

In addition to the structural signoff, the city will need to review a basic site plan to ensure compliance with setbacks and other building location requirements which vary by zone. The sizes of the building perimeter are listed in the Plan Catalog so they can be translated to the site plan. 

Please visit the City GIS website for an interactive map of parcels to determine what zoning district your property resides in: https://gis.kalamazoocity.org/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html

At this site, you will need to turn on the zoning layer by selecting the following buttons:

You can find out the requirements for each zone in the Zoning Code Regulations (for LW and all other non-residential only zones).

Zoning Code Regulations

Residential Zoning Code Regulations (Temporary Location)

How do I Apply to Build a Pre-Approved Housing Plan?

Click the button to complete a the interest form. We'll ask for the property address where you plan to build and what the current zoning is. We'll also follow up with you to complete the payment of your permitting fee.

Interest Form

How Much Will I Need to Pay?

There is a single fee to cover the main building permit, water and sewer service connection fees and inspections for certificate of occupancy for the project. The cost of the fee varies per design based. If additional building inspections need to be performed beyond what is typically allotted for a building permit, additional fees may be required at the time of service.

The cost does NOT include specialty trade construction permits for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC as these will need to be applied for directly by the licensed trade professional after the building permit is issued. Usually these costs are built into the pricing of any bid, but if you want to see the direct permits for each trade, please see the individual applications for each on this page.

View Building & Construction Permit Applications 

How Long Does Approval Take?

Once you apply and pay the fee, we will review your application and schedule the necessary utility inspections. Utility inspections typically happen within 2-3 business days, and the applicant may often have approval to start building in 1-2 weeks assuming no technical conflicts