Site Plan Review & Approval Process

Site Plan Review

Site plan review is a process whereby documents and drawings specified in the zoning ordinance are reviewed to ensure that a development proposal complies with local, state, and federal regulations. The site plan is a plan, drawn to scale, showing the layout of proposed uses and structures. Unlike a plat - which only depicts the subdivision of a parcel into smaller lots along with necessary roads and easements - the site plan includes lot lines, streets, building sites, existing structures, open spaces, landscaping, utilities, and other required information.

Site plan review for specified development and uses in the Midland Zoning Ordinance is performed by the Planning Commission. 

Site plans are reviewed to assure:

  • Compliance with applicable zoning standards.
  • Public facilities are adequate to serve the site.
  • The layout is compatible with the topography and natural features of the site.
  • Landscaping and screening are appropriate.
  • The structures and their locations are compatible with the area.

Time Required

Average time required to complete a site plan review request varies between 30 to 45 days. The applicant should consult the Planning Department for advice regarding the site plan, design standards, and review procedures.

Procedure

Petitioner

The Petitioner submits a site plan review application along with 5 sets of the site plan drawings in 24”x36” size, 1 set of the Site Plan drawings reduced to 11”x17” size, and the $400 filing fee to the City Planning Department. Check must be made payable to The City of Midland. You can fill out the Site Plan Review Application (PDF) online.

Planning Department

  • Sets a public hearing date for the petition upon finding the application is complete.
  • Places a notice of the hearing in the newspaper at least 10 days prior to the date of the hearing.
  • All property owners within 300 feet of the site are notified of the public hearing by first class mail.
  • Prepares a staff report for the Planning Commission.

Planning Commission

  • Conducts a public hearing.
  • Approves, approves with modifications, or denies site plan and sets forth its reasons and conditions in writing.