The Village of Bellaire currently has authorized the following Boards and Commissions to assist in the conduct of its operations.

To find out more information about these Boards and Commissions click on any of the links below.

Zoning Board of Appeals:

     The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) was established in order that the objectives of this Ordinance may be fully and equitably achieved, that a means shall be provided for competent interpretation of this Ordinance, that the health, safety and welfare of the public be secured, and that justice be done.

     The Bellaire Village Council may also appoint not more than two (2) alternate members to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  The ZBA shall hear and decide appeals from any review, any order, requirement, interpretation, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator in the administration of the Zoning Ordinance. 

     The ZBA also has the power of Interpretation in the following cases: 

            Interpretation - Shall have the power to: 

1.      Hear and decide upon appeals for the interpretation of the provisions of this Ordinance; 

2.      Determine the precise location of the boundary lines between zoning districts when there is dissatisfaction with a decision on such subject made by the Zoning Administrator. 

      Variances - The Zoning Board of Appeals shall have the power to authorize specific dimensional and use variances from the requirements of this Ordinance if it finds based upon competent, material, and substantial evidence following a public hearing that all of the applicable standards provided in this section have been met.  

      Standards for Dimensional Variances: To obtain a variance from the dimensional requirements of this Ordinance (area, setback, frontage, height, bulk, density or other dimensional requirements) the applicant must demonstrate that a practical difficulty exists by showing all of the following: 

a.      The need for the requested variance is due to unique circumstances or physical conditions of the property involved, such as narrowness, shallowness, shape, water, or topography and is not due to the applicant's personal or economic hardship. 

b.      That the need for the requested variance is not the result of actions of the property owner or previous property owners (self-created). 

c.      That strict compliance with regulations governing area, setback, frontage, height, bulk, density or other dimensional requirements will unreasonably prevent the property owner from using the property for a permitted purpose, or will render conformity with those regulations unnecessarily burdensome. 

d.      Whether granting the requested variance would do substantial justice to the applicant as well as to other property owners in the district, or whether granting a lesser variance than requested would give substantial relief to the property owner and be more consistent with justice to other property owners.

e.      That the requested variance will not cause an adverse impact on surrounding property, property values, or the use and enjoyment of property in the neighborhood or zoning district. 

Standards for Use Variances: The Village Council has eliminated use variances.

The forms to appear before the ZBA are located on our web site.  If you need more information, please feel free to call our offices.  The ZBA only meets on a as needed basis and the fee for calling the meeting is $550.00

ZBA Members: Dave Schulz; John Fleet; Lori Smalley; Ron Damer & Colette Stanish.

Minutes of the Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Commission:

     The Planning Commission of the Village, was created by Village Ordinance.  Planning Commission members are appointed by the Village President and confirmed by the Village Council.  The Planning Commission gets it's authority from the Municipal Planning Act, 1931 PA 285, as amended, MCL 125.31 et seg.   This act provides for the creation, power and duties of a planning commission.  The Bellaire Planning Commission also oversees the Bellaire Zoning Ordinance.  The City and Village Zoning Act, 1921 PA 207, as amended, MCL 125.581 et. Seq. provides for the establishment in cities and villages, to regulate the use of land and structures by ordinance, to create zones, provide by ordinance for the acquisition by purchase, condemnation or otherwise, of private property that does not conform to certain restrictions and authorizes issuance of bonds and notes and provides for special assessments.  Following are the Current Commission Members:

  • Bill Drollinger, Chairman
  • Ken Fedraw
  • Robert Shumaker
  • Dave Schulz/Council Representative
  • Darlene Sexton

     Staff:     Janet Person, Zoning Administrator

     The Planning Commission meets monthly, on the first Tuesday of the month at 5:00pm.  The Planning Commission is responsible for creating and updating the Village Master Plan.  They review special use zoning permits and plan for the future land use of the Village of Bellaire.  If you are interested in serving on the Planning Commission, please contact Bill Drollinger, Chairman, at 231-533-8213, or fill out the Application to Serve on a Board or Commission.

When do I need a Zoning Permit?

  1. If you are putting up a new building, moving an existing structure or tearing down a structure, you will need a Land Use Permit.
  2. If you are putting up a sign for your business, you will need a permit.  The sign must meet the dimensions set up for your zoning district.
  3. If you are putting up a fence, you will need a permit.  If the fence is not within 8 feet of any of your property lines, you will not be charged a fee.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to call the Zoning Administrator at 231-533-8213.  Applications for permits can be found on this website by clicking this link.

Election Commission: The Election Commission is a three member board that meets in election years to develop the ballot language, recommend election workers and make sure that deadlines are met for the election.  Once ballot language and election workers are chosen, the Village Council, by a majority vote, approves the recommendations made by the Commission.  

Election Commission consists of the Village President, Village Clerk & Village Deputy Clerk.

Minutes of the election committee.

Bellaire Building Authority:

     The Village of Bellaire, on June 21, 2001, set up and incorporated, under Public Act 31, the Bellaire Building Authority.  The Authority's purpose is acquiring, furnishing, equipping, owning, improving, enlarging, operating and maintaining a building or buildings, automobile parking lots or structures, recreational facilities, stadiums and the necessary site or sites therefore, together with appurtenant properties and facilities necessary or convenient for the effective use thereof, for use of any legitimate public purpose of the Village of Bellaire. 

     The Building Authority may fund projects by issuing bonds to pay for the improvements.  These bonds may or may not be voted on by the residents of Bellaire, according to the rules and procedures under P.A. 31 of 1948 (First Extra Session). 

The members and terms of the Bellaire Building Authority are as follows: 

            John Hanson                  Term expires June 6, 2010

            Dean Johnson                Term expires June 6, 2009

           Raymond Kuck               Term expires June 6, 2008

The Treasurer for the Village of Bellaire serves as treasurer for the Building Authority.

 Minutes of the Building Authority may be found at this link.

Recreational Advisory Commission:

     This Board consists of one Village Parks Committee chairman and members of the community that are involved in different athletic and group functions around the Village. This includes a representative from Co-ed softball, Little League, 4H; AYSO Soccer; Forest Home Twp.; Kearney Twp.; Bellaire Lions and Bellaire Public School.   The main purpose of the Commission is so that these organizations can keep the Village informed about their activities & make suggestions for improvement.  Past minutes and agenda's for the Parks and Rec commission may be found by following this link.

Wellhead Protection Team:

This program assists local communities utilizing groundwater for their municipal drinking water supply systems in protecting their water source.  A Wellhead Protection Plan minimizes the potential for contamination by identifying and protecting the area that contributes water to municipal water supply wells and avoids costly groundwater clean-ups. View more information on the wellhead protection area on our wellhead protection page.