The City is currently seeking community input to update zoning standards for Downtown Kalamazoo. Community members are invited to review and comment on proposed updates online, on paper, or over the telephone through Tuesday, September 8.

  • On Paper: Paper surveys are available to print or can be picked up at Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Offices, 245 North Rose Street, Suite 100. After completing the survey, participants can either return the paper copies to CPED offices or take a picture of the completed survey and email it to Christina Anderson at andersonc@kalamazoocity.org

  • Over the Phone: Residents can also call the City’s engagement hotline at 269-226-6524 to leave a message with their input.

The new proposal would divide downtown from one large zoning district into three smaller and more focused districts based on community input received earlier in the summer. Multiple districts will allow for standards that support the right type and scale of development in each area while also being able to better link buildings and uses with streets and other public spaces. In addition to commenting on the boundaries of each district, the community can share their comments on uses and standards for each district, including potential locations for marihuana business.

The goal of this project is to create a zoning code that is clear and easy to understand, creates predictable outcomes for development, and ultimately help to achieve the community’s vision for Downtown. The current zoning code was last updated in 2005. Since then the City has completed two Master Plans, including the most recent 2025 Master Plan that specifically calls for an update of the zoning code.

After this process concludes, the standards and maps will be combined into a complete draft for the community to review and confirm. The proposal would then be considered for approval by the Planning Commission and if approved, final approval by the City Commission this fall. Additional information on this project is available on the Imagine Kalamazoo project page at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/downtownzoning/

Community members that have developed a property downtown can also share feedback on the process through an online Development Project Survey. The survey asks for feedback on the review and approvals process required for their project(s). The deadline to submit input for the Development Project Survey is Tuesday, September 8.