|
Finance & Taxes |
| Where do I pay my
taxes? |
| At the Finance Department at the
Township Hall, located at 44405 Six Mile Rd. in Northville
Township. |
| Where do I go to buy
a dog license? |
| At the Finance Department at the
Township Hall, located at 44405 Six Mile Rd. in Northville
Township. |
|
Auto Bill Pay - Questions & Answers |
| What is Auto Bill
Pay? |
| With Automatic Bill Payment, you can
have your water and sewer bill automatically paid from any
participating bank, savings and loan, or credit union account.
Just complete the form, return it, and start enjoying many
benefits.
Click here for details and to sign up. |
|
Boards and Commissions |
| Where are the Board
meetings held? |
| At the Township Hall, Located at 44405 Six Mile
Rd. in Northville Township. Meetings start at 7:30 PM |
|
Water & Sewer |
| Where do I pay my
water bill? |
| At the Township Hall, located at 44405
Six Mile Rd. in Northville Township. You can pay at the
cashier's desk inside the building, or outside at the drive up
window or drop box located on the west side of the building.
You can also sign up for Automatic Bill Payment. Read more
by
clicking here. |
| What drives the cost
of water? |
| Since Northville Township's water is
purchased from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD),
the largest costs are incurred due to transporting water from the
Detroit water treatment plants to the high elevation of our
community. Northville Township is one of the highest
elevations of all communities serviced by DWSD and water needs to
travel a far distance to reach us. In addition, our pattern
of use results in very high water use in morning hours that
results in cost increases to oversize water lines and pumping
facilities to meet these peak demands. To offset these peak
related costs, residents can practice simple water conservation
techniques as well as irrigate lawns at night, between the hours
of 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM. |
| Why can't I have a
separate irrigation meter? |
| The Township's water consumption
records are used to calculate the Township's sewage disposal
costs. The actual wastewater costs are simply spread over
the number of gallons of water purchased. If irrigation
meters were excused from paying the sewage component, the cost of
the sewage charge on all non-irrigation meters would be increased.
The cost of purchasing a second meter, making internal plumbing
changes and added Township overhead costs to maintain and read
meters negates the financial benefit of a second meter.
|
| Why is my water
sometimes cloudy? |
| Cloudiness that clears from the bottom
of a glass of water after it sits is actually dissolved oxygen in
the water. This may be more noticeable in the winter months
when there are greater temperature changes and less usage in the
water system. Localized turbidity events can also occur from
water main flushing within the distribution system. When this
occurs, wait until the water clears (usually within a few hours)
or flush taps until it runs clear again. Running taps for a
just few minutes is usually enough to let the sediment flush out
of the system. |
| What can cause high
usage in my home? |
| Some of the causes of high water usage
are toilet tank flappers not sealing, irrigation system leaks,
dripping faucets and shower heads, and excessive lawn watering. A
dripping faucet can waste 15 gallons of water per day.
Replace worn and leaking washers, gaskets, pipes or defective
fixtures. Check for leaks on outside faucets, and make sure
the valve closes properly. Check toilets for leaks as they
are the most common cause of high bills. Check the overflow
of the tank to make sure no water is running over (float level may
be set too high). The flapper valve in the bottom of the tank is
also a location of a possible leaking toilet. To check for a
flapper valve leak, put a small amount of food coloring in the
toilet tank after it has filled. Do not flush the toilet for at
least an hour, or overnight if possible. If the food coloring
shows up in the bowl without flushing, this indicates a leaking
flapper or plunger ball valve. Water meters are an important
conservation tool. In addition to providing information about how
much water is being used, reading the meter can also help detect
leaks in the household plumbing.
- To check for a leak first turn off all faucets inside and
outside the house. Be certain the toilet is not flushed and the
automatic ice cube maker is not operating when performing this
task.
- When the water is turned off, the low flow indicator should
not move. Depending on the type of meter, the indicator is a
black or red triangle.
Click here to see the indicator location on the meter.
|
| How can I check my
water usage? |
| In order to determine your average
daily use or check your sprinkler usage, you can read your meter
on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. Simply record your
meter reading at the beginning of a measurement period and again
at the end period. The difference between the two meter
reading will be the water used (in gallons) during that period.
Click here to see how to read your water meter. |
|
Police |
| Who do I contact
about my missing pet? |
| Contact the Police Department. |
|
Youth Assistance |
| Who can benefit from
mentoring? |
Examples of youths who have been
mentored include those who have experienced the following:
- A recent move to the community
- The death of a parent
- Having no contact with one parent
- A grandparent is the primary caregiver
- A difficult time making friends
- A drop in grades
|
| Who can refer a
student? |
| Parents, teachers, school social
workers and other concerned members of the community are all
encouraged to refer students to NYA. |
| What other services
does NYA provide to the community? |
The Following Services are provided.
- A free tutoring program to elementary school students
- Referrals to professional social service agencies
- Referrals to community service sites for high school
students in lieu of out-of-school suspensions
- On-site counseling of youths and families by a master’s
level social worker
- Homework help to middle school students by a middle school
teacher
|
| Who is eligible for
these services? |
| All residents of the city of
Northville, the Charter Township of Northville and the Northville
School District are eligible for the programs. All services are
free. |
| Who should I call if
I have questions or if I want to refer a student? |
| You can call Youth Assistance at (248)
344-1618 or
send an email. |
|
West Nile Virus
|
| What is the West Nile
Virus? |
| West Nile is a mosquito-borne virus
that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or
meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal
cord). |
| How is West Nile
virus spread? |
| West Nile virus is spread to humans by
the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by
biting a bird that carries the virus. You or your child cannot get
West Nile virus from a person who has the disease. West Nile virus
is not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching,
kissing, or caring for someone who is infected. |
| What are the symptoms
of West Nile viral infection? |
| Most people who are infected with West
Nile virus either have no symptoms or experience mild illness such
as a fever, headache and body aches before fully recovering. Some
persons may develop a mild rash or swollen lymph glands. In some
individuals, particularly the elderly, West Nile virus can cause
serious disease that affect brain tissue. At its most serious, it
can cause permanent neurological damage and can be fatal. Symptoms
of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) include the rapid
onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, loss
of consciousness (coma), or muscle weakness, and may be fatal. |
| Is there a vaccine
against West Nile virus? |
| No. A vaccine for West Nile virus does
not exist. |
| How is West Nile
encephalitis treated? |
| If you develop signs of encephalitis,
with fever, muscle weakness, and confusion, you should seek
medical care immediately. |
| What can I do to
reduce my risk of becoming infected with West Nile Virus? |
From April to October, when mosquitoes
are most active, take the following precautions:
If outside from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, or
during the day in an area where there are weeds, tall grass, or
bushes, people should wear protective clothing, such as long
pants, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, and consider
the use of an insect repellent containing DEET, according to the
manufacturer's directions on the label. |
| What can I do around
my home to help reduce exposure to mosquitoes? |
|
Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing or slow-moving
water such as streams or creeks. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes
provide an outdoor home for mosquitoes. They can enter homes
through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens.
-
Make sure that doors and windows have
tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens that have
tears and holes.
-
Drain all standing water in the yard. Empty
water from mosquito breeding sites, such as flower pots, pet
bowls, clogged rain gutters, swimming pool covers, discarded
tires and similar sites in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.
-
Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding
sites on their properties.
|
|
Information above was provided by the Michigan
Department of Community Health from the Pamphlet "What is West
Nile Virus?"
For additional information: Michigan West Nile Virus Hotline (888)
668-0869 or
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch or http://www.cdc.gov
You can also pickup a handout at:
Northville Township Finance Department
44405 Six Mile Rd.
Northville, MI. 48168 |
| Where can I learn
more or get help? |
Contact these agencies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: (888) 246-2675
The Michigan Department of Community Health's West Nile Hotline
at: (888) 668-0869
Each Metro Detroit county health agency also operates a hot line
for West Nile Calls.
Wayne County: (734) 727-7445
Oakland County: (248) 858-8011
Macomb County: (586) 469-5236
Livingston County: (517) 546-9850 |
|
Clerk |
| How do I register to
Vote? |
| You can register, in person, at any
Secretary of State office or the Township Clerk’s office, located
at 44405 W. Six Mile Road. You can also go on line at:
www.sos.state.mi.us
under "Voter Registration" and register to vote. |
| Where do I vote? |
Voting locations for the township are
located at Meads Mill Middle School, Moraine, Silver Springs and
Winchester Elementary schools, Northville High School and Kings
Mill Club House.
If you are not sure where you are to vote in this year’s
elections, leave your name and address and we will e-mail the
information to you. |
| How do I find out if
I am registered to vote? |
| Leave your name and address and we will
get back to you with this information. |
|
Planning Department |
| How can I receive
copies of township ordinances and development applications? |
| The Township Code of Ordinances, which
includes the zoning ordinance, and township development
applications are available online. The Code of Ordinances is
available by clicking here.
Development applications are available from our publications
download page. In addition, copies are available from the planning
department between 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The Zoning Ordinance
and Map are available for purchase.
Click
here for details. |
| Will I be notified
when development is proposed near my house? |
| In accordance with state law, Township
Zoning Act Public Act 184 of 1943 as amended, adjacent properties
within 300’ of a proposed zoning variance, rezoning and special
land use are notified via regular mail 7 days prior to a scheduled
meeting. A rezoning is the act of changing a specified parcel from
its current zoning classification to another classification,
whereby changing the types of uses permitted and requirements. A
special land use is a use that may be appropriate in certain
locations but due to their more intense nature requires a greater
level of review criteria and a public hearing to ensure
compatibility with the surrounding area. If you are interested
in receiving Planning Commission agendas, Zoning Board of Appeals
agendas or other planning related information via email,
click here to subscribe to the
development and planning mailing list. |
| Do I need a permit to
cut down trees in my yard? |
| Unless otherwise required as part of
the deed restrictions or homeowners association, the township does
not require a permit to cut down trees on residential property
when an existing home occupies a lot. However, if a new home is
being constructed on a lot, tree replacement per the township’s
woodland ordinance may be required. If you have additional
questions regarding the township’s tree replacement requirements,
please contact the planning department at (248) 348-5800. |
| What are the
requirements for installing a fence on a single family lot? |
Decorative fences, used for decorative
or ornamental purposes rather than for enclosure, are generally
permitted provided the following provisions are met. Lots greater
than two acres and having at least 200’ of road frontage are
exempt from these standards.
- The fence is constructed of wood, brick, stone, decorative
metal or other similar material.
- Building code standards are met.
- Fence does not exceed 3’.
- Fences may not be greater than 60% opaque.
- Fences may not be located within the clear vision triangle
of intersection streets.
- For lots less than ½ acre in size, fence sections shall not
exceed 20’ in length, sections of fence shall not be closer than
10’ to each other and the total length of fence shall not exceed
a combined total of 100’.
Fences which serve as an enclosure and do not meet the
requirements for a decorative fence are generally
permitted provided the following provisions are met. Lots greater
than 2 acres and having at least 200’ of road frontage are exempt
from these standards.
- The fence is constructed of wood, masonry, stone, wire,
metal and other similar materials.
- Building code standards are met.
- Fences shall not exceed an average height of 4’; however
fences having decorative projections along the top are permitted
up to 54”.
- Fences are not permitted within the front yard.
- Fences located along side and rear lots must have the
finished side abutting the adjacent property.
|
| Can I operate a
business out of my home? |
Certain types of home occupations are
permitted within single family zoning districts (R-1, R-2, R-3 &
R-4) provided they comply with the following standards.
- Home occupations shall not be noticeable from the exterior
of the dwelling.
- Traffic and delivery of goods shall not exceed what is
normally created by residential uses.
- No more than two clients or customers may be on the premises
at any time.
- Employees must be a resident of the home.
- Additional vehicles may not be parked on or near the
premises.
- Home occupations shall not occupy more than 25% of the total
floor area of the structure, including an attached garage.
- Home occupations are not permitted within accessory
structures.
- Day care facilities may provide care for up to 6 children
and must meet special land use requirements.
- No retail or other sales shall be permitted except for
products produced within the dwelling.
|
| Can I split my lot? |
Lots may be split provided the parent
parcel and all resultant lots comply with dimensional requirements
of the zoning district in which the parcels are located and all of
the following standards. Land division, land combination and land
reconfiguration applications are reviewed administratively for
compliance with the standards contained in Article 34 of the
zoning ordinance.
Applications for a land division, land combination or parcel
reconfiguration can be downloaded and printed by clicking here.
- The depth to width ratio of the lot shall not exceed 3:1.
- Each parcel must meet the minimum lot width as required by
Article 18 of the zoning ordinance.
- The lot width must be met exclusive of any easement for a
private driveway or road.
- Each lot must meet the minimum lot area for the zoning
district, or the median lot size of all
parcels within 500’ of the subject parcel, whichever is greater.
- All lots must have access to a public street, private road
or shared driveway.
- Necessary easements for public utilities, non-motorized
pathways, or other required public
facilities must be provided.
|
| Are temporary banners
or other means of advertising permitted? |
| Temporary banners, inflatable icons,
flashing lights or other similar temporary methods designed to
attract attention are not permitted in the Township. Temporary
construction signs which list the name of the project, developer
and other trades are allowed by permit and are limited to 32
square feet per side and shall not exceed 8’ in height. |
|
Zoning |
| What is a variance? |
| A variance is an approved deviation
from the required provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. It may
include modification to dimensional requirements such as minimum
lot sizes, setbacks and building height or it may permit the
variation of site plan review standards. |
| Who reviews variance
requests? |
| All variance requests are reviewed and
acted upon by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), unless otherwise
prohibited by a development agreement. This is a five member board
of citizens appointed by the Northville Township Board of Trustees
for fixed terms. The ZBA has the discretionary authority to allow
variances if certain conditions are met. |
| How many votes are
required to approve a variance request? |
| A majority vote (three members) is
required to approve any request made to the Zoning Board of
Appeals. If only three members are present at a particular
meeting, all three affirmative votes must be received. If less
than the full five members are present at a meeting, the applicant
has a right to request that the item be tabled until a future
meeting date. |
| Under what conditions
can a variance request be approved? |
| The ZBA may approve a variance if the
criteria under Article 41, Zoning Board of Appeals, have been met
by the applicant. The burden of proving that the criteria have
been met is placed on the applicant. A request that could
potentially meet the variance criteria may be denied if the
application fails to prove that they have been met. |
| Are variances easy to
obtain? |
| No. Variances are intended to be
difficult to obtain since they run contrary to the requirements of
the Zoning Ordinance. There may be unusual circumstances, however,
where the Zoning Ordinance is unnecessarily burdensome. Under
these circumstances, variances are intended to provide relief to
the applicant when the specific criteria are met. |
| How can I apply for a
variance? |
| Variance applications are handled by
the Northville Township Planning Department, located at 44405 Six
Mile Road. Applications can be obtained during normal business
hours (from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday) or
downloaded and printed by
clicking here. The Planning staff is available to answer
questions regarding ordinance regulations and variances. |
| |
