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Community Center

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1. What is the Howard Miller Community Center Use Policy?

Howard Miller Community Center Use Policy 

Background 
The Howard Miller Community Center welcomes the public use of its four meeting rooms in keeping with the City's mission to “Feel the Zeel” and build our community, one piece at a time. 

Policy Statement 
The Howard Miller Community Center allows outside organizations and groups to use facilities and meeting rooms when they are not needed for administrative use or for activities or programs sponsored in whole or in part by the City or the Howard Miller Library. A permit to use the facilities and meeting rooms is revocable and does not constitute a lease. The Community Center staff reserves the right to deny applications for use based on the availability of space and staff. 

The Community Center staff does not discriminate when making its facilities and meeting rooms available for public use. The Community Center will not discriminate against any group or individual desiring to use a room in the Community Center in violation of state or federal laws. The permission to use the Community Center facilities and meeting rooms does not signify that the Community Center or the City of Zeeland endorses the policies or beliefs of an individual, group or organization using a room.

 City of Zeeland government departments have priority use of the Community Center’s facilities and meeting rooms. The Community Center reserves the right to pre-empt any scheduled meetings. The Community Center reserves the right to attend any meeting to ensure that no unlawful activities are occurring on the Community Center’s premises. The Community Center does not extend any special privileges to the organizations to which staff members belong. 

The Zeeland City Council authorizes the Community Center Director to review and modify reservations to use the Community Center facilities and meeting rooms, including pro-rated fee adjustments. The Zeeland City Council authorizes the Community Center Director, or his/her designee, to develop and implement procedures and guidelines in furtherance of this policy. 

User Fees 
Current user fees for the Community Center rooms are provided on the City of Zeeland’s public website and promotional materials.

Use by Non-Profit Organizations 
User fees are charged according to the space desired and the type of organization using the space. Groups which meet the criteria for a non-profit organization as defined below will be charged 50% of the full user fee for the room being used. 

For a group to be classified as being a non-profit organization and therefore to receive a discounted room user rate, one or more of the following criteria must be met: 

1. The organization must serve the public to further religious, scientific, charitable, educational, literary, public safety of other community service-oriented goals which results in a social benefit for the Zeeland community.
2. The organization must have been granted tax-exempt status by the IRS [501(c)(3) status].
3. The organization’s operations must be conducted by volunteers without the assistance of paid staff members or consultants. 

Reservations are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Users or the representatives of a user must be 21 years of age or older to sign a Reservation Agreement.

Fee-Exempt Status Eligibility 
The Community Center reserves the right to confer fee-exempt status upon eligible organizations pursuant to the City of Zeeland City Council Policy Directives. In addition, entities may be added to the Fee-Exempt List upon application to and approval by the Zeeland City Council. Entities need to be on the list of approved recipients which is on file with the City Clerk in order to have fee exempt status.

Costs and Damage The Community Center reserves the right to collect payments for costs incurred through the use of its facilities and meeting rooms. The Community Center may also collect payments if a user or a user’s invitees or guests cause damages to its facilities and meeting rooms.

Community Center facilities and meeting rooms are available for use during regular Community Center operating hours. 

Alcoholic Beverages 
Pursuant to City Ordinance 28-284 which prohibits the sale or distribution of alcohol on City property, no alcoholic beverages or other controlled substances are allowed in the building or on the property of the Howard Miller Community Center.

Smoking 
Smoking is not permitted on the premises.

See the User Agreement for a complete list of user rules and guidelines. The User Agreement is available from the office of the Event Coordinator for the Howard Miller Community Center.

2. What are the hours that the rooms can be rented?

Rental Hours: 

Monday-Friday

7:00 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday

9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

3. What size are the round tables?

The round tables are 60 inches.

4. What are the dimensions of the rectangular tables?

They are 6 feet by 30 inches.

5. Do you have linens or tablecloths?

No. Linens can be purchased from the store of your choice or rented through your caterer.

6. Is there ice available?

Ice is available on request.

7. What is AV equipment?

Please view our equipment options page.

8. Is there additional charge for using equipment?

No. Beverage and AV equipment must be reserved prior to your meeting.

9. What time can I arrive before my party?

The room is opened one hour prior to each event. Additional time can be arranged.

10. What is a half day?

A half day rental is an event that lasts four hours or less.

11. What is a full day?

A full day rental is an event that lasts for more than 4 hours.

12. Who vacuums after the event?

The city staff will complete the clean up after the items the renter has agreed to do. Please review our Rental Agreement (PDF).

13. May I bring in refreshments?

Yes. We can provide extra tables for refreshments.

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Library

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1. Can I donate to the library?

Thank you for considering a donation to the library!  Transform your gently used books into library programs and other services by donating them to the library.  

Items we can accept:

• Materials in good physical condition and free from mildew
• Books published within the last 20 years
• Movies or TV shows on DVD
• Audiobooks on CD

Please note that we cannot accept magazines, textbooks, dictionaries, technical manuals, VHS tapes, cassette tapes or any materials that have a strong mildew smell or actual mildew on the items.  If you have these items, check with a local thrift shop or consider recycling them.

How to donate: 

• Bring items in clean boxes or bags into the library
• If you need assistance carrying items, please call 616-772-0874 

We will provide you with a receipt for your donation. Staff will review the materials and will determine what we can sell in our book nook.

Thank you again! 

Updated on 3/24/2022

2. How can I get a library card at Howard Miller Public Library?

In order to obtain a library card, you must currently be a resident of Zeeland City, Zeeland Township, Olive Township, or Blendon Township. We can also create cards for Herrick District Library in Holland. The requirements for children and adults are listed below: 

Adults: Adults may obtain a library card if they present a valid Michigan Driver’s License,  Michigan ID or Resident Alien Card displaying their current address. Other forms of photo ID are acceptable if the current address is listed.  They will need to present a piece of official mail/form showing current address if the ID does not have it.  Official mail/forms would include a tax bill, a recent utility bill, voter registration, or printed check. Individuals must be over 18 to obtain an adult card.  

Children: Parent or legal guardian of the child must meet the above requirements. The parent or guardian must be present to sign for the library card. People aged 16-17 still require a parent or guardian’s signature. 

Student Cards: Children living in the Howard Miller Public Library service area who do not currently have a standard library card with a co-signer are eligible to apply for a limited use, student card without a co-signer provided. Child must be able to provide full home address, birthdate and phone number or email address. These cards only allow 3 print youth material checkouts. They have full access to Howard Miller Public Library’s digital collection. They can be upgraded to a full-use card with all privileges given to standard card holders with a co-signer signature at any time.  The co-signer must provide the ID requirements as listed in the Adults category above. 

Non-residents: Non-residents may obtain a library card with a current Michigan Driver’s license/Michigan ID or proof of Michigan temporary residence. The fee for a non-resident is $50.00 per year (cash or check only). These non-resident cards are only valid through and can only be used at the Howard Miller Public Library.

Zeeland City, Zeeland Township, Olive Township, or Blendon Township Residents:  If you do not already have a card, you can apply for a library card by following this link.

Updated on 06/7/2023

3. My library card expired? What does that mean?

Every three years library cards "expire". This just means that the library wants to verify your information (phone number, address, emails, etc.). When the library is open you may come in with your drivers license and staff will renew your card. If you are out of town and trying to check out digital material you can call the library at 616-772-0874 if no information has changed. 

Zeeland City, Zeeland Township, Olive Township, or Blendon Township Residents:  You can renew your library card through our app.  For more information, follow My Library App link.

 

Updated on 3/11/2022

4. Is there a library app?

There are multiple apps associated with the library:

MyLibrary: This app is your ticket to the library in your pocket!  You can:

• Search for Materials
• Reserve Items
• Manage Your Account
• Renew Items
• Cancel Holds
• Have a Digital Copy of Your and Your Family's Cards
• Apply For a Library Card
• Renew Your Library Card
• And more!

Libby: Libby is one of our digital resources apps.  You can check out ebooks, comic books, downloadable audiobooks, and magazines.  You can borrow from libraries across the state using Libby too!  

hoopla: hoopla is another digital resource app.  With your Howard Miller library card you can check out 5 items a month.  The types of downloadables available on hoopla include television shows, movies, music albums, audiobooks, ebooks, and comic books!  Watch tutorials on using hoopla here.

Beanstack: Beanstack allows you to keep track of the books you've read and participate in various challenges.  This is a fun and laid-back way to safely participate in library programs throughout the year!  Beanstack is also a website, you do not need the app to participate.

Updated 3/11/2022

5. Can I get text notifications from the library?

Here at the Howard Miller Public Library we use a service called Shoutbomb for library alerts. Shoutbomb allows patrons to see when their holds are ready, which holds are ready, and where to pick up the holds! You can also see which items are due in 3 days and which are overdue. This system also allows for renewal of books that are due in 3 days or less. Renewals might not always work for various reasons. If this happens please check the catalog or call us.  

It’s so easy to sign up!

• Save this phone number (844) 225-9466 as a contact in your phone. It can be Library or Howard Miller Public Library or whatever you want.
• Text SIGNUP+[Your library card number]+[Your 4 digit PIN]
• You’re ready to go!

To add a family member's card just text ADDCARD+[Your library card number]+[Your 4 digit PIN]. To add multiple cards you need to send multiple messages. 

Change your PIN? You need to update it on Shoutbomb! Text NEWPASS+[Your library card number]+[NEW PIN].

Here are the commands Shoutbomb uses:

Updated 3/11/2022

6. How do I sign up for email notifications or change my email address?

To Change Email:

NOTE:  Follow the same steps to sign up for email notifications.

1.   Log into our catalog.  Follow this link to the Card catalog.
2. Click on the down arrow next to the user name.
3. Click on the gear icon.
   
4. Find "Email Address" under "Account Information" and click the word "Change".
   
5. Enter new email address.  NOTE:  Digital email address is optional.
6. Click "Save Changes".

The Michigan Library Privacy Act and the Lakeland Library Cooperative Privacy Policy prohibit the disclosure of a cardholder's library records without the written consent of the cardholder or a court order.  Since e-mail is not secure and others might have access to your e-mail, you consent to any inadvertent disclosure of your e-mail notifications to others and waive your rights to privacy under the Michigan Library Privacy Act and the Lakeland Library Cooperative Privacy Policy in order to receive e-mail notifications at your email address. 

Updated 3/11/2022

7. How can I renew my items?

There are many ways to renew your items! 

• You can check your account online and renew your items there. Here is the link for your online account. 
• You can call us at (616)772-0874.
• You can come into the library and renew your items at the front desk or using the self checkout computers.
• You can use the MyLibrary App.  Here is the link to learn more about the App.
• You can wait until 3 days before the item is due and see if your item automatically renews.

Automatic Renewals

Automatic renewal happens 3 days before your item is due. If your item is renewed it will show the new due date based on the original due date. So if your movie is due on April 4 and is automatically renewed it will now be due on April 11! If it is a book, it will be due on April 25. See below for an email example of an automatic renewal notification. 

Most items can be renewed, but some, like our feature film DVDs and Express books, cannot.  

Updated 3/11/2022

8. Can I check out materials through the Howard Miller Public Library?

To check out materials at Howard Miller Library, there are two options.

1. Come into the library with either your library card or your photo ID.
2. Use the MyLibrary App (your digital card or mobile checkout function).

The Howard Miller Public Library is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. Borrowing privileges of your card extend beyond walls of this library to 82 area libraries. This means that you may visit other libraries within the cooperative to check out materials, or request that materials be sent to the Howard Miller Public Library for pick up. Names and addresses of libraries within the cooperative can be found at the Lakeland Library Cooperative website. PIN number is required to place items on hold.

Updated on 03/11/2022

9. Why can't I check out materials from the library?

There are a few reasons that you might not be able check out materials from our library (physical or digital).  These include: 

• Library card needs to be renewed or updated.
• If the library card is a student card there are limitations, but if the cardholder brings their guardian to the library they can get a full access card. 
• "No member library [includes Howard Miller] shall circulate materials to a patron who owes more than $10.00 or has been sent to the collection agency." (ILS Circulation Policies, 2017, CIRC 2.6)
• If a juvenile card is unable to check out it may be due to the above issues with the cosigner’s library card. 

To see the Lakeland Library Cooperative Circulation Policies (Revised February 2020) click here. 

Updated: 03/11/2022

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Library - Libby App

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1. How can I borrow from different libraries on Libby?

Yes! Lakeland Digital Library (Lakeland Library Cooperative), Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS), Suburban Library Cooperative, Great Lakes Digital Libraries (GLDL), Download Destination, Up North Michigan Consortium and White Pine Library Cooperative are partnered to share certain digital resources. This means that all patrons will have additional digital resources available to them. 

Here's how to sign up with the other libraries:

1. Click on the menu icon at the center of the bottom menu: 

2.  Click "Add A Library". 

3.  Search for Midwest Collaborative, Suburban Library, Great Lakes Digital Libraries, Download Destination, Up North Michigan Consortium or White Pine Library Cooperative.  

4.  Choose "Sign In With My Card" then scroll to Lakeland Digital Library (under Partner Libraries).

5.  Use your library card to sign in and then repeat the process with the other partnering libraries!

To Switch Between Libraries:

There are a few ways to switch between libraries:

1.  Click on the Libby icon at the center of the menu. 

2.  Click on the library you want to explore.

OR

1.  Click on the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen. 

2.  Click on the library name and pick a library to search: 

You can also borrow from other libraries right from the title information!  

1.  Click on the "plus box".

2.  If another library has a copy ready to check out you can click on the box to borrow it immediately! 

Updated:  October 7, 2022

2. How do I change my library card number?

If you got a new library card number or recently moved you will need to update your account on Libby.  It is pretty easy to do this!

1.  Click on the menu icon in the center of the screen.

2.  Choose "X Card(s) +". 

3.  Pick Actions.

4.  Choose "Verify Card"

5.  Enter your library card number and click Sign In. 

This will have to be repeated with any of the partner libraries. 

Updated:  March 29, 2022

3. How can I see what I have checked out?

You will open your "shelf" and choose loans.  See the menu below to learn all about the Libby options. 

1. “Library”

Find our materials here! There are multiple collections of books to browse as you scroll down the screen. Just click on the book cover that catches your eye to learn more about it and borrow/place it on hold! 

 

2. “Search”

Click the magnifying glass to search for material.  Start typing the book/series title or author. Suggestions will appear—unfortunately, this does not mean that the library owns the title. You can borrow or place the book on hold from the results page! 

3. “Shelf”

Here you will find: 

Loans - What you’ve already checked out

Holds - What material you’re on hold

Tags - This is a way to organize what books you want to read and those you’ve read. You can create a Wishlist by making a new tag.

4. “Timeline”

Timeline lets you see what you what you placed on hold or checked out by month. 

5. Using Partner Libraries on Libby:

Other libraries in Michigan have partnered with Lakeland Library Cooperative to offer you more material.   You can switch between libraries by clicking on the Libby icon in the center. 

You can also see what other libraries have the book you’re looking at by clicking on the “plus box” (see below).  If another library has a copy ready to check out you can click on the box to borrow it immediately!

You can also update your library card number and provide feedback to Libby using this icon.

4. How do I renew or return my item?

You can only renew an item if its within 3 days of being due and no one has it on hold.  It is a common courtesy to return your item as soon as you're done so the next person can enjoy it! 

When you're ready to renew or return:

1.  Go your Shelf and pick "loans".

2.  Click "Manage Loan" under the title.

3.  Choose "Return Early" or "Renew Loan" if available.

The other options are: 

Reading Journey - See how much time you've spent reading this title and the timeline for your checkouts. 

Share Title - If you really loved this title and want to share it with your friends you can share the link from here! 

Tag - Tag the title to group together your favorites, what you didn't like, or just about anything!

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Library Curbside Pickup Service

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1. Can I use this to pick up my family member's holds?

You must know the person's library card number in order to pick up their holds curbside.

2. Are there any items that I cannot pick up using this service?

Mobile Hotspots should be picked up at the front desk, but we can bring the paperwork out to your car if you are uncomfortable coming in the building due to COVID concerns. 

Other items in our collection cannot be placed on hold so cannot be picked up with this service: 

• Fun on the Run Bags
• Kindles and NOOKs - Preloaded with ebooks!

3. Can I pick up my book club kit?

You can!  Placing a book club kit on hold is different from other items so we recommend that you go here for more information. 

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Library Reopening

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1. Will I need to wear a mask?

We are not requiring masks, but have them available for people who wish to wear one.

2. Will I be able to use the computers in the library?

We have 8 public computers available for the public to use. All computer stations are adequately spaced to allow for social distancing. You may use your library card or a guest pass for up to 2 1-hour sessions. All gaming on public computers will be suspended during this phase of our re-opening.

3. Is the children's area of the library open?

Yes, guests will be able to access books and other library materials within the children’s area of the library.  We've added the children's play tables back onto the floor.

4. Will we be able to read magazines and newspapers in the library?

There are areas available to read materials in the library while remaining socially distanced from other guests. We are asking that you use hand sanitizer before and after reading magazines and newspapers in the library to mitigate the spread of the virus.

5. How does curbside pick up work at this time?

We are offering curbside pickup currently but there are differences:

We cannot accept returns via curbside. We cannot hand you your items. You might not be able to use the curbside parking space, but any parking spot on Church St. is okay.

*Curbside exchanges will now consist of your holds in a bag labelled with your last name. A staff member will put the bag on the sidewalk near the library’s entrance on Church Street. If you have mobility issues, please let us know and we will deliver your holds to your vehicle. If you are in quarantine, please send another person to pick up your holds. We will check them out to a family member or friend for you.

6. Are study rooms available?

Our study rooms are currently available on a first-come first-serve for two hour sessions.  You must be 18 years of age to use a study room.  There are also tables with chairs throughout the library for those who need a quiet place to work.

7. Now that the library is open, will there be in-person programming?

We have a number of in-person activities planned for a variety of age groups.  Please check our calendar through this link to learn more about the events! 

8. What if I have more questions or need to share concerns with someone? How do I do that?

Our director, Amanda Hanson, is more than happy to answer questions and address concerns. She may be contacted by emailing ahanson@cityofzeeland.com or by calling the library at 616.772.0874. 

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Main Avenue Downtown Streetscape and Snowmelt Project

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1. What is the Main Avenue Project?

The Main Avenue project consists of a comprehensive refresh of the downtown district from State Street to east of Maple including new sidewalks, landscaping, light poles and bollards, irrigation, and asphalt paving.  In addition to refreshing the existing infrastructure, we will be expanding the theme of our downtown district into the block from Centennial to Maple which will introduce angled parking on the northside of Main Avenue and a mid-block crossing.  While this in itself is transformational, as part of the project the sidewalks, crosswalks, and mid-block crossings will all be reconstructed with snowmelt throughout the expanded district.

2. Why are we doing the project?

First, as described this is not strictly a snowmelt project.  While snowmelt is a component of the Main Avenue Project, it is a portion of a much larger project.  Our current sidewalks, planters, light poles, and driving surfaces are roughly 20 years old, and while they are well maintained, most of them are reaching the end of their useful lives.  The road surface needs to be replaced, trip hazards throughout the district continue to emerge, and other aspects are just getting tired.  

 

In addition to the need to update some of the facilities, we are experiencing unprecedented growth in our downtown district, especially east of our traditional downtown.  This growth has led us to evaluate what our greater downtown district looks like and what it would look like to create four blocks of downtown with a consistent feel and theme. This project will assist in accomplishing this theme.  

 

Finally, we have decided to add snowmelt to the project after numerous years of thoughtful decision making. Snowmelt will be a complimentary feature to attract and retain current and future development.   

3. What will the project cost?

The budget for the project is $10.2 Million.

 

4. Where is the funding coming from?

Generally speaking, the funds for this project have come in the form of unbudgeted Personal Property Tax Reimbursement payments from the State of Michigan.  Since 2018, the City has received more than $6.5 Million from this unbudgeted revenue source.  The remaining funds have come from either an unbudgeted surplus in the General Fund or in the case of Fiscal Year 2024 a budgeted transfer from the General Fund.

5. What is the project's timeline?

The project is expected to begin in June of 2023 and extend through the 2024 construction season with the intention that the work east of Church will be completed in 2023 and the remainder of the project will be completed in 2024.  Depending on the severity of the winter construction activities will take a break during the winter. 

 

6. Why are we starting the project east of Church Street?

While it may seem more desirable to reconstruct the central block of the downtown district first, we have chosen to do the easterly block for several reasons including:

• Cityside Middle School will be closed to the public during the summer of 2023 which means less traffic in the vicinity of the project.
• Coordination with the work at the Sligh Building including watermain, storm sewer and sidewalks.
• Fewer impacted property owners which allows us to gain efficiencies in year one prior to disturbing the central block in the second year of the project.

7. What will access look like to the downtown district throughout the project?

Except for an 8-week closure of Main from Centennial to Maple during the summer of 2023, at least one lane of traffic will be maintained throughout the entire project.

8. What will access to individual properties look like throughout the project?

We are planning a phased approach to construction and are expecting block-by-block phasing to minimize disruption.   We do realize though that some overlap between blocks will occur throughout the project in order to minimize the total disruption time to the Downtown.  Parking spaces adjacent to the construction activities will be blocked off to facilitate contractor construction activities.  Front door or partial driveway access will be available throughout the course of the project when feasible but realize there may be times when front door access will not be available (i.e., during snowmelt tubing installation and during the pouring of concrete).  During periods between sidewalk removal and reinstallation and there is no concrete surface, access may be by temporary gravel, plywood walkways, or through other means.  Downtown patrons and property owners are encouraged to use rear entrances throughout the duration of the project.

9. How do I ask specific questions regarding the project?

Please email mainaveproject@cityofzeeland.com to ask any questions you may have regarding the project.

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Peddlers' Market Vendors

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1. Where is the market located?

On Church Street, between Main & Central.

2. Do I qualify to be a vendor at the Peddlers’ Market?

Priority will be given to vendors who curate high-quality, unique or unusual items not already well represented at the market. 

3. How do I apply?

By completing an online application available at:

cityofzeeland.com/springpeddlers

cityofzeeland.com/fallpeddlers

4. How much is a booth?

$50, nonrefundable. 

5. How do I pay for my booth?

Payment can be made by cash or check.  Payment must be sent to City Hall (21 South Elm Street, Zeeland MI 49464) within 10 days of receipt of your application acceptance email. 

6. What size is the booth space?

15’ wide x 10’ deep

7. If I have come to the market before do I still have to apply?

Yes!  Your items could change over time. Also, the jury that reviews the applications changes. 

8. If I have been accepted to the market before, will I automatically be accepted again?

Not necessarily.  We keep a limited number of vendors in each category (i.e. only a few jewelry vendors, a few clothing vendors etc.) to keep from oversaturating the market.  There are times that we like to allow other vendors to be a part of the event so we rotate them.  

9. Can I get two booth spaces?

Possibly. Unfortunately, we will be unable to confirm this until closer to the event date.

10. Who determines which vendors will be approved for the market?

All applications are reviewed approved by our Peddlers’ jury. 

11. How will I know that I have been accepted into the market?

We send notifications via email to everyone who applied 3-4 weeks following the application deadline.  

12. Will my food truck be accepted?

A select number of food trucks will be accepted. 

13. Will my MLM business be accepted?

Likely, no. 

14. What happens if it rains?

The market happens rain or shine.

15. Are tables and tents provided?

No, everything that is needed to create your booth space must be provided by the vendors. Tent weights are also strongly encouraged (no water jugs, please).

16. When will I get my booth assignment?

Approved vendors will receive the event map with booth assignments two days before the event. 

17. How are booth assignments made?

Booth assignments are based on available space, electrical needs, and accessibility as well as the overall flow for the shopper.

18. Can I make a request on where my booth is?

Yes, we do our best to accommodate booth requests noting that not all requests can be met.   

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Planning Commission

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1. When does the Planning Commission typically meet?

The first Thursday of each month.

2. How soon should I submit my application for the Planning Commission?

Please submit your Planning Commission application at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting you are looking to attend.

3. How much is the Planning Commission application fee?

Depending on the type of application you will be submitting, the fees are as follows:
Site Condo Application - $350.00
Site Plan Review Application - $350.00
Special Land Use Application - $350.00
Subdivision Plat Application - $350.00
Planning Commission Demolition Hearings - $300.00
Other Planning Commission Hearings - $350.00
Planning Commission Special Meeting Fees for above Planning Commission Applications and/or matters - $700.00

4. Where can I find a Planning Commission application?

Please look at the "Related Documents" section of this page, or stop in the Community Development Office located at City Hall.

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Residential Rental Inspection Program (RRIP)

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1. How frequently are residential rental properties inspected?

Every residential rental property must be inspected a minimum of once every three years. Inspections will be completed every three years after the Initial Inspection. Please note: Complaints received about the property may result in additional inspections or inspections before the above stated dates.

2. What fees are associated with the Residential Rental Inspection Program?

The annual registration fee is $15.00 per dwelling unit (Example: the total registration fee for a four-plex is $60.00). The registration form is available under the useful forms tab.
In addition, the inspection fee is $60.00 for the first dwelling unit, and $30.00 for each additional dwelling unit on the premises (Example: a two-family house would have a total inspection fee of $90.00). The fee includes an Initial Inspection and Re-Inspection of each unit. Inspections will be invoiced when they are scheduled.

3. What steps should I take if I would like to utilize my property as a residential rental property?

First, contact the City's Community Development Department to begin this process. The steps include:
1. Complete and submit a Rental Property Registration Form.
2. Pay the rental registration fee and inspection fees.
3. Schedule an Initial Inspection.
4. Hire a licensed mechanical contractor to conduct a heating system inspection of each building (Form located under useful forms).

After the Initial Inspection, the property owner is given at least thirty days to make all of the required corrections prior to the Re-Inspection. Once all of the corrections have been made, and all of the documentation and fees have been submitted, a Rental Certificate of Compliance may be issued to you.

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Snowmelt

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1. What will the project cost?

At this point in time, we are estimating a total project cost of $3.6 Million which includes the removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk and installation of snowmelt along Main on both sides of the street from State to the East property line of the Community Restaurant.  This also includes snowmelted crosswalks at State and Main, Church and Main, Centennial and Main, Maple and Main, and a Midblock Crosswalk on Main between Elm and Church. (The crosswalk at Elm/Main is already complete.)

2. Where is the money coming from and Why doesn’t the city lower the millage instead?

Generally speaking, the funds for this project have come in the form of unbudgeted Personal Property Tax Reimbursement payments from the State of Michigan.  Since 2018, the City has received more than $5 Million from this unbudgeted revenue source.

 

These payments were unbudgeted because they are not guaranteed.  The City did budget for nearly $4 Million of Personal Property Tax Reimbursements and did incorporate these funds into our operational budget.  Since this additional $5 Million was not guaranteed, we did not feel that it was prudent to use these funds for operational investments or a lower the millage rate.  Instead, we have chosen to use these funds for long-term transformative projects.

3. Will downtown property owners be responsible for costs associated with this project?

It is anticipated that property owners abutting this snowmelt system will responsible for two costs associated with the project which will be charged in the form of two special assessments. 

• Installation Special Assessment -   The installation special assessment will cover the incremental cost to increase the size of the snowmelt system.  It is expected that each property will be responsible for these costs.  We are estimating that this cost would be $9.03 per square foot of snowmelted area.  This payment could be made in one lump sum payment or spread o=over a period of 10 years.
• Operation and Maintenance Special Assessment -   The operation and maintenance special assessment will be levied on a yearly basis and is estimated to be between $.50 and $1.00 per square foot of snowmelted area.  It is anticipated that this payment may fluctuate yearly based on the cost to operate the system in any given year.  

 

At this point in time, we are planning to levy these special assessments based on the snowmelted area for each parcel.  As part of the special assessment process, City Council could determine to place a cap on the square footage that is specially assessed, exempt specific parcels from the special assessments, or even choose not to specially assess for these costs. 

4. Is there possible relief from an installation special assessment?

We are currently working on a grant program using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for eligible small businesses and non-profits that could be used to off-set the Installation Special Assessment.

5. What is the timeline?

Our plan is to begin construction during the spring of 2023 with an anticipated fall of 2023 completion.  In order to be ready for construction during 2023, we will be working through final engineering, aesthetic design, special assessment processes, and grant policies throughout 2022.  Our intention is to have a final bid package ready by December of 2022.  During 2022, we will also be addressing items such as how to handle building insets, special assessment considerations for varying sized snowmelt systems, and project coordination.

6. How will I access downtown during the project?

Since the scope of the snowmelt project only includes sidewalks and crosswalks - it is projected that vehicular traffic through downtown will be maintained during the majority of construction. We envision a phased approach to construction, and are anticipating block-by-block phasing in order to minimize disruption.  On-street parking spaces adjacent to the construction activities will be blocked off, in phases, as we work through the project, in order to facilitate contractor construction activities. We do realize though that some overlap between blocks will occur throughout the project in order to minimize the total disruption time to the Downtown.  We will work with the contractor in order to maintain front door or partial driveway access throughout the majority of the project, but realize there may be times when front door access will not be available (i.e. during snowmelt tubing installation and during the pouring of concrete).  During periods between sidewalk removal and reinstallation, when there is no concrete surface, temporary surfaces will be used,  such as gravel, plywood walkways, or through other means.

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Social District

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1. How does the Social District work?

The Social District allows customers the flexibility to purchase alcoholic beverages downtown (currently from Tripelroot, Frank's East & StrEATs Taco Kitchen) and consume them while walking or sitting within the boundaries of the district. 

This is a perfect opportunity to grab a drink while you wait for availability to dine at a restaurant or visit a downtown event. It also creates the opportunity for different people in your party to select drinks and food from different restaurants and dine together at City of Zeeland tables within the Social District. Think of it like a food court!

2. Where can I sit?

You may eat or consume alcoholic beverages served in designated Social District cups at any City of Zeeland furniture, including: downtown benches, picnic tables, at café tables found within the boundaries of the Social District. Group seating is provided at the Elm Street Park (across from City Hall), in the Main Street bump outs adjacent to the mid-block crosswalk,  the patio behind Drip Coffee, and the on-street Patio in front of Tripelroot (on Main Street).

Businesses that provide their own café seating in front of their business along Main or Elm Street, may permit customers to consume Social District beverages while dining at their tables. (Please ask at individual businesses.)

3. What types of alcoholic beverages can I purchase to carry around the Social District?

Beer, wine, and liquor are allowable drinks when served in a designated Social District cup. Drinks must be purchased from a licensed business within the Social District. Currently: Tripelroot, Frank's East & StrEATs Taco Kitchen.

4. Can I walk anywhere with my drink?

No. You may only walk on public property within the designated Social District boundaries. Leaving the Social District with an alcoholic beverage, or trespassing on private property violates State and local law.

5. Can I take my Social District beverage into other businesses?

No. Once an alcoholic beverage has left the business where it was served it must be consumed before you enter another other business or private property.

6. Can I take my Social District beverage into the Splash Pad?

No. The Splash Pad is not part of the regular operational hours of the Social District. If alcohol is ever permitted within the Splash Pad it will be for City of Zeeland approved special events only and will be clearly posted on those occasions. 

7. When can I use the special occasions areas in the Social District?

The social district map has two categories - the red section indicates the regular social district boundaries: Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm. 

The pink sections will be used during designated special events only. 

These special events include: 

• The Show & Shine Car Show and Cruise
• Zeeland's Peddlers' Markets
• Pumpkinfest
• The Zeeland Criterium
• Parades

*Alcohol in the Splash Pad is explicitly off limits unless otherwise posted.

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Zoning Board of Appeals

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1. When does the Zoning Board of Appeals typically meet?

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets upon request, the third Tuesday of every month.

2. How soon should I submit my application for the Zoning Board of Appeals?

Please submit your Zoning Board of Appeals application at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting you are looking to attend.

3. How much is the Zoning Board of Appeals application fee?

Depending on the type of application you will be submitting, the fees are as follows:
ZBA Application for Regular Meeting Hearing for a Single Family Residential Matter - $250.00
ZBA Application for Non-single Family Residential Matter - $350.00
ZBA Application for a Special Meeting Hearing - $500.00
Other ZBA Matters - $500.00

4. Where can I find a Zoning Board of Appeals application?

Please look at the "Related Documents" section of this page, or stop in the Community Development Office located at City Hall.