Community Development / Planning Department

Community Development Department

The Community Development Department is actively involved in facilitating economic growth in the City of Wayne. With success under our belt, we are aiming to put ourselves on the map as a destination for corporations, organizations, and entrepreneurs looking for a place to start their business or looking to expand.

Located at the heart of bustling Michigan Avenue and just minutes from the I-275 corridor, we are just a short distance from Detroit and Ann Arbor as well as other hubs of business and social amenities.

Wayne has a population of just over 17,000 and a trade area of 15 miles, reaching over 355,000 consumers with a median household income of over $60,000. The City is conveniently situated less than 10 miles from two major airports; Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Willow Run Airport. Our corridors consist of 1-94 with over 250,000 vehicles traveling daily, I-275 and I-96 with over 150,000 vehicles per day.

 Liason

The Community Development Department serves as the liaison between the business community and the City by providing guidance and support to existing businesses while helping to communicate the City’s goals and priorities to our business owners.  The department helps new businesses navigate the City’s development process and also to identify potential resources that are available to increase project feasibility.  

Planning Department  

The Planning a department's mission is to support and promote quality development. By preserving what the City of Wayne already has, enhancing those elements that can be improved, and diversifying options, Wayne can continue to be among the nation's preeminent places to live, work, and raise a family for many years to come

Overview

Staff members provide relevant zoning and land development assistance to existing and prospective residents and businesses including guidance to applicants seeking approval for Certificates of Occupancy, Re-Zoning, Variances, Site Plans, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), and Brownfield Redevelopment Plans for Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

The staff also assists businesses by establishing and implementing a business expansion and retention program, site and facility location assistance, providing guidance when seeking state and local incentives for establishing and/or locating a business, and introductions to resources that support companies' talent and business development needs. 

Opening a Business

The City of Wayne requires businesses to have a Certificate of Occupancy (Zoning Compliance) before opening a new business. The Zoning Compliance assures compliance with city zoning requirements. A Zoning Compliance Application ($100) fee and inspection fee ($350) must be submitted to start the inspection process to obtain a valid Certificate of Occupancy. The property will be inspected by five different inspectors. You must get approval from the fire department, mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspectors and then a final from the building inspector. Once you have all five approvals a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued allowing you to move into the property and open your business.

The City of Wayne aims to assist prospective business owners in opening their business in our community. While there is information available on the website, we encourage you to contact City staff members early in the process to ensure the most efficient use of your time and to discuss permit and approval requirements.

Team Approach

Our team approach is based on the principles of retention, expansion, attraction, and leadership. The City of Wayne wants you to succeed, and we share your priorities of completing a project on time and on budget. The city collaborates with you to provide one point of contact, a fast response to your needs, and the flexibility required to achieve your goals.  Your goal of doing business in Westland is the City's goal also.

The Master Plan

This plan sets forth a basic framework for the development and future growth of Wayne in the way that residents and community members aspire. It sets goals and guides decision making on land use, development standards, non-motorized transportation, housing, community facilities and more. Because community goals can and will change over time, the Master Plan is re-evaluated and updated every five years. The plan is always prepared with citizen input and visioning. 

Zoning Ordinance

This is a written regulation and law that defines how property in specific zones can be used. Zoning ordinances specify whether zones can be used for residential or commercial purposes, and may also regulate lot size, placement of building, bulk (or density) and the height of structures. 

Contact Us

If you have questions at any point in the process, please contact:

• First Point of Contact: Lori Gouin, Community Development/Planning Director
• Site Plans and Zoning: Lori Gouin, Community Development/Planning Director
• Permits, Business Inspections and Engineering: Michael Buiten, Building and Engineering Director