Benton Charter Township Master Plan Draft - July 2019

View the Master Plan here

Assistance Programs

Berrien County Housing Programs

https://www.berriencounty.org/317/Housing

This webpage provides information about housing and home-improvement assistance available through Berrien County. Residents can review program information, eligibility requirements, and available resources for improving and maintaining their homes.

Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency Weatherization Program

https://www.smcaa.com/wx

The SMCAA Weatherization Program provides information about assistance that may be available to help eligible residents improve the energy efficiency, comfort, and safety of their homes.

Building, Planning and Zoning Departments

NOTE: PERMIT HOLDER MUST CALL FOR THE INSPECTION(S) AND GIVE A 24 HOURS NOTICE!

The Benton Charter Township Building Department is staffed by ICC-certified professionals and has earned the highest ranking in the State of Michigan from the Insurance Services Office (ISO). As a full-service department, we provide plan reviews, inspections, zoning administration, and planning services to support the safe and responsible growth of our community.

The Building Department issues permits for Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sewer, Water, and Garage Sale activities. We also provide applications for Annual Rental Registration and Home Occupation permits.

Garage Sale Permit Requirements: All garage sale permit applications must include proof of residency, such as a valid driver's license, current utility bill, or other documentation verifying the address where the sale will be held. Applications submitted without proof of address will be denied.

Inspection Requests:

• Building and Rental Inspections: 269-925-7284
• Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing Inspections: Contact the appropriate inspector listed on your permit application.
• Water and Sewer Inspections: Schedule as directed on the permit application.

Submitting Permit Applications: Applicants may download and complete the appropriate permit application and submit it by:

• In person at the Building Department (2nd Floor of Township Hall)
• Mail: 1725 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
• Email: dscalf@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov (please copy the appropriate inspector when applicable)
• Drop Box: Located outside the main entrance of Township Hall

Permits will be processed once all required information has been submitted, applicable fees have been paid, and the proposed work has been approved by the appropriate inspector. Please refer to the permit application for detailed instructions and fee schedules.

Payment Options: The Building Department accepts cash, check, and credit card payments. Credit card payments may be processed by email using a Credit Card Authorization Form. Credit Card Forms are located below and e-mail everything in (1) e-mail to Deeann Scalf at dscalf@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov with a copy of the authorized cardholder's driver's license is required for all credit card transactions.

NOTE: If you would like to know if a property address is within Benton Charter Township please visit https://beacon.schneidercorp.c... (Choose the State, choose the County/City/Area) and you can search by Name, Address/Street or Parcel ID No.) if the Parcel ID No. starts with 11-03 that is in Benton Charter Township limits.

If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to call the Township. ORDINANCE CODES CAN BE FOUND online at www.municode.com in the Online Library (Michigan, then Benton Charter Township). Ordinances are currently being updated. You can always call for confirmation of current status updates.

Ordinance issues not related to the Building Department (Home Structure(s)), please contact the Ordinance Department (located within the Police Department at 1725 Territorial Road on the front side of the Building on Territorial Road) or by phone at 269.926.0616 ext. 114 or by e-mail at jbrown@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov (Jeff) and rporter@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov (Robert).

FOIA requests (FOIA Forms) fill them out in it's entirety and please print clearly and e-mail them to dscalf@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov.

Complaint requests (Complaint Forms) fill them out in it's entirety and please print clearly and e-mail them to dscalf@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov.

Zoning requests (Benton Charter Township Zoning Request Form Fillable Checkboxes) Fill out Form in it's entirety, or it will not be processed). Zoning Detail 24X36 Please allow (10) Business Days for processing and e-mail to dscalf@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov AND eashmead@bentonchartertownship-mi.gov.