Planning & Community Development

Welcome to the City of Inkster Planning Department homepage. The Planning and Community Development Department works with all community stakeholders to improve Inkster’s quality of life. This department is the primary contact and liaison for the City’s Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Downtown Development Authority, and Tax Increment Financing Authority.  

To expand and preserve Inkster’s community and economic growth, this department is structured around the following core services:

  • Planning and Zoning Services
  • Community Development

Amendment to City Ordinance Chapter 155 (Zoning Code)


City Zoning Code - Chapter 155The City of Inkster Planning Commission held a public hearing to receive community input on proposed amendments to Chapter 155 of the City’s Zoning Code, in accordance with the Michigan Planning Enabling Act (Public Act 33 of 2008).

The hearing took place on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Inkster City Hall Council Chambers (26215 Trowbridge Street, Inkster, Michigan).

Residents and stakeholders were invited to participate by attending the hearing or submitting written comments to the City of Inkster Planning Department before the established deadline of 12:00 noon on Friday, March 20, 2026.


Help Shape Southeast Michigan’s Economic Future

Take the Pulse of the Region Survey

PulseSurveyInformz-min

SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments) and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) are gathering residents’ thoughts on Southeast Michigan’s economy. Your input will guide the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) — updated every five years to plan for growth, jobs, and quality of life.

📌 Your voice matters!
Take a few minutes to complete the online survey and make sure your community is represented.

🔗 Survey Link: Click here to take the survey
📄 Flyer with QR Code: Download the flyer
ℹ️ Read More: Learn more about the project

Ways to Share in Your Community:

  • Include the flyer in monthly newsletters
  • Post on your website or community bulletin board
  • Announce and hand out flyers at public meetings and events

Let’s work together to shape a stronger future for Southeast Michigan — one voice at a time.

Pre-Development Meetings

Applicants are encouraged to meet with Planning & Community Development staff for a pre-development meeting before submitting their Site Plan Review, Special Use, Zoning Board of Appeals, or Rezoning Application. To request a pre-development meeting, please email Carolyn Wilson at cwilson@cityofinkster.com or contact the Planning Director via phone at 313-563-9760.   

To make the best use of the pre-development meeting, please be ready with the following project information:

At this meeting, PCD staff can provide the following: 

  • Review the proposed use for zoning conformance.
  • Provide initial feedback on design, where applicable.
  • Outline the required process for approval of the development and general timeline.
  • Discuss potential local, county, or state incentive programs where applicable.
  • Answer any other development-related questions related to the project.

Cost of City Services and Applications

The cost of city services and applications, otherwise known as the fee schedule, is amended yearly and approved by the City Council. The city accepts payments for development-related fees in person at City Hall, Monday - Friday between 9 am and 3 pm, with the city clerk or by online payment. If you have any questions, please call the City Clerk at (313)- 563-9770. 

The cost of city services and applications, otherwise known as the fee schedule, is amended on a yearly basis and approved by the Council. 

Planning Resources

Welcome to the Planning Resources section, where you can find essential tools and information to support Inkster's community development and land use. This section offers access to maps, guidelines, and resources that aid residents, developers, and city officials in making informed decisions about planning, zoning, and community enhancements. Whether you want to understand zoning regulations or explore local amenities, these resources are designed to help you navigate and engage with the planning process effectively.

Other Inquiries

Planning and Zoning

The following documents provide more understanding of the City’s zoning and land-use regulations. Applications to help you communicate your planning and zoning needs are also provided below. If you are planning a project in Inkster, reach out to the Planning Department team to schedule a pre-application meeting.

Forms and Applications are available in the Forms Section of our website.

Community Development Community Development

Contact the Community Development team for resources regarding housing rehabilitation, the sale of city-owned land, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (INSP), and Michigan Opportunity Zones.

Ordinances

The following ordinances can be useful as you navigate the zoning requirements for opening a business or developing a project. Review the Latest Ordinances page to be up to date on all recent ordinance text amendments.

Master Plan

A Master Plan is a document and policy guide designed to help communities create a vision of what they want their city to look like in the future. Master Plans help guide communities in their decisions on land use development and preservation. Master Plans are written and adopted by a local Planning Commission and might also be adopted by a local legislative body, although Master Plans are not laws on their own. For the City of Inkster’s Master Plan, see below.