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1. What is the difference between S.E.V. and taxable value?

S.E.V. stands for State Equalized Value, which is 50% of Market Value. Taxable Value is the value that you pay your taxes on (this came about when Proposal A was voted in by the taxpayers in 1993). Beginning in 1994 your S.E.V. was capped and could only increase yearly by the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is less. If anything new is added to the property, 50% of the appraised value of this new item is added to your taxable value. Also if you just purchased your home, in the following year your taxable value will be uncapped, and your taxes will be based on S.E.V. In subsequent years you will be increasing by the taxable value rule.

2. Why are my neighbor's taxes less than mine when we have the exact same house?

Sometime it may appear that you have the same house, but on closer observation they may have a larger home, garage, deck, shed, lot etc., or your house may be newer by a few years. All of the aforementioned would affect the appraised value of your house and reflect a difference in your taxes. Also, if you purchased your home in the prior year, your taxable value would have been uncapped and you will be paying taxes on your S.E.V.

3. I am not satisfied with the value placed on my home, I feel there has been a mistake made. What can I do?

If you believe a mistake has been made in the appraisal of your property, the first thing to do would be to come into the office and inquire in the Assessing Department to have your appraisal explained. If are not satisfied with their explanation, and feel you are over assessed, you can appeal to the March Board of Review.

4. How much will my taxes go up if I build a garage?

Your taxes will go by the yearly millage rate multiplied by 50% of the appraised value of your new garage.

Example: Garage appraised at $15,000 times 0.50=$7,500 ($7,500 x current millage rate) 7,500 x 0.0327822 = $245.86

5. Should I call the office if I see an appraiser taking a picture of my house?

If it is a Township appraiser he is only doing his job. In the past we had black and white photographs, today we are trying to update our records with digital colored photograph which can be accessed from our computers.

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1. When can I speak with an inspector?

Inspectors are in the offices in the morning between 8:00 - 9:30 and between 4:00 - 4:30 in the afternoon.

2. How do I schedule an inspection?

Call the Building Department at 586-949-0400, extension 6476, before 3 p.m. the day prior to the requested inspection date.

3. What do I need permits for?

Call the Building Department at 586-949-0400, extension 2, for this information.

4. Whom do I contact if I have a zoning question?

Call the Planning Department at 586-949-0400, extension 86, for answers.

5. Whom do I contact if I have a zoning complaint?

Call the Zoning Department at 586-949-0400, extension 87.

6. How do I file a complaint?

The Building Department has complaint forms at the offices or may be obtained through our website. If it is a complaint regarding a particular builder, the Building Department will supply you with a pamphlet entitled "A Citizens Guide for Filing a Complaint". Contact Building and Code Enforcement.

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1. Where does my drinking water come from?

Our drinking water comes from 2 sources: Lake Huron Treatment Plant in Port Huron, which is owned and operated by the City of Detroit, as well as directly from the City of Detroit.

2. Why are sewer costs higher than water costs?

In order to filter and treat the sewage that comes from our Township, the sewage must be pumped back to the City of Detroit. From there, Detroit filters and treats the sewage.

3. Where can I pay my water bill if I cannot get to the Municipal Offices during normal business hours?

If you are able to get to the municipal office between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., you can drop off your water bill at the Treasurer’s Department. After normal business hours, we have a drop box located at the building entrance with the atrium. Please enclose your payment in an envelope marked "Water Department". Please do not put cash in the drop box.

Payments can also be made by phone to (844) 973-1674, online at https://bsaonline.com/?uid=253&sitetransition=true, or at any First State Bank location.

Direct Payment Enrollment Form (PDF).

4. Where can I get more information about water rates?

You can find more information on the Current Water Rates page. 

Understanding Water Rates page.

5. How can I lower my water bill?

You can learn about water conservation. Check for leaks in you faucets and hose connections, replace worn out fixtures and washers. To test your toilet, add several drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If it is leaking, the food coloring will appear in your toilet bowl without having to flush your toilet. You may also want to consider using your sprinkler system in early morning or evening hours. The DPW also offers a second meter for your outside water usage. The charges incurred are for water use only. To apply for a second meter, see the Second Water Meter page.

6. How does Chesterfield Township accept payments?

Payment at Township Hall

Cash, check, and credit card payments are accepted in-person at the Treasurer's Office. Please note there will be a convenience fee charged which is paid directly to Invoice Cloud if you choose to pay by credit card.

Fees:
Tax payments:     Credit Cards = 2.95% (minimum fee $1.95)
Water payments: Credit Cards = $3.95

Payments by Phone

You may pay your property taxes and water bills by credit card over the phone, simply call Invoice Cloud toll free at 844-973-1674 and follow the instructions. You will be informed of the convenience fees listed below. You will be given a confirmation number at the end of the call, which you should keep for your records. Your payment will be posted on the next business day.

Fees: Please note there will be a convenience fee paid directly to Invoice Cloud if you choose to utilize this option:

Tax payments:     Credit Cards = 2.95% + $0.95
                            Electronic Check = Free

Water payments: Credit Cards = $4.90 flat rate
                            Electronic Check = Free

Online Payment

For Tax Payments
Go to the Township home page and click Tax/Water Bill Online Payment Button. Select Current tax payments.  Find for your property by typing in your name or address or parcel identification number > click your correct parcel > select the current year’s tax bill make payment button.   You will be then be re-directed to the Invoice Cloud website to make a payment.

For Water Bills
Go to the Township home page and click Tax/Water Bill Online Payment Button. Find for your account by typing in your name or address or account number > click your correct water bill,> Click the Make Payment button to continue.   You will be then be re-directed to the Invoice Cloud website to make a payment.

The following fees will apply:
Tax payments:     Credit Cards = 2.95%
                            Electronic Check = Free

Water payments: Credit Cards = $3.95 flat rate ($450.00 maximum)
                            Electronic Check = Free

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1. Who is Eligible for an Absentee Ballot?

Due to the passage of the statewide ballot proposal 18-3 in November 2018, all eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absent voter ballot without providing a reason and/or be place on a permanent absentee voter list.

2. What is the Deadline to Request An Absentee Ballot?

Requests to have an absent voter ballot mailed to you must be received by the Clerk’s Office no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before the election. You may request and vote an absentee ballot in person no later than 4 p.m. the Monday before the election.

3. Can I Get an Emergency Ballot?

If an emergency, such as a sudden illness or family death prevents you from reaching the polls on election day, you may request an emergency absent voter ballot. Requests for an emergency ballot must be submitted after the deadline for regular absent voter ballots has passed but before 4 p.m. on election day. The emergency must have occurred at a time which made it impossible for you to apply for a regular absent voter ballot. Please contact the Clerk’s office for more information about emergency absent voter ballots.

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1. How do I submit a FOIA request to the township?

View the How to Submit FOIA Request section on the

Freedom of Information Act page.

2. What kind of response can I expect to my request?

- Within 5 business days after receiving a FOIA request the township will issue a response. If a request is received by fax or email, the request is deemed to have been received on the following business day. The township will respond to your request in one of the following ways: Grant the request, Issue a written notice denying the request, Grant the request in part and issue a written notice denying in part the request, Issue a notice indicating that due to the nature of the request the township needs an additional 10 business days to respond, or Issue a written notice indicating that the public record requested is available at no charge on the township’s website.
- If the request is granted, or granted in part, the township will ask that payment be made for the allowable fees associated with responding to the request before the public record is made available.
- If the cost of processing the request is expected to exceed $50, or if you have not paid for a previously granted request, the township will require a deposit before processing the request.

3. What are the township’s deposit requirements?

Please view the FOIA Deposit Requirements page.

4. How does the township calculate FOIA processing fees?

Please view the FOIA Processing Fees page.

5. How do I qualify for an indigence discount on the fee?

The township will discount the first $20 of fees for a request if you submit an affidavit stating that you are:
- Indigent and receiving specific public assistance.
- If not receiving public assistance, stating facts demonstrating an inability to pay because of indigence.

You are not eligible to receive the $20 discount if you:
- Have previously received discounted copies of public records from the township twice during the calendar year.
- Are requesting information on behalf of other persons who are offering or providing payment to you to make the request.

An affidavit is sworn statement. For your convenience, the township has provided an Affidavit of Indigence for the waiver of FOIA fees on the back of the township FOIA Request Form (PDF).

6. May a nonprofit organization receive a discount on the fee?

A nonprofit organization advocating for developmentally disabled or mentally ill individuals that is formally designated by the state to carry out activities under subtitle C of the federal developmental disabilities assistance and bill of rights act of 2000, Public Law 106-402, and the protection and advocacy for individuals with mental illness act, Public Law 99-319, may receive a $20 discount if the request meets all of the following requirements in the act:
- Is made directly on behalf of the organization or its clients.
- Is made for a reason wholly consistent with the mission and provisions of those laws under section 931 of the mental health code, 1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1931.
- Is accompanied by documentation of its designation by the state, if requested by the public body.

7. How may I challenge the denial of a public record or an excessive fee?

Please view the Challenge FOIA Denial / Excessive Fee page.

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1. Where are you located?

The Parks Recreation, and Senior Services Department is located inside of the Chesterfield Township Municipal Offices at 47275 Sugarbush Road (North of 21 Mile Road, and south of Cotton), nearest to the Senior Center. 

Staff members are also located in the Chesterfield Community Center at 48400 Sugarbush Road (part of the former Sugarbush Elementary) when programming is underway.

Please reach out to staff at (586) 949-0400, opt. 4 with any questions. 

2. What are your office hours?

Normal office hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30PM

3. How can I obtain a program brochure?

Program brochures are published three-times a year in May, August and December. Brochures can be obtained at the Chesterfield Township Municipal Offices or can be downloaded at parks.chesterfieldtwp.org.  These publications are mailed to all residential addresses within Chesterfield Township.

Current Parks and Recreation Brochure

4. How can I register for a program?

Register online for classes, leagues, and special events geared towards all ages, including senior programming, at parks.chesterfieldtwp.org or in-person inside of the Municipal Offices at 47275 Sugarbush Road.  Regular office hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30PM

Registering for a Program page.

5. Can I register for a program over the phone?

At this time, we do not accept phone registrations.

6. Do you take credit cards?

Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services accepts credit card payments online (24-hours) and in-person (during normal business hours.) If you choose to utilize this method of payment, there will be a convenience fee added to the total amount due.

7. Is there a service charge or convenience fee for using online registrations?

There is a fee associated with credit card use. We currently accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover during normal business hours. Cardholder must be present and show proper identification. A 3% fee with a minimum charge of $2 will be added to all credit card transactions done in-person. Our online transaction fee of 2.5% with a minimum of $1.95 will remain the same. When using online registration, we accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.  Convenience fees are not refundable.

8. Can non-residents register for your programs?

Non-residents are encouraged to register with us!  Non-resident registration rates are published with the program details. Resident and non-resident registration dates will be found in the program brochure, under the program description, when necessary.

9. When is the last day I can register for a program?

We offer a multitude of programs with limited availability that fill fast!  If you drag your feet on registering, you may end up on a waiting list.  Conversely, if you postpone your registration you might miss a fantastic opportunity to learn something new.  Class cancellations occur when there are not enough enrollees.  DON’T DELAY, register right away!

10. Where can I find your refund policy?

Our refund policies can be found online at parks.chesterfieldtwp.org.

online.

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1. When are Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals meetings held?

Planning Commission meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of the Month. Zoning Board of Appeals meetings are the second and fourth Wednesday of the month with the agenda closing at noon 30 days prior to the scheduled meeting. 

Township Calendar.

2. How can I find out what my property is zoned?

Zoning maps are available at the Municipal Offices or view our entire Code of Ordinances.

3. What are my setbacks?

The zoning classification of your property determines your setbacks. There are different setback requirements for your principal dwelling or use (if non-residential) and for your accessory uses (sheds, detached garages, swimming pools, etc.) Once you have determined your zoning classification, you can click here to find your particular setback in our Code of Ordinances.

4. Why do I need a variance?

If you are proposing work that does not comply with the Zoning Ordinance, you have to apply for a variance to be able to move forward. Variances permit modifications to setbacks, height, area, etc. in most zoning districts. Keep in mind that variances are not granted automatically and are required to meet certain criteria to be approved.

5. When do I need a site plan approval?

Site plan approval is required for any new commercial, industrial or multiple family developments. It is also required when there is a substantial change of use in an existing building and/or property.

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1. Where is the Chesterfield Senior Center located?

The Chesterfield Senior Center is adjacent to the Township Municipal Offices, located at 47275 Sugarbush Road. Call 586-949-0400, then press 7.

2. What are the Chesterfield Senior Center business hours?

Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

3. Does Chesterfield Township have senior housing?

Chesterfield Township does not offer senior citizen housing. For information regarding senior housing, please contact Macomb County Senior Services at 586-469-5228.

4. What kind of senior transportation is available?

Chesterfield Township Senior Services partners with the county-wide SMART program and Richmond/Lenox EMS to provide limited transportation services for the senior and disabled population.  It is available to senior citizens (55 years of age and older) and disabled persons who reside in Chesterfield Township.

The service area includes I-69 to the north, 16 Mile Road to the south, Lake St. Clair to the east and M-53 to the west.

Transportation is available Monday-Friday from 7AM-7PM and on Saturday from 9AM-3PM.  Travel must be scheduled a minimum of three-days in advance and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Transportation can be reserved up to four months in advance. Seating is limited. Please call 586-749-7713 

Note: The dispatcher will answer the phone "Richmond Lenox EMS". There is no cost for this service. A donation is suggested. 

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1. What is required to reserve a meeting room at the municipal offices?

You must fill out the Meeting Room Request Form (PDF).

2. Does the township provide notary services?

Yes, the Township Clerk's Office has notaries on staff. The charge for this service is $5 per notarial act.

3. How do I get on the Township Board Agenda?

Any person from the public may speak on any subject matter they wish, during “public comments”, for up to five (5) minutes. No prior requirements needed.

Citizens wishing to place an item on the agenda must meet the following requirements:

1.    Written support by two (2) Township Board members
2.    A request for a “Specific Board Action” of item
3.    Supporting documentation
4.    Submission deadline is 12:00 p.m. (noon) 7 days preceding the next regular meeting
5.    Please read the Administrative Procedure Order for full details of agenda submissions

4. What utility companies service this area?

Please view the
business directory.

5. Where do I dispose of hazardous waste and find more information about recycling?

The Macomb County Health Department will collect and recycle most hazardous materials. Their web page has a wealth of information about unusual recycling questions. Please contact the MCHD at 586-469-5467 or visit the MCHD website.

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1. Whose responsibility is it to take care of the roads?

All of the roads in Chesterfield Township are either County roads or private roads. It is the County’s responsibility to maintain County roads and the resident’s responsibility to maintain private roads. However, the Township, in working with the County, does grade or plow snow on County roads, if the County gives the Township authorization.

2. Who salts the roads?

With regards to dust, the County usually pays for one application of road salt. All other applications are paid for out of the Township’s general fund.

3. Whose responsibility is it for snow removal?

All public roads in Chesterfield Township are under the jurisdiction of the Road Commission of Macomb County. Snow removal on all roadways, major, secondary and residential are done by their crews. When there is more than 2 inches accumulation, residential roads are to be cleaned. Township crews are only permitted to assist with snow removal when authorized by the Road Commission and routes are forwarded to the Township Department of Public Works. Please direct inquires to 586-463-8671.

4. Whom do residents call to cut the weeds in the County drain ditches?

The residents call the Drain Commission office at 586-469-5325, or the Township offices at 586-949-0400.

5. If a resident is denied a variance at the Zoning Board of Appeals, can the Township Board overturn that decision, if the resident appeals to the Township Board?

The Township Board cannot overturn a Zoning Board of Appeals decision. The only way the Zoning Board of Appeals decision can be overturned is through Circuit Court. The Township Board can enter into a consent court agreement to settle a Zoning Board of Appeals appeal.

6. What is being done to improve the parks?

The Webber Paddle Park is in the beginning stages of development.  Once developed, residents will be able to launch their kayaks and paddle boards on the Salt River and have access to Lake St. Clair.

7. Who picks up trash in the Township?

GFL (Green for Life) has been contracted as the single waste hauler for the Township. Residents can call 866-772-8900 with any questions for concerns.

8. Who regulates wetlands in Chesterfield Township ?

Wetlands are protected by the Department of Environmental Quality, which is a state-operated department. The Township has no control over existing wetlands.

9. What cable companies are in the Township?

There are 2 cable companies in the Township; Comcast and AT&T which has limited service at this time. The Township does everything possible to permit competition for cable services.

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1. Where do I go to register to vote?

Any Secretary of State Office, local Clerk’s Office, or designated state agency.

2. How do I get an absentee ballot?

Contact your local Clerk’s Office either by telephone, letter, or in person to request the absentee ballot.

3. Who can be on the permanent absentee list?

Any registered voter 60 years of age or older or handicapped may request to be on the permanent list and will automatically be sent an application for each township election. For more information, please visit the Michigan Secretary of State website.