Planning & Development

Design Guidelines

The Design Manual was developed to guide the design and redevelopment of the Downtown Spring Lake Village. It is intended for use by businesses wishing to locate or improve properties in the downtown. View the Design Manual »

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Programs

Commercial Facilities Exemption District Tax Incentive

The Village of Spring Lake Commercial Facilities Exemption Tax Incentive Policy has been created for businesses located within the established Commercial Facilities Exemption (CFE) District in the Village of Spring Lake. All properties located within the CFE District may be eligible for the tax incentives allowed by the policy approved by the Village of Spring Lake on March 18, 2019. Applications will be accepted and reviewed by the Spring Lake Downtown Development Authority Board (DDA). The applicant may be required to give an oral presentation to the DDA a Board meeting. Typically, the DDA meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the Spring Lake Village Office.

Commercial Facilities Exemption District Tax Incentive Application

Downtown Facade Grant Program

The Downtown Façade Grant program is a 50/50 matching grant of up to $5,000 per building for improvements to the exterior of the building that enhance the aesthetics of the principle building and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the downtown district. The grant may be used for such things as architectural improvements, new entryways, masonry work, brick restoration and window repair or replacement.

Facade Grant Application

Fire Suppression and Elevator Assistance Program

The DDA offers a Fire Suppression and Elevator Assistance Grant. This is a 50/50 matching grant, up to $15,000, that is intended to provide an incentive for downtown business owners who own existing buildings, to invest in older facilities within the DDA District by providing matching grants to businesses to make these improvements (elevators and fire suppression systems) that give existing significant buildings new life and/or allow for a change of use. The state building code often requires upgrades to buildings, such as elevators and fire suppression systems, when the use of the building is changed. These improvements can be very expensive. With the help of the grant a downtown business owner can extend the life of the building with a new or different business and thereby help to retain the character of the downtown.

Fire Suppression and Elevator Assistance Grant Application

Assistance for Businesses

Sandwich Board signs are strictly regulated by the DDA and are available for purchase at Village Hall. For more information contact Angela Stanford-Butler at angela@springlakevillage.org or call Village Hall 616-842-1393.

Commercial Rehabilitation District

• Commercial Facilities Exemption Map
• Policy Guidelines for Applicants
• Resolution Number 2019-08

Available Development Properties