Question 1

I’m looking for a building to buy or rent in the downtown area. Who do I contact?

Accepted Answer

We encourage you to call either the Downtown Berkley Director or the Community Development Director. From there, a meeting will take place with both representatives from the Downtown and Community Development.

Question 2

Who do I need to contact for a business license?

Accepted Answer

pdf

Business License Application

Once the application is completed, please submit to Community Development. The Zoning Administrator reviews for compliance with zoning, parking, and will advise on any additional improvements that may be required for the project.

Question 3

I’m thinking about opening a business in the downtown Berkley DDA district, what are the top three benefits for opening in the DDA district, vs. outside of the downtown area?

Accepted Answer

There are so many great reasons! But here are the top three:

Facade Grant Program
Parking Lot Enhancement Program
Main Street Oakland County Grants

Question 4

I’m a developer looking to invest in the downtown area? What incentives is the city/DDA offering? How do I find out information on what types of development are permitted?

Accepted Answer

Before you purchase a property or sign a lease, we encourage you to review these two documents:

xlsx

Land Use Matrix

pdf

Zoning Map

From there, you can contact either the Downtown Berkley Director or the Community Development Director.

Question 5

I own a building in the DDA district. Are there any programs to support funding building updates?

Accepted Answer

Downtown Berkley has a facade and parking lot enhancement program that provides matching grants and technical assistance, including free design services, for property owners or tenants seeking to renovate or restore building exteriors.

Question 6

I own a building in the DDA district and am planning on doing facade/lot updates to my building. What design guidelines/requirements do I need to follow?

Accepted Answer

web

City of Berkley Planning & Zoning Website – Zoning Ordinance

pdf

Downtown Design Guidelines

The DDA Design Guidelines is the document to reference and follow with the city Zoning Ordinance as your main resource. This is what both the DDA and City will use in the review process.

Question 7

How long does it typically take to get an approval for a facade grant from the DDA?

Accepted Answer

The approval process can vary depending on when the application is received. The application would have to be reviewed and approved by the following committees/boards:

DDA Art and Design (meets the first Wednesday of every month)
DDA Board (meets the second Wednesday of every month)
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA, meets second Monday of every month)
Planning Commission (meets fourth Tuesday of every month)

*Please note, for any DDA grants/funding, the DDA Board will have to approve first before going to ZBA and/or Planning Commission.

The Art and Design Committee has the right to approve or disapprove an application. Upon disapproval, the Art and Design Committee can work with the business/property owner to update the application for approval.

The DDA Board also has the right to approve or disapprove an application along with ZBA. City staff will work to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Question 8

I’m a restaurant/bar owner and I’m interested in participating in the new BOSS (Berkley Outdoor Social Scene). What is the cost? How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

Qualifying license holders will be required to sign a Social District Agreement with the City prior to applying for a permit through the MLCC. Once the agreement has been reviewed and authorized by the Community Development Director and/or City Manager, licensees must apply for a Social District Permit from the MLCC. Once approved, the license holder will place an order for cups and stickers.

Please contact Kristen Kapelanski, Community Development Director at kkapelanski@berkleymi.gov.

Question 9

I’m a restaurant/bar owner/manager and I’m interested in participating in the downtown pub crawl event. Who puts that on? How do I sign up?

Accepted Answer

The Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce puts on Berkley’s pub crawls and restaurant weeks. You visit their website, BerkleyChamber.com for more information.

Question 10

I’m a restaurant/bar owner/manager and I’m interested in setting up outdoor seating. Who do I contact for approval and what is the process?

Accepted Answer

You can contact the Community Development Office at 248.658.3320 phone or building@berkleymi.gov.

Question 11

I’m a restaurant/bar owner/manager and I’m interested in constructing a parklet. Who do I contact for approval and what is the process?

Accepted Answer

You can contact the Community Development Office at 248.658.3320 phone or building@berkleymi.gov.

Question 12

I’d like to add a mural to my business’s building. What is the process for getting a mural?

Accepted Answer

The DDA has a mural program, which you can find on our Business Resources and Grants website page.

Question 13

I’m a building owner and the tenant business in my space would like to add a mural to my building. What do I need to do?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to contact the Downtown Berkley Director who can go over the mural application and process. From there, you can fill out the application

Question 14

How long does it typically take to get an approved mural?

Accepted Answer

The approval process can vary depending on when the application is received. The application would have to be reviewed and approved by the following committees/boards:

DDA Art and Design (meets the first Wednesday of every month)
DDA Board (meets the second Wednesday of every month)
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA, meets second Monday of every month)
Planning Commission (meets fourth Tuesday of every month)

*Please note, for any DDA grants/funding, the DDA Board will have to approve first before going to ZBA and/or Planning Commission.

The Art and Design Committee has the right to approve or disapprove an application. Upon disapproval, the Art and Design Committee can work with the business/property owner to update the application for approval.

The DDA Board also has the right to approve or disapprove an application along with ZBA. City staff will work to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Question 15

I’m a mural artist and would like to be included as a contact for businesses interested in a mural for their building. Who do I contact to be included?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Downtown Berkley DDA Director at 248-555-1212

Question 16

I’m a business owner in the DDA district and would love for our business be included in a number of the downtown events. How do I make that happen?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Downtown Berkley DDA Director

Question 17

I’m a business owner in the DDA district have an idea for an event that I think would help downtown businesses and be great for the city. How do I get involved?

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Downtown Berkley DDA Director.

retro feel. metro appeal.

retro feel. metro appeal.

FAQ for Businesses

Opening a Business

Facade Grant Programs

Mural Grant Program

Restaurant/Bar

Events

Subscribe to DDA Newsletter