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1. What is the difference between assessed value and taxable value?

The State of Michigan requires that a property’s assessed value equal 50% of its true cash value (fair market value). A property’s taxable value is determined by taking the prior year’s taxable value minus any physical losses (ex. fire or demolition), multiplied by the current year’s inflation rate (CPI), plus any physical additions (ex. new construction).

2. How is my assessed value determined?

Values are based on recent sales in your neighborhood or in "like" neighborhoods if no sales have occurred. The Assessor’s Office uses mass appraisal techniques that include statistics and market trends to value property.

3. How are my property taxes calculated?

The taxable value times the millage rate is used to calculate your tax bill unless there are special assessments. (Taxable Value x Millage Rate divided by 1,000 = Property Tax Bill + Special Assessments.)

4. What is uncapping?

Under Proposal A, a property is "uncapped" in the year following a transfer of ownership and the taxable value becomes equal to the assessed value. This can sometimes create a significant change in taxes for a new property owner in the first year of ownership. After the first year, the taxable value is again "capped" and the subject only to increase by the inflation rate or 5%, whichever is less, unless there is an addition to the property or omitted property.

5. Someone from the Township already inspected my new garage. Why are you contacting me again?

Inspectors from the Building Department will visit your home to ensure your project meets code. Appraisers from the Assessing Department will visit your home to ensure your property record card is complete for valuation and taxing purposes.

6. What if I see Township personnel on my property taking pictures or measurements?

Staff will be performing statutory duties by gathering accurate information to update our assessing records. Staff are required to carry DeWitt Township employee identification.

7. How do I split or combine land?

Contact the Assessing or Planning Department to answer questions. Applications are available under the Documents page.

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1. How long does it take to process a Building Permit application?

Complete Building Permit applications are processed in chronological order of receipt and on an average approved within 8-10 business days.  If an application is missing documents, the timeline of processing will not begin until the necessary documents for the application are received.  Every attempt is made to review all applications as soon as possible.  At times, it may take longer depending on the magnitude of the project and the number of applications awaiting review. Every attempt is made to review applications as soon as possible.  Once the application has been approved, applicants will receive a phone call informing them that it is ready for payment and issuance.

2. How long does it take to process a Trades Permit application?

All of our Trades (Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing) Permit applications are reviewed and processed within 24 hours of receipt.  

3. What is the cost of a permit?

Permit fees for Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical permits are based on the number of inspections plus unit costs (i.e. the number of circuits being installed for an electrical permit or the number of fixtures being installed for a plumbing permit). The final number of unit costs and inspections will determine the cost of a permit.

Building permits are based on the "Market Value" of the work to be completed. Fees for permits, if applicable, can be viewed online in the fee schedule (PDF).

4. What is "Market Value"?

"Market Value" is the cost of the project if you hired someone to complete the work. For the purpose of calculating Building Permit fees, it includes labor, materials and profit. Land or real estate value is not included. The Building Department has per square foot costs that will be used as a minimum. Once the "Market Value" is determined, the permit fee can be calculated.

5. Who can apply for a Residential permit?

Any homeowner may pull a permit only if they do their own work on their own residence. Otherwise, a permit is required to be pulled by a licensed contractor who is registered to work in DeWitt Charter Township.

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1. What are the economic development incentives that Township has to offer?

See our Economic Development Incentives Handout (PDF) for more information.

2. Where can I find out information about Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) Tax Credits, Industrial Facilities Taxes (IFTs) abatements and Commercial Rehabilitation Tax (CRTs) abatements?

Please see the Township Industrial Facilities Tax Abatement Policy (PDF) and the Commercial Rehabilitation Tax Abatement Policy (PDF) for more information.

3. Where can I get information on the 2010 Census, county demographics, building permits, and growth patterns in DeWitt Township and the Lansing Region?

See the US Census Bureau’s website for 2010 Census results and county demographics.

4. What are some of the recreational activities here in DeWitt and the region?

See the DeWitt Area Recreation Authority website for local information and the Greater Lansing Michigan Convention and Visitors Bureau website for regional information about recreational opportunities.

5. Where can I get a list of top land owners here in the Township?

Find the top landowners by area in our Top 25 Land Owners by Acreage and Taxable Value (PDF) handout.

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. How can I find out what a property is zoned?

You can call the Planning Department at 517-669-6576. If you can provide us with an address or parcel number (from the tax bill), we can tell you the zoning of the property. If you don’t have the address or parcel number, we can sometimes find the zoning with a description of the location of the property and/or the property owner’s name.

2. How can I find out what my setbacks are?

A setback is a zoning term for the distance that a building must be from a property line or road right-of-way. Setbacks vary depending upon the zoning district where the property is located. If you know the zoning district of the property, you can review Section 5.18 of the Zoning Ordinance, for a Schedule of Regulations. Keep in mind that if the building is a Special Use in the zoning district (like a church in a residential area, for example), you will have to also review the conditions associated with the Special Use for additional setback requirements. Special uses for each zoning district are described in the Zoning Ordinance. As always, if you have a question, call the Planning Department at 517-669-6576.

3. What is a variance? Why would I need one?

Please see the Variances section of this website.

4. Can I run my business in my home?

Please see the Home Occupations section of this website.

5. Where can I get a copy of the plat drawing for my subdivision?

The State of Michigan has an online searchable database of all of the recorded plats in Michigan. You simply need to enter the name of the county and a portion of the name of the subdivision. You can then print a copy of the plat on an 8 1/2-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper. Note that if the plat was recorded recently, it may not yet be in the State’s database.

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1. If I don't pay my taxes, will I really lose my house and property?

Yes. Under the current law, if your taxes are delinquent for three years, that’s it. You’ve lost the property. You cannot get your property back after it has been foreclosed. Property that has been foreclosed will be sold at public auction.

2. I didn't receive a tax bill, what should I do?

If you have an escrow, your bank most likely requested it to pay on your behalf. You can download a copy of your tax bill by conducting a property and tax search from the homepage or call the Treasurer’s Office at 517-668-1411 to request a copy.

3. What does your P.R.E. Exemption reduction noted on the tax bill refer to?

If the P.R.E. % reflected on your tax bill = 100%, your property is classified as your "principal residence" and the parcel is 100% exempt from your local public school’s operating millage. Sometimes this is also referred to as a "homestead" exemption.

4. How is property assessed?

Real Property assessments are based on market values and are assessed yearly by the Assessing Department. Assessment notices are mailed to taxpayers of record in late February of each year. Personal Property assessments originate from a filing of a statement by the taxpayer. If a Personal Property statement is not furnished, the assessor is authorized to assess such amount of Personal Property as deemed reasonable and just. The business property owner is required by law to report the value of property owned on a Personal Property statement provided by the assessor.

5. Why am I charged 3% for using my debit/credit card?

VISA, MasterCard, and other merchant credit service providers charge a fee for the convenience of using their credit services, much like how banks charge ATM user fees. The Township does not derive any revenue from the fee charged. Rather, it is retained by the service provider to offset the cost of providing the service for residents. While other merchants can factor such costs in the pricing of their products and services, your local government cannot.

6. I owe taxes from last year, how do I find out how much is my payoff?

Once taxes are turned over to the County, you need to call them for payoff information. The Clinton County Treasurer can be reached at 989-224-5280 or at clinton-county.org.

7. What is the difference between real and personal property?

Real property is property which is attached such as land and buildings. Real Property taxes are assessed on either commercial/industrial or residential property. Personal Property is any property that isn’t Real Property such as equipment, furniture and fixtures. Personal Property taxes are assessed only on property that is used in a business.

Additional information on Personal Property is available through the Township Assessing Department.

8. What is the difference between assessed value and taxable value?

Taxable value (TV) is the value used to compute your tax bill. Assessed value (SEV) is one half the market value, as determined by the assessor. SEV grows as the market rate of property grows. TV increases are capped to inflation rates for the time that you own the property. In the year following a transfer of ownership, the TV uncaps and will increase to the SEV, which will increase the taxes.

9. What if I can't pay the tax bill when it is due?

Installment payments are permitted. Even if you only are able to pay a portion, it can reduce the base amount due that interest is charged from.

10. What are the penalties for late payments on taxes?

Summer taxes, due September 14, are charged 1% starting September 15, and an additional 1% per month on the first of each month. On February 15, an additional 3% penalty is added to the amount due. At the end of February, the total interest and penalty is 9%. As of March 1, the tax is turned over to Clinton County for collections and additional interest and penalty is added.

Winter taxes, due February 14, are charged a late penalty of 3% as of February 15. The Township receipts tax payments through the end of February and as of March 1; the tax is turned over to Clinton County for collections with additional interest and penalty.