Document Archive

This page is to assist current Main Street business owners as well as those looking to start a business in downtown Portland. Please note that many of these same forms and a complete City Code of Ordinance can be found on the City of Portland's website.

This page is also dedicated to providing more information on the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street program. Below, you will find DDA Bylaws, Main Street Bylaws, the DDA establishing Act from the State of Michigan, and the DDA establishing ordinance from the City of Portland.

Forms

Application for a Sign Permit -- this form is for anyone wishing to install a new sign on the outside of a downtown business. Please note that this application must be completed, submitted, and approved by the City Manager before any installation can begin.

Application for a Sidewalk/ Street Obstruction Permit -- if you wish to hold a sidewalk sale, this form must be filled out, submitted, and approved by the City Manager prior to holding any sidewalk sale.

Downtown Development Authority application -- this form must be completed and returned to City Hall for anyone wishing to serve on the Portland Downtown Development Authority.

Ordinances

City of Portland Sign Ordinance -- for any business that wishes to install a commercial sign on the outside of their building in downtown Portland.

Portland Main Street Design Guidelines -- design guidelines for Main Street district building construction and rehabilitation.

City of Portland Code of Ordinance -- the complete Code of Ordinances for the City of Portland. Many rules and regulations for business are found here.

DDA and Main Street Bylaws

PA 197 of 1975

PA 197 of 1975 is the Michigan public act that provides for the establishment of Downtown Development Authorities in the State of Michigan.

City of Portland DDA Establishing Ordinance

This ordinance is from Chapter 10, Article III of the City of Portland's Codes of Ordinance. This is the ordinance that established the Downtown Development Authority in the City of Portland.

For the archived City of Portland Downtown Development Authority's minutes, please click on the link below:

http://www.portland-michigan.org/boards/DDA/index.htm