If you’re planning to build or develop property in Van Buren County, you’ll need to secure a proper address for your location. Having an official address not only ensures mail and deliveries reach you but is also critical for emergency services like police, fire, and ambulance crews to find your property quickly. There are some important updates you need to be aware of when applying for a new address. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know:
Who We Provide Addressing Services For
Van Buren County provides addressing services for all townships within the county.
The County also offers addressing services to cities and villages. Several municipalities have already entered into agreements for the County to provide addressing services on their behalf. To determine if your municipality participates, please contact your city or village office.
- Almena Township
- Antwerp Township
- Arlington Township
- Bangor Township
- Bloomingdale Township
- Columbia Township
- Covert Township
- Decatur Township
- Geneva Township
- Hamilton Township
- Hartford Township
- Keeler Township
- Lawrence Township
- Paw Paw Township
- Pine Grove Township
- Porter Township
- South Haven Charter Township
- Waverly Township
Address Assignment Fee and Benefits
When applying for a township address in Van Buren County, there is a $50.00 fee. This fee is essential for several services, including:
- Ensuring your property is correctly placed on the 911 grid, which helps emergency services locate you quickly in case of an emergency.
- Providing you with a reflective address sign, making it easier for first responders to find your home or business day or night.
Replacement signs are available for $25
Address assignment within participating cities and villages is $25 and does not include an address sign. Reflective address signs are available for purchase for $25.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please feel free to reach out to our office at 269-657-8243.
New Requirements: Driveway Permits Now Mandatory
Effective August 1, 2024, a driveway permit from the Van Buren County Road Commission will be required before you can apply for a new address. This is an important change, and here’s why:
- Your address is typically assigned based on the location of your primary access point, which is usually your driveway.
- The Van Buren County Road Commission must approve the location of the driveway. They’ll ensure it’s safe and suitable for traffic before any construction or new use of the property begins.
- Once the driveway is approved, it becomes your official access point, allowing our department to issue you an address.
Driveway permit requirements vary depending on the type of road and location of the property:
- County roads: Permit through the Van Buren County Road Commission
- State roads: Permit through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
- Private roads: A driveway permit is not required; however, a site plan showing the proposed access location is required
- Cities and villages (if participating): Driveway permit requirements are determined by the local municipality
Rural IDs for Vacant Properties
Another key update is that Van Buren County will no longer issue addresses to vacant properties. If your property is not yet developed, you will need to wait until development is planned within the next 12 months before applying for an address. You can, however, apply for a Rural ID. This acts much as an address, but is not valid for building permits or development purposes.
Understanding Van Buren County’s Address Numbering System
Van Buren County uses a unique system to assign addresses, designed to make properties easy to locate. Here’s how it works:
- Five-digit addresses are assigned to all properties in the townships.
- The first two digits of your address reflect the nearest street or avenue.
- The last three digits pinpoint your specific location between those streets.
For example, streets running North and South are numbered starting with 22nd St. on the East side, increasing every half mile up to 82nd St. on the West side. Avenues running East and West start at 1st Ave. below Baseline Road on the North boundary, increasing every quarter mile up to 96th Ave. on the South boundary.
When applying for an address, you will need to provide the correct road name and a detailed site plan showing where buildings will be placed on your property. This helps us accurately assign the address by interpolating your location based on nearby roads.
Why the Address System Matters
This system isn’t just about getting mail delivered to the right place. It’s crucial for making sure that emergency services can find you quickly and accurately when every second counts. The address numbering ensures fire trucks, ambulances, and law enforcement officers can locate your property even in challenging conditions.
Next Steps for New Address Applicants
- Obtain a driveway permit from the Van Buren County Road Commission.
- Prepare a detailed site plan showing the proposed location of buildings on your property.
- Submit your site plan, driveway permit, and road name to the Van Buren County Digital Information Department.
- Once everything is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your official five-digit address, along with a reflective address sign.
If you’re unsure of any step or need guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our office via email or at 269-657-8243.
Following these guidelines ensures that your address is set up correctly, helping emergency responders and service providers access your property without delays. Stay ahead of these new requirements and ensure your next project is off to a smooth start with the right address!
