Macomb County Web Site
Planning and Economic Development
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Please select a program to view related Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current population of Macomb County? My community?
Where can I get information about who pays taxes on a certain buildings in my community?
My organization would like to receive CDBG funds. How do I go about getting them?
What GIS data is freely available on the Internet to the general public?
Are property tax maps available from Macomb County GIS Services?
Can purchased maps be faxed or e-mailed?
How can I get a legal description?
How can I purchase Macomb County GIS data and maps?
Where can I get a copy of a marriage/birth/death certificate?
What is the first thing I should do in order to start a small business?
How do I obtain a government grant?
Q: What is the current population of Macomb County? My community?
A: For counties and communities with a population above 65,000, you can look at the Census website http://www.census.gov. Under ‘People and Households’, click on ‘American Community Survey’ to find recent population estimates, which are based on data from a sample of the population.
You can also look up current population estimates on the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) website, www.semcog.org, under the ‘Data’ tab on the homepage. Then scroll down to select the county or community of your choice.
Q: Where can I get information about who pays taxes on a certain building in my community? I am thinking about purchasing a property; can you tell me how much the taxes would be.
A: The local community where the property is located can provide this information.
Q: My organization would like to receive CDBG funds. How do I go about obtaining them?
A: The Macomb Urban County hosts a planning workshop at the beginning of the funding cycle, usually in early December. The County invites all participating communities and those community development partners that it has worked with in the past. If your organization would like to be included, simply call the Community Development Services Division at 469-6451.
Q: What GIS data is freely available on the Internet to the general public?
A: Many of the GIS datasets maintained by Macomb County GIS Services are accessible via the Internet from our online mapping service. The service can be accessed directly at gis.macombcountymi.gov. Current public access mapping services include Aerial Imagery Browser, Delinquent Tax Search, Environmental Resources, Property Tax Map Sheet Preview/Order Service and FEMA Digital Flood Rate Insurance (DFIRM) Map Viewer. Property Tax maps are not freely available from this online map service.
Q: Are property tax maps available from Macomb County GIS Services?
A: Current property tax maps can be purchased directly from the Department of Planning and Economic Development. Maps in this series depict property taxation information at a scale of 1” = 100’. Maps in this series include information regarding property tax identification numbers (SIDWELL Number), deeded property dimensions, deeded acreage measurements and other legal identifying information. Maps are available in two hardcopy formats; property line information only or with the county’s most recent aerial photo in the background. Hardcopy map products are sold as individual black and white 24” x 36” paper map sheets printed on-demand by front counter staff. Electronic versions of aerial composite tax maps are available as 24” x 36” documents in Adobe Acrobat .PDF format.
Q: Can maps I purchase be faxed or e-mailed?
A: Hardcopy paper maps cannot be faxed since they exceed the paper size and resolution limits of standard fax machines. Subsections of maps cannot be faxed due to limits in fax resolution.
Electronic versions of aerial composite tax maps can be emailed with some limitations. Electronic versions of aerial composite tax maps are available as 24” x 36” documents in Adobe Acrobat .PDF format. These documents average 9 MB in size. Please check with your email provider to ensure that file attachments in this size range are permitted. Requests for multiple map sheets will be transmitted as separate emails. Paid in full orders that cannot be transmitted will be mailed via U.S.P.S. at standard rates if requested by the purchaser. The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development is not responsible for confirmation of delivery nor guarantees the delivery of aerial composite tax maps utilizing email due to these limitations.
Q: How can I get a legal description of a property?
A: Official legal descriptions for property can be obtained from the Land File Division of the Macomb County Treasurer’s Office: www.macombcountymi.gov/TREASURER. Or call 586-469-5190. You can also visit this office in the Macomb County Administration Building, One S. Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens.
Q: How can I purchase Macomb County GIS data and maps?
A: GIS data and maps may be purchased/ordered in person, by phone or by mail. Visit our office in the County Administration Building in downtown Mount Clemens on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Or call 586-469-5285 to place an order. All orders must be paid in full (cash or check) before they are shipped. Companies that expect to need our products on numerous occasions may apply for a purchase account that is invoiced on a monthly basis by completing an application form.
Q: Where can I get a copy of a marriage/birth/death certificate?
A: The Macomb County Clerk maintains these “Vital Records.” Please call 586-469-5205 or visit: www.macombcountymi.gov/CLERKSOFFICE
Q: I live/work in Macomb Township. Where can I get information about zoning or obtaining a building permit?
A: Please contact Macomb Township at 586-992-0710 or visit www.macomb-mi.gov. In fact, our department does not directly address zoning issues or building permits for any of our local communities
Q: What is the first thing that I should do in order to start a small business?
A: The first thing to do is to determine which type of legal entity will best suit the needs of the business. There are four legal forms of business organization — sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and Limited Liability Company. The type of organization formed determines where the business will be registered (the County or the State), corporate liability issues and the Federal and State tax structure. It is strongly advised that legal counsel be obtained before making this decision. The Macomb County Small Business and Technology Development Center offers a free seminar conducted by an attorney addressing the legal structure a company should have and the advantages and disadvantages of each. For a package of information on the seminars, as well as a ‘Checklist for Starting a Business’, please call 586.469.5118
Q: How do I obtain a government grant?
A: There is a misconception that the Federal Government issues grants to those who wish to start a business. Unfortunately, there are only a few grants issued and these grants are usually very specific and highly competitive. Generally, the grants do not apply to the average person trying to start a business. Most grants are provided by private foundations. These foundations will usually offer grants only to non-profit organizations that have a similar, related or complementary mission to their own. For more information please call the Macomb County SBTDC at 586.469.5118
