St. Joseph, MI · Berrien County
Fence Variation Application
This application asks the St. Joseph Zoning Board of Appeals to consider a fence variation and is filed by a property owner or applicant seeking approval for a proposed fence.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this nine-page application to request a fence variation from the St. Joseph Zoning Board of Appeals. It collects property, applicant, owner, site, and fence-request details, asks the applicant to explain why the variation should be granted, and includes certification and owner-consent forms. The City requires a complete application and supporting materials at least 24 calendar days before the next regularly scheduled ZBA meeting; incomplete applications are returned.
Who needs it
A property owner or applicant seeking a fence variation from the St. Joseph Zoning Board of Appeals must complete the application and provide required supporting materials.
Why it needs a notary
The form carries subscribed-and-sworn jurats for the applicant certification and owner consent; the applicant or authorized agent and property owner sign before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download The Application
Get the Fence Variation Application and review the process instructions and required materials.
- 2
Complete The Forms
Fill in all sections, use N/A where appropriate, and gather the required site plan, fence information, and fees.
- 3
Book An Online Notary
Arrange a remote appointment for each required signer whose signature appears in a subscribed-and-sworn jurat.
- 4
Sign On Video
Sign the applicable certification and owner consent in the commissioned online notary’s presence during the video session.
- 5
Submit To The City
Submit the complete application packet and required materials to the City at least 24 calendar days before the next ZBA meeting.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from St. Joseph. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I apply for a fence variation in St. Joseph?
- Contact Community Development staff, complete every section, gather the required site plan, fence information, and fees, then submit the complete packet at least 24 calendar days before a ZBA meeting.
- Do I need to have this application notarized?
- Yes. The applicant certification and owner consent form each include a subscribed-and-sworn jurat. The relevant signer must sign before the notary.
- Can I sign this form with an online notary?
- Michigan authorizes remote electronic notarization for its own notaries. A commissioned online notary can notarize the required signatures remotely; check that the City will accept the completed form.
- When is the application due?
- The City requires complete applications at least 24 calendar days before the next regularly scheduled Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. Incomplete applications are not accepted and can delay processing; confirm with the city, village or township if unsure.