Welcome to Sparta
Welcome to the Village of Sparta, Michigan
The warm and friendly Village of Sparta is located just north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sparta is a great place to raise a family and grow a business.
Sparta Is Tradition. On this website, you'll find information about our parks, history, finances, and departments of the Village, as well as important links to the community, resources and document downloads.
Whether you are a long-time resident or new to the area, we want to help you, and we are glad you're here.
Pay Your Water/Sewer Bill Online
The Village of Sparta has recently switched over to BS&A Online to process water/sewer bills and property tax payments. Click here to pay your bill online.
Residents are encouraged to create a BS&A Online account, although it is not required to make a payment. Setting up an account will allow you to see the payment history, receipts, water usage, and more. We will NOT be able to accept credit card payments for permits or other fees at this time. You will need to pay with a check or cash through our office at 156 E Division Street or via US mail to pay fees. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Payments will be posted in real-time, so as soon as you enter your payment, it will automatically be deducted from your account. Please note there is a fee of 3% when you pay with a credit card with a minimum fee of $2.00.
Village of Sparta Master Plan Survey
The Village of Sparta is updating its Master Plan and we want to hear from you!
Your input can help shape planning and zoning in the Village over the next twenty years.
Visit this Master Plan Survey link to learn more and participate.
2023 Water & Sewer Rate Information (Updated Shortly)
Effective January 1, 2023, the Village of Sparta made 5% adjustments to the utility rates. The changes are reflected in February bills. (Those are the bills for January usage.) These changes were approved by Village Council on December 12, 2022, following two (2) years of no adjustments.
The Village has increased water and sewer commodity charges (on use), as well as the ready to serve capital charges for both water and sewer. This will result in an increase for both water and sewer customers. Please click the link below to see the informational sheet that was created to explain the changes and why they are happening.
A few years ago the Village completed a Stormwater, Asset Management, and Wastewater (SAW) Grant, which identified what improvements are needed for the sanitary sewer collection system, wastewater treatment plant, and the storm sewer system. This included a complete rate study for which the rates are based on. The findings of the rate study were presented on August 13, 2021 at 6:00 PM at the Utility Rate Workshop.
If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming projects, please check out the 2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan. The plan can be found under the Services tab “Finance and Transparency” on the Village website at www.spartami.org.
The link below were updated on 2/5/23, with the 2022 link below left for reference.
Download a File:
2023 Utility Rate Structure (PDF)
2022 Utility Rate Structure (PDF)
History of Sparta
The first settlers who arrived in the area of Sparta, Michigan in 1844 discovered rich land and abundant streams.
The first railroad reached Sparta in 1872, linking the community with Grand Rapids and ensuring the progress and prosperity of the area.
Most of Sparta’s settlers were farmers. Today, along with its agricultural and industrial base, Sparta has developed services from banking to retail and offers easy access to a major metropolitan area.
Sparta has two museums in operation today reflecting on the history of the establishment of Sparta with the Myers Schoolhouse Museum and the T.S. & M Railroad Depot.
Visit Online:
Learn More about the History of Sparta
Village News & Notes
PUBLIC NOTICE OF VILLAGE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
PUBLIC NOTICE OF VILLAGE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
The Sparta Village Council will hold a Special Meeting on Monday, March 27, 2022 at 5:00 PM at the Sparta Civic Center located at 156 E. Division St., Sparta, MI 49345. The purpose of the meeting is for the Village Council to discuss DPW Operations and Set Overall Goals with the New Village Manager, as well as any other business that comes before the Village Council.
This notice is posted in compliance with the requirements of the Open Meeting Act, Act 267 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1976, as amended. Questions or written comments may be directed to the Village Manager, James A. Lower at 156 E. Division, Sparta, Michigan, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Public Hearings Scheduled for April 3rd 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE
VILLAGE OF SPARTA
KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN
TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Sparta Planning Commission will hold public hearings on Monday, April 3, 2023 starting at 7:00 PM (local time) at the Civic Center, located at 75 N. Union Street, Sparta, Michigan, to receive public comments pertaining to the following:
ORDINANCE NO. 23-03: AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL CHAPTER 10, ENTITLED “ANIMALS,” OF THE VILLAGE OF SPARTA CODE OF ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO. 23-04: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 82, ARTICLE III, DIVISION1, SECTION 82-106, ENTITLED “KEEPING OF ANIMALS,” OF THE VILLAGE OF SPARTA CODE OF ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO. 23-05: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE VILLAGE OF SPARTA ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP, CHAPTER 82, ARTICLE III, DIVISION 2, SECTION 82-152, OF THE VILLAGE OF SPARTA CODE OF ORDINANCES
The proposed map amendment contained in Ordinance No. 23-05 would rezone 9983 Sparta Ave. and 1750 12 Mile Rd. Sparta, MI 49345 from General Commercial GC to Light Industrial LI. The parcels’ identification numbers are 41-05-27-226-037 and 41-05-27-226-029, respectively.
Information may be obtained, including a draft copy of the proposed ordinances at the Village Hall, 156 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345 between the hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, or by emailing by clicking here Any interested parties will be heard during the public hearing portion of the meeting. Written comments may be submitted in advance of the public hearing to the Village Manager by April 3, 2023 by 5:00 PM at the above address or via email by: clicking here
James A. Lower
Village Manager/Zoning Administrator
156 E. Division
Sparta, MI 49345
(616) 887-8251
Sparta Municipal Airport- Airport Manager Job Posting
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
VILLAGE OF SPARTA --AIRPORT MANAGER
The Paul C. Miller Sparta Municipal Airport is one of West-Michigan’s fastest growing general aviation facilities. Millions of dollars in funding are secured for runway lighting upgrades, parking upgrades, weather equipment upgrades and more. These projects will start in roughly one month. The village also has plans to add additional hanger space and an onsite mechanic soon.
Airport Manager Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Management of all airport operations in compliance with FAA and MDOT regulations.
- Management of airport fueling and revenue operations.
- Interface and collaboration with airport tenants and transient customers.
- Hangar and lease execution, compliance, and maintenance.
- Seasonal grounds keeping including light landscaping, mowing and snow removal.
- Preparation and management of budgets.
- Supervision and training of part-time airport staff.
- Airport upgrade project management with consultation of the village manager, engineers & staff
Position will have flexible hours. The workload of the position necessitates on average 32 hours per week. As such, there is the possibility a full-time employment agreement may be negotiated. The schedule will include some weekends, evenings, and holidays. Salary will be dependent upon qualifications, schedule, and applicant needs. Benefits will be negotiable, with the possibility of a MERS defined contribution retirement plan, paid time off, and health insurance as possibilities. If the new manager has a personal aircraft, complimentary hanger space will be provided.
The airport employs a part-time assistant airport manager who works a flexible schedule to accommodate his full-time outside employment. The current airport manager has given ample notice of his departure. The village intends to utilize this time to provide at least 30 days of overlap in employment to ease the transition for the new airport manager.
To apply please submit cover letter, resume and three professional references to James Lower, Village Manager by clicking here (email only). Deadline to apply is March 31st, 2023. Please contact Mr. Lower at (616) 887-8251 or email with any questions (email preferred).
The Village of Sparta is an equal opportunity employer
Winter Parking Explained
Recently, there have been some questions about one (1) of the Village's parking regulations. Specifically, the alternate side of the street parking (commonly called odd-even parking) during the winter months (November 15th through April 1st).
The exact language can be found in the Village's municipal code. A direct link is below:
Chapter 70 - TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES | Code of Ordinances | Sparta, MI | Municode Library
Sec. 70-5. - Miscellaneous traffic regulations. This section has sub-sections a through g, with various points. Sub-section d, commonly referenced as Sec. 70-5 (d).
"(d) Alternate side of the street parking. It shall be unlawful for the owner or operator of any motor vehicle to park such motor vehicle upon any of the streets within the village between the hours 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., between the dates of November 15 and April 1 of each year unless between such hours, the motor vehicle is parked on the evenly addressed side of the street on even dates between November 15 and April 1 or the motor vehicle is parked on the oddly addressed side of the street on odd dates between November 15 and April 1."
Why was there confusion?
On January 27, 2023, a resident noted that the Village's website did have incorrect information that stated that above regulations would be enforced where odd-even signs were posted. (Actually, the Village enforces this and the other regulations throughout the entire Village and signage on streets is not required.) The language on the Village's website was corrected the same day. Additionally, documents referencing the odd-even language have been pulled from the website and will be updated shortly to reflect what continues to be the Village's parking regulations.
Why have vehicles move during the winter months?
As a reminder, the reason the Village of Sparta and other communities have alternative side of the road parking (also known as odd-even parking) regulations, is to allow plow trucks to clear the streets of snow and other debris.
Village of Sparta Water Quality Report for 2021
We're pleased to present to you this year's Annual Quality Water Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality water and services we deliver to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water. We want you to understand the efforts we make to continually improve the water treatment process and protect our water resources.
Please follow the link below to review the entire report.
Download a File:
2021 Water Consumer Confidence Report (PDF)
Building Permit and Inspection Change
Building Permits and Inspections have CHANGED. The Village of Sparta recently hired Professional Code Inspections or PCI. PCI is a professional inspection firm that will handle all building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permitting, and associated inspections, within the Village.
Applicants seeking building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits will submit plans and permit applications to the Village offices. Permit fees will also be paid at the Village offices. All questions related to permits will be directed to PCI’s Dorr office. PCI can be contacted at (616) 877-2000 or by visiting their website: http://pcimi.com/services/services-dorr-office.
Dispose of Expired or Unwanted Prescription Drugs
Did you know the Village of Sparta provides a Safe Prescription Drug Drop-Off program to the community? Residents can drop off unused or expired prescriptions into a secure box - no questions asked. The drop off location is in the lobby of the Sparta Police Department at 260 W. Division St. Sparta, MI 49345.
What should NOT be placed in drop off container:
- Narcotics and other controlled substances
- Illicit drugs
- Bloody and infectious waste
- Needles or other sharp objects
- IV Bags
- Bandages
- Personal care products
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Aerosol cans
- Thermometers
- Empty medication containers
Police officers will check the boxes daily, collect the contents and prepare for disposal that is eco-friendly and in accordance with Federal and State laws. If you have any additional questions please contact the Sparta Police Department at 616-887-8716.
