Sparta Township Frequently Asked Questions

General | Assessing| Building | Clerk | Fire | Supervisor | Treasurer
 
General Township Questions

Q. What's the phone number for the Sparta Secretary of State Office?
 A. The number is (888) 767-6424.  There is not a local number available to the public.
 

Q. When are the Township Clean-up Days?
 A. Clean-up days (when residents can drop off rubbish and yard waste at a designated site) are usually the first weekend in May. Please check our home page News for details when available.
 
Q. I would like to use the Civic Center Hall - how do I rent it?
A. Please call Mr. Terry Hartman at (616) 887-1224 for rental information.
 
Q. Where is Sparta Township, Michigan?
A. Sparta Township is a township located 10 miles north of Grand Rapids, in Kent County, Michigan, United States. The boundaries are 10 Mile Road (south), 16 Mile Road (north), Kenowa Ave. (west) and Division Ave. (east). SEE MAP
 
Q. Who are Sparta's county, state & federal elected officials?

A. United States Senators:  Carl Levin, Debbie Stabenow

    United States Representative:  Peter Hoekstra, 2nd District

    State Senator:  Wayne Kuipers, 30th District

    State Representative:  Tom Pearce, 73rd District

    County Commissioner:  Fritz Wahlfield, 2nd District

 
Q. When is Sparta's Fair?
A. Sparta's Town and Country Days Fair is usually on the third weekend in July. Check www.spartafair.com for more information.
 

Q. How large is Sparta Township, Michigan?

A. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 94.7 km˛ (36.5 mi˛). 94.6 km˛ (36.5 mi˛) of it is land and 0.1 km˛ (0.04 mi˛) of it is water. The total area is 0.08% water.
 
 

Q. What are the demographics of Sparta Township, Michigan?

A. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 8,938, 3,301 households, and 2,409 families residing in the township. The population density is 94.5/km˛ (244.7/mi˛). There are 3,449 housing units at an average density of 36.5/km˛ (94.4/mi˛). The racial makeup of the township is 96.13% White, 0.47% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.54% from other races, and 1.29% from two or more races. 3.58% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

 

There are 3,301 households out of which 38.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.7% are married couples living together, 11.8% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% are non-families. 22.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.68 and the average family size is 3.14.

In the township the population is spread out with 29.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 34 years. For every 100 females there are 94.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 91.3 males.

 

The median income for a household in the township is $42,992, and the median income for a family is $49,491. Males have a median income of $36,498 versus $24,186 for females. The per capita income for the township is $18,345. 5.5% of the population and 3.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.4% of those under the age of 18 and 6.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

 

 >> back to top
 
Assessing Department

Parcel Assessment Information Online
 Sparta Township parcel assessments are now available online. The Township does not warrant that the data contained herein is error-free. Those relying on the data are doing so at their own risk.

 >> back to top
 
Building Department
For a building permit, please pick up the application in the Township Office, or call 616-887-8863 to have it mailed to you.

 >> back to top
 
Clerk's Department
Q. How do I register or find out if I'm registered to vote in Sparta Township?
A. Find out at www.mcgi.state.mi.us or call our office at (616) 887-8863.
 
Q. Where can I see the Sparta Township meeting minutes?
A. Meeting minutes are posted online for your convenience.
 
Q. How do I find genealogy/burial information about Sparta Township residents?
Contact our office or the Historical Commission.   There are also links to other geneology websites on our Links page.

 >> back to top
 
Fire Department
CALL 911 for EMERGENCIES
 

Q. Where can I get a burning permit?
Please pick up an application form in the Township Office, or call 616-887-8863 to have it mailed to you.  There is no fee.  When you have an approved form on file, you need to call in to activate it each time you are going to burn.  We notify fire dispatch and inform you if there is a burning ban.  No open burning is allowed within the Village limits.

 >> back to top
 
Supervisor's Department

Q. I have a complaint about someone disobeying an ordinance.
 Call or visit the Township Office (887-8863) to file a complaint. Your name can be kept confidential. Our Zoning Enforcement Officer will investigate.  Complaints within the Village should be directed to the Village office (887-8251)

 
Q. When does the Township conduct meetings?
 Please visit the Boards and Commissions section to find a scheduled meeting time.  Agendas and Minutes for meetings can be found on the Meetings page.


 >> back to top
 
Treasurer's Department

Q. When are taxes due?

A. Taxes for Sparta Township are due as follows:

  • Township summer tax bills are due Sept. 14

  • Township winter tax bills are due Feb. 14
    (Sparta Village tax bills are due Sept. 14)

  • If the 14th is on a Saturday or Sunday, the due date is on the following Monday.

 

For more tax information such as rates and values, visit the Board of Review Information Page.

 

Q. Where do I get a dog license?

A. At our Township office from December through February, or from the Kent County Animal Shelter (616) 336-3210.

 >> back to top