Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission

Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission - July 23, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 4 hours ago

The Oshtemo Township Planning Commission Meeting on July 23, 2026 covers significant updates to zoning and environmental ordinances. The board discusses revisions to residential zoning, including the introduction of townhomes and changes to lot sizes. There is a focus on environmental protection with the consolidation of existing ordinances into a new section, emphasizing wellhead protection standards. Public comments raise concerns about the potential impact of these changes on rural character and residential areas.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:08)
The meeting was officially called to order.

The meeting began with the official call to order, signaling the start of the proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:11)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present.

Participants stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:35)
The agenda was approved without any additions, corrections, or deletions.

The circulated agenda was reviewed. As there were no additions, corrections, or deletions, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously with all in favor.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:13)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

Members were asked if they had reviewed the previous meeting's minutes. With no corrections or deletions suggested, a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried with all in favor.
Work Items Introduction (00:01:54)
Introduction to work items as learning tools for the planning commission.

The next items on the agenda are work items, intended primarily as learning tools for planning commission members. Public comments are scheduled to follow the conclusion of the work session.
Zoning Code Updates Presentation (00:02:26)
Presentation on updates to residential uses and standards in the zoning code.

Jason Ball from Progressive Companies presented on updates to the zoning code, focusing on residential uses and standards. The presentation included a cleaner version of the residential use table and discussed standards to regulate residential uses.
Discussion on Residential Uses and Zoning (00:03:11)
Discussion on residential use table and zoning map changes.

The meeting discussed updates to the residential use table, clarifying permitted uses and conditions for single-family, two-family, townhomes, and multi-family homes. The presentation included maps demonstrating zoning changes and permitted areas for different housing types.
Zoning Regulations and Dimensional Standards (00:06:22)
Introduction to changes in zoning regulations and dimensional standards.

The presentation covered changes to zoning regulations and dimensional standards for residential uses. Topics included lot size, setbacks, utility connections, and density calculations for multi-family dwellings.
Neighborhood Development and Infill (00:11:03)
Discussion on neighborhood development, infill, and zoning impacts.

Sarah presented on how zoning changes could affect neighborhood development and infill over time. Examples were given to illustrate potential changes, and the gradual nature of such developments was emphasized.
Discussion on Lot Sizes and Growth Direction (00:16:00)
Debate on increasing lot sizes to direct growth away from rural areas.

The meeting discussed increasing lot sizes in rural residential areas to direct growth towards areas with utility access. There was debate over the appropriate minimum lot size to preserve rural character, with a proposal to increase from three to five acres.
Clarification on Nonconforming Lots (00:26:01)
Clarification provided on the status and development of nonconforming lots.

Clarifications were made regarding the development rights of nonconforming lots under new zoning regulations. Existing lots can still be developed, and provisions will be made to allow rebuilding if needed.
Discussion on Neighborhood Mixed Use District (00:28:24)
Discussion on standards for the neighborhood mixed use district, including multi-family homes, setbacks, and dimensional standards.

The discussion focused on the standards for the neighborhood mixed use district, which is new. The committee discussed the addition of allowing two-family homes similar to the village commercial. They also discussed maintaining connections to water and sewer while keeping current setbacks and dimensional standards, and the inclusion of multi-family homes.
Discussion on Townhomes and Residential Districts (00:30:58)
Discussion on townhomes in residential districts and their design considerations.

The committee discussed the concept of townhomes in the neighborhood residential district, addressing whether they should be considered for corner lots or certain street types. The discussion included considerations for setbacks, dimensions, and the overall design within the residential districts.
Discussion on Duplexes and Septic Systems (00:33:00)
Consideration of duplex eligibility with septic permits without code exceptions if no sewer is available.

There was a concern about lots not being eligible for duplexes if sewer connection is required. The committee considered if language could be written to allow duplexes with a septic permit, provided no variance is granted by the health department and no code exceptions are made.
Discussion on Residential Conservation Place Type (00:34:00)
Discussion on removing the residential conservation place type due to no current zoning.

The committee discussed a zoning district that encourages developments preserving open space. Since no locations are zoned as residential conservation, it was suggested to remove it. Alternatives such as open space communities under planned unit development regulations were discussed.
Landscaping Buffers and Setbacks Discussion (00:35:00)
Discussion on changes to landscaping buffers and setbacks between residential and commercial uses.

The committee discussed current requirements for increased setbacks and landscaping buffers between commercial/industrial and residential uses. It was proposed to eliminate supplemental setbacks while increasing landscape buffer areas, thus providing more green space and flexibility in building placement.
Design Standards for Residential Types (00:37:00)
Introduction of design standards for townhomes and other residential types.

The presentation introduced design standards for townhomes, including entrance design, garage placement, and use of materials. Similar standards are proposed for accessory dwelling units and multi-family dwellings, focusing on facade transparency, entrances, and relationship to sidewalks and streets.
Environmental Protection Ordinances Introduction (00:49:00)
Introduction to restructuring environmental protection ordinances and performance standards.

Anna Horner and Leanna Harris introduced the restructuring of environmental protection ordinances, consolidating provisions from general and zoning ordinances into a new section. The aim is to improve performance standards, protect groundwater, and align with the wellhead protection program.
Discussion on Ordinances and Infrastructure (00:59:45)
Discussion on the challenges of implementing and updating ordinances related to zoning, infrastructure, and environmental protection.

The discussion focused on the challenges faced by the city in updating ordinances related to zoning, infrastructure, and environmental protection. The need to balance development with environmental protection was emphasized. Specific examples were given regarding the difficulties in applying existing ordinances to new situations, such as steep slopes and soil erosion. The importance of retrofitting and updating ordinances to be more comprehensive and applicable to all areas of the township was discussed. There was also mention of the need for performance standards and risk assessments to ensure proper development practices. The conversation highlighted the complexities involved in municipal planning and the importance of having clear and effective ordinances that can adapt to the needs of the community.
Public Comment and AI Generated Content (01:20:38)
The chairperson reminds the public about the importance of citing sources in public comments, especially with AI-generated content.

Before opening the public comment section, the chairperson emphasized the importance of citing sources in public comments, particularly in an era where AI-generated content is prevalent. It was noted that many recent public comments seem to be AI-assisted and lack verifiable sources to back up their claims. The chairperson encouraged the public to prioritize comments with clear and verifiable sources to aid in informed decision-making. The rules for public comments were also reiterated, including time limits and conduct guidelines.
Public Comments (01:22:00)
Public comments were made on various issues including zoning changes, environmental ordinances, and large-scale battery storage systems.

During the public comment section, several residents voiced their concerns on various issues. A resident expressed concerns about zoning changes and environmental ordinances, particularly the shift of power away from the planning commission. Another person criticized large-scale battery storage systems, citing a lack of community benefit and potential environmental risks. Another person questioned the timelines and legal considerations regarding new ordinances and moratoriums related to energy storage. The comments highlighted community concerns about transparency, environmental protection, and the role of the planning commission.
Public Comments on Environmental Protection (01:31:11)
Residents express concern over environmental impacts of planned projects, emphasizing the need for strong protection ordinances and local control.

Various residents voiced their concerns about environmental protection, particularly related to the potential impacts of battery storage projects and other developments. They emphasized the importance of maintaining local control and ensuring the health and safety of residents. The discussion highlighted the need for robust ordinances to protect natural resources and public health.
Public Comment: Energy Storage Systems (01:35:02)
Comments were made regarding the environmental and safety implications of energy storage systems, particularly lithium-ion batteries.

There was a focus on the current status and potential risks associated with energy storage systems, primarily lithium-ion batteries. Residents and officials discussed the environmental and safety challenges of using such systems, emphasizing the need for alternatives and stricter regulations to ensure public safety.
Public Comments on Ordinances and Local Impact (01:36:15)
Speakers highlighted the importance of local ordinances in protecting community interests and questioned the influence of external parties.

Residents stressed the importance of local ordinances to safeguard their communities from industrial projects. Concerns were raised about the influence of individuals with potential conflicts of interest and the need for ordinances to prioritize community health and environmental sustainability.
Public Comments on Housing and Land Use (01:42:51)
Discussion on the visual and environmental impact of proposed housing and battery projects, urging careful consideration of land use.

The discussion covered proposed housing developments and the visual impact of industrial projects on residential areas. Residents urged officials to consider the aesthetic and environmental implications of such projects and to ensure that rural residential areas remain preserved.
Public Comment: Concerns Over Local Ordinance Development (01:44:51)
Residents expressed concerns about the development of local ordinances, emphasizing the need for environmental and social considerations.

Speakers raised concerns about the development of local ordinances, questioning the balance between scientific and community interests. They urged officials to ensure that environmental and social impacts are given equal consideration in ordinance development.
Public Comment: Call for Environmental and Safety Standards (01:47:24)
A resident advocated for stringent environmental and safety standards in local ordinances to protect the community.

A speaker called for robust environmental and safety standards in local ordinances, particularly regarding energy storage projects. They emphasized the need for containment measures and noise limits to protect the local environment and community health.