Oshtemo Township - Planning Commission - October 22, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

The Commission addresses a rezoning request for a property on North Second Street, which involves changing the zoning from agricultural to rural residential to facilitate ownership transfer and preserve agricultural land. The planning commission reviews the proposal against the comprehensive plan and existing zoning classifications. In addition, the board examines updates to zoning ordinances, focusing on landscaping, parking, and lighting standards, to improve clarity and promote sustainable development. The discussion includes considerations for parking lot dimensions, buffer types, stormwater infiltration, and lighting requirements, with an emphasis on reducing impervious surfaces and encouraging tree preservation.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:18)
The meeting was called to order, and the attendees were welcomed.

The meeting was called to order and the attendees were welcomed by the chairperson.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:26)
Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The attendees were asked to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:45)
The agenda was reviewed and approved without changes.

The chairperson asked if there were any changes or additions needed for the agenda. As there were none, the agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:09)
Meeting minutes were reviewed and approved unanimously.

The meeting minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. No changes or questions were raised, and a motion to approve the minutes was made, supported, and unanimously carried.
Public Hearing: Rezoning Request (00:01:32)
A public hearing was held for a rezoning request from agricultural to rural residential.

A public hearing was conducted to discuss a rezoning request for a property on North Second Street from agricultural to rural residential. The staff report was presented, outlining the background and criteria for the rezoning. The applicants, who are members of Drobney Brothers LLC, intended to rezone the property to allow ownership transfer and preserve agricultural land. Public comments were invited, and the planning commission deliberated on the matter.
Zoning Ordinance Update (00:11:21)
Discussion on updates to the zoning ordinance, focusing on setbacks and mixed-use districts.

Jason Ball, a Senior Planner and AICP consultant with Progressive Companies, presented updates to the zoning ordinance. The discussion focused on setbacks and the neighborhood mixed-use district along Stadium Drive. The goal was to balance pedestrian safety and business visibility. Examples from Grand Rapids and local areas were used to illustrate potential changes. The commission discussed the implications for urban planning and business operations.
Discussion on Building Height Requirements (00:31:03)
The committee discussed the benefits and drawbacks of requiring taller buildings, recommending a minimum height standard to replace the current two-story appearance guideline.

The discussion revolved around the existing ordinance's ambiguity regarding building height requirements. The recommendation was to move away from the vague 'two-story appearance' requirement and instead establish a clear minimum height measurement. This change aims to provide clarity for developers and ensure buildings contribute to a village-like atmosphere with a sense of permanence. Concerns about the additional costs associated with taller buildings were discussed, with the consensus being that the benefits of clarity and improved urban design outweigh the potential downsides.
Parking Revisions Discussion (00:36:02)
The committee reviewed proposed changes to parking standards, including reducing minimum parking space dimensions and simplifying administration with new tables and graphics.

The proposed changes to parking standards were reviewed, focusing on reducing the minimum width of parking spaces and aisles to decrease impervious surfaces and promote a pedestrian-friendly environment. A new table format was suggested to replace lengthy text descriptions, improving understanding and administration. The discussion also touched on the possibility of incorporating permeable surfaces to manage stormwater runoff, though it was noted that such materials may not be suitable for Michigan's climate.
Landscaping and Buffer Standards (00:48:28)
Revisions to landscaping standards were discussed, including new buffer types for different land use adjacencies and incentives for tree preservation.

The committee reviewed proposed changes to landscaping regulations, which include introducing different buffer types (A, B, and C) to better suit various adjacent land uses, such as residential next to commercial or industrial. The type A buffer is intended for neighborhood-scaled non-residential uses, type B for residential and commercial, and type C for industrial and residential interfaces. The revisions aim to provide clear standards that ensure effective separation between different uses. Additionally, incentives for preserving existing trees were discussed, with a suggestion to offer credits for tree preservation to encourage developers to retain mature trees on their sites.
Foundation Planting Requirements (00:57:02)
A new requirement for foundation plantings around buildings was introduced to enhance aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits.

The committee proposed a new requirement for foundation plantings, which involves landscaping around the base of buildings and their entryways. This change is intended to improve the visual appeal of commercial and mixed-use developments and contribute to stormwater management. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating these plantings into the overall site design to create inviting and environmentally supportive spaces.
Discussion on Stormwater Management in Parking Areas (00:58:46)
Discussion focused on increasing requirements for permeable surfaces and stormwater management in parking areas to enhance groundwater infiltration.

The commission discussed the importance of permeable surfaces in parking areas to manage stormwater effectively. They highlighted current requirements and the potential for developers to use innovative stormwater management techniques such as rain gardens and bioswales. It was noted that these spaces, while not required to be impervious, offer opportunities for stormwater infiltration depending on the developer's comfort level with maintenance.
Lighting Ordinance Updates (01:00:33)
Minimal changes suggested for the lighting ordinance, including clarifying definitions and relocating specific requirements to appropriate sections.

The discussion covered recent updates to the lighting ordinance, noting minor changes needed for clarity. It was suggested to duplicate definitions in both the lighting section and the general ordinance definitions to prevent oversight. Specific requirements related to uses like gas stations should be moved to the special land use section to avoid confusion. Overall, the updates were well-received with only minor tweaks suggested.
Encouragement of Dark Sky Friendly Lighting (01:02:00)
Debate on reducing light pollution by encouraging dark sky friendly lighting, including legal challenges and enforcement issues.

The commission discussed the possibility of lowering the allowable percentage of light spillage to promote dark skies. Concerns were raised about legal implications and the enforcement of such changes, particularly regarding non-conforming uses. The feasibility of enforcing the new standards was debated, with the suggestion to possibly revise the ordinance to encourage compliance.
Regulation of Holiday and Decorative Lighting (01:03:32)
Consideration of trends in semi-permanent holiday lighting and its compliance with current ordinances.

The commission examined the trend of semi-permanent holiday lighting installations and their compliance with the existing ordinance, which exempts holiday lights only during Christmas. There was a discussion on whether these installations should be regulated differently, particularly for commercial versus residential properties, and how current regulations might inadvertently prohibit popular lighting trends.
Flagpole Lighting Compliance (01:06:05)
Clarification sought on flagpole lighting regulations to ensure compliance with flag etiquette and illumination requirements.

A question was raised regarding the compliance of flagpole lighting with the ordinance and ensuring it aligns with flag etiquette, which requires illumination after dark. The council aimed to ensure that ordinances do not inadvertently prohibit proper flag illumination, with a commitment to verify references and compliance with the flag code.
Public Comment and Adjournment (01:09:10)
The meeting concluded with no additional public comments or new business, followed by adjournment.

The meeting was opened for a second round of public comments, during which no comments were made. With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.