Oshtemo Township - December 12, 2024 Planning Commission

Updated 1 day ago

The Commission deliberates on zoning ordinance text amendments, with significant discussions surrounding warehouses, distribution centers, and childcare facilities. The board holds a public hearing on zoning ordinance amendments for warehouses and distribution fulfillment centers, focusing on changes to design standards, sustainable energy integration, and loading dock requirements. Additionally, amendments related to family and group childcare homes are considered to reduce barriers for local daycare providers. The meeting also touched on the need for as-built plans sealed by civil engineers for large projects to ensure accuracy and compliance. The board aims to align local regulations with modern needs and state incentives, emphasizing sustainability and accessibility.

Chapters

Call to Order and Introductions (00:00:01)
The meeting was not cancelled and started on time despite concerns.

The meeting was not cancelled, as the Township office was open. Attendees confirmed the meeting's occurrence and commenced with introductions.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:43)
Attendees stood up and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

The chairperson invited everyone to stand up and join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of the Agenda (00:03:13)
The agenda was approved with no changes after a motion and vote.

The agenda was presented for approval. No changes or additions were proposed. A motion to approve the agenda as presented was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:03:39)
No public comments were made regarding non-agenda items.

The floor was opened for public comments on non-agenda items. As no one approached the podium, the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.
Approval of Minutes (00:03:57)
The minutes were approved as presented without changes after a motion and vote.

The minutes from the previous meeting were presented for approval. No changes or corrections were noted. A motion to approve the minutes as presented was made and seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments (00:04:20)
A public hearing was held on zoning ordinance amendments for warehouses and distribution centers.

The public hearing focused on proposed zoning ordinance amendments related to warehouses and distribution fulfillment centers. The amendments addressed design standards, outdoor storage, truck docks, and incorporation of sustainable energy technology. Expert testimony had been received in previous meetings.
Discussion on Sustainable Energy Requirements (00:13:19)
The commission discussed incorporating sustainable energy in zoning amendments.

The commission debated the inclusion of sustainable energy technology as a requirement in the zoning ordinance amendments. They discussed the definitions of sustainable and renewable energy, potential technologies, and the impact on developers.
Public Comments on Zoning Amendments (00:20:02)
Public feedback was received on the zoning ordinance amendments during the hearing.

Several individuals provided feedback on the proposed zoning ordinance amendments, particularly the requirement for sustainable energy technology. Developers expressed concerns about the applicability and impact of these requirements.
Commission Discussion and Motion on Zoning Amendments (00:33:33)
The commission supported the amendments with environmental responsibility clauses.

The commission members discussed the proposed amendments further and expressed their support for incorporating environmental responsibility clauses. A motion was made to recommend the amendments to the Township board with the discussed changes.
Public Hearing on Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments (00:38:09)
The commission discusses potential amendments to zoning ordinances, focusing particularly on regulations affecting childcare facilities.

The session focuses on the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance, primarily concerning the regulation of family and group childcare homes. It was noted that the current ordinance imposes burdens on those who wish to expand their in-home daycare services. Recommendations from a zoning audit suggest making these uses permitted rather than special exceptions to ease the process for providers. Additionally, other amendments related to outdoor storage and accessory buildings were discussed, with an emphasis on modernizing and clarifying existing regulations.
Public Hearing: Open and Close (00:46:05)
The public hearing segment is opened and closed without any public comments or participation.

The meeting proceeds to open the public hearing section. However, there are no members of the public present to offer comments or feedback, and the segment is subsequently closed without further discussion.
Motion to Recommend Approval of Zoning Amendments (00:47:01)
A motion is made to recommend the approval of the proposed zoning text amendments to the board, with noted typographical corrections.

Following a detailed discussion on the proposed zoning ordinance amendments, a motion is introduced to recommend their approval to the board. This includes amendments concerning childcare facilities and other ordinance sections needing updates, along with corrections of identified typographical errors. The motion is supported and passed unanimously.
Other Business: Zoning Reform Toolkit Discussion (00:48:48)
Discussion on the Zoning Reform Toolkit, aimed at identifying hurdles in zoning ordinances to facilitate affordable housing.

The commission discusses the Zoning Reform Toolkit, which provides guidance on reforming zoning ordinances to encourage affordable housing development. The toolkit, awarded by the Michigan Association of Planning, highlights potential hurdles like minimum lot sizes and the prohibition of accessory dwelling units. The commission is starting to consider these reforms in anticipation of future zoning ordinance amendments.
Other Business: Planning Workshop Debrief (00:51:33)
Commission members share insights from a recent planning workshop they attended, highlighting the value of such sessions.

The commission members who attended a recent planning workshop discuss their takeaways, noting the value of having such sessions close by for easy access. It was a good summary of planning principles despite being shorter than a typical three-day event. The workshop provided useful insights into planning and zoning practices.
Other Business: AI and Ordinance Comparison Discussion (00:54:14)
A suggestion is made to explore AI tools for comparing ordinances and identifying inconsistencies to improve efficiency.

During the discussion of other business, a commission member suggests leveraging AI technology to compare zoning ordinances and identify inconsistencies. The idea is to utilize AI's capabilities to streamline ordinance reviews, reduce costs, and enhance clarity in legal language. The commission acknowledges the potential benefits of exploring AI tools for future ordinance development.