Comstock Township - July 24, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Comstock Township Planning Commission Meeting covers several significant topics, including a rezoning request from residential to agricultural to allow for more chickens, which faces opposition from neighbors. The board also discusses adjusting the chicken ordinance to possibly allow more chickens based on lot size. Additionally, there is a debate about accessory structure regulations, particularly regarding setbacks and garage classifications. The commission decides to keep the zoning ordinance moratorium on battery storage in place to continue refining the ordinance changes. The meeting concludes with citizen comments and planning commission updates.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:50)
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:28)
The agenda was reviewed with two additions, and approved as amended.

The agenda was reviewed and two additions were made: a light discussion about an email from Matt Watts under informational items and a check-in on the tabled moratorium repeal under old business. The amended agenda was approved by the members.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:32)
The minutes from the previous meeting were approved without any corrections.

The minutes from the previous meeting were presented for approval. There were no changes or corrections noted, and the motion to approve the minutes was carried.
Public Comments (00:03:29)
The floor was opened to citizen comments, with a three-minute limit per speaker.

During the public comment period, citizens were invited to state their name and address and speak for up to three minutes. No time could be yielded to others. Comments were to be addressed to the board without discussion from board members.
Rezone Request Public Hearing (00:05:30)
A public hearing was held regarding a request to rezone property from R-1A to AGR for keeping more chickens.

The public hearing addressed a request to rezone a residential property to agricultural to allow for keeping more chickens. The applicant explained the need for more chickens for family use. Neighbors expressed concerns about noise, trash, and ordinance violations.
Rezone Request Deliberation (00:18:50)
The Planning Commission deliberated on the rezone request, considering the master plan and public comments.

Commission members discussed the appropriateness of the rezoning request in light of the master plan and neighbor concerns. Some members noted the violation of current ordinances by the applicant. The commission decided to table the decision for further consideration.
Chicken Ordinance Discussion (00:31:23)
The commission discussed potential changes to the chicken ordinance, considering public and personal experiences.

The discussion focused on the current chicken ordinance, with members sharing their perspectives on the number of chickens allowed, potential for expanding allowances for larger properties, and issues such as noise and rodent control. Members with farming backgrounds shared their insights.
Discussion on Ordinance for Keeping Poultry and Livestock (00:34:23)
The board discussed various aspects of the ordinance regarding keeping chickens and other livestock, including the number of chickens allowed, coop size, and the impact on neighbors.

Several board members expressed the need to adjust the current ordinance that limits the number of chickens a person can keep based on their property size. Suggestions included creating a formula to allow more chickens for larger lots, addressing coop height and fencing requirements, and considering other livestock like turkeys and goats. Concerns about stricter requirements and their impact on residents were also raised.
Discussion on Accessory Structure Ordinance (00:48:00)
The board debated the regulations regarding accessory structures, focusing on setbacks, size limits, and whether garages should count as accessory structures.

The conversation covered the current requirements for accessory structures, including setbacks based on height, and the total floor space allowed. Members discussed whether attached and detached garages should count towards the limit on accessory structures and considered whether lot coverage should be the main concern. It was noted that the current rules might be too restrictive and that changes could help residents who need additional storage or workspaces.
Moratorium on Battery Storage Facilities (01:04:24)
The board is considering repealing a moratorium on battery storage facilities, but needs to make a recommendation to the Township board after a public hearing.

The board discussed the status of a moratorium on battery storage facilities, noting that while the Township board has repealed a police power moratorium, the zoning ordinance moratorium requires a recommendation from the planning commission. The board has yet to make a recommendation following a public hearing, and there is pressure from the Township board to resolve the issue promptly.
Discussion on Township Board's Police Power and Zoning Ordinance Moratorium (01:06:40)
The board discussed the repeal of the police power moratorium and the ongoing zoning ordinance moratorium.

The Township board had already voted to repeal the police power moratorium, leaving only the zoning ordinance moratorium in place. There was discussion on the need for further process to amend the zoning ordinance and the urgency communicated by Township board members.
Planning Commission's Recommendation on Zoning Ordinance Changes (01:11:00)
The Planning Commission debated whether to recommend changes to the zoning ordinance or keep it tabled.

The Planning Commission discussed the current state of the zoning ordinance, with some members urging it to remain tabled due to ongoing good work. Others pointed out that any recommendation would need to ensure the ordinance remains viable for applications.
Citizen Comment Session (01:17:00)
Citizens were invited to speak for three minutes each on any topic, with several expressing opinions on the zoning ordinance and chicken regulations.

During the citizen comment session, residents expressed their views on various issues, including the zoning ordinance and the potential impact of chicken regulations on the community. Concerns were raised about ordinance changes being made for developers rather than the community.
Updates from Other Boards (01:23:34)
Updates were provided from the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Township Board, including recent meeting outcomes and decisions.

The Zoning Board of Appeals met to discuss a garage variance request, which was denied due to lack of hardship. The Township Board had recently passed the first reading of a zoning change.
Planning Commissioner Comments and Adjournment (01:25:00)
Commissioners shared their thoughts on the meeting and future actions before adjourning.

Planning Commissioners made final comments, highlighting the need for further discussion on certain ordinances and acknowledging the good work being done. The meeting was then adjourned.