Comstock Charter Township - October 9, 2025 Comstock Township Planning Commission

Updated about 17 hours ago

The Commission considers a rezoning request to change a property from R-1A to AGR, which is favorably reviewed for compliance with the master land use plan and future agricultural use. The commission also reviews and finalizes details for accessory structure standards and a new chicken ordinance, including setting limits on the number of hens based on property size. Additionally, procedural matters such as the meeting schedule for the coming year and training updates are addressed. The commission plans a public hearing for the proposed ordinance changes and discusses strategies for ensuring compliance with existing noise and zoning regulations. The meeting concludes with updates from the Township Board and a discussion on handling ex parte communications and participation in Township Board meetings.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:14)
The meeting was called to order at six o'clock by the chair of the Charter Township of Comstock Planning Commission.

The chair announced the call to order for the Charter Township of Comstock Planning Commission meeting, officially beginning the proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:22)
Participants were invited to join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

The chair requested all attendees to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, honoring the nation and its principles.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:46)
The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and approved without any additions or subtractions.

The chair asked for any additions or subtractions to the agenda. As there were none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda, which passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:13)
The minutes from the previous meeting were discussed, with a request for modifications to accurately reflect an attorney's statement.

During the approval of the minutes, a member requested a change to accurately document the attorney's communication instructions. The minutes were amended accordingly and approved after a motion and seconding.
Citizen Comments (00:04:13)
Citizens were invited to comment, limited to three minutes each, without board discussion during this time.

The chair opened the floor to citizen comments, explaining the rules for participation. Citizens could speak for up to three minutes, making statements to the board without receiving immediate discussion from members.
Rezoning Request Discussion (00:05:31)
A rezoning request from R-1A to AGR was discussed, including staff reports and public comments, resulting in a vote to recommend approval.

The commission reviewed a rezoning request with staff reports highlighting the consistency with the master plan and potential impacts. After discussion and a public hearing, a motion was made to recommend approval to the township board.
Accessory Structure Ordinance (00:17:40)
Revisions to the accessory structure ordinance were reviewed, with discussions on setbacks and agricultural exemptions.

The commission reviewed changes to the accessory structure ordinance, discussing detailed points such as setbacks and exemptions for agricultural uses. Clarifications were made, and the revisions were prepared for a public hearing.
Chicken Ordinance (00:29:51)
Proposed changes to the chicken ordinance were discussed, including limits on the number of chickens based on lot size.

The commission reviewed two tables proposing changes to the chicken ordinance, debating the number of chickens allowed per lot size. Discussions focused on practical implications and agreement on a preferred table layout.
Discussion on Chicken Ordinance (00:34:50)
Discussion on regulations for chicken coops and fencing, including square footage and placement restrictions.

The board discussed regulations around chicken coops and fencing, including the potential for setting a minimum square footage for coops to control the number of chickens. It was proposed that coops and pens should not encroach on front yards, aligning with existing ordinances. The debate included whether free-ranging chickens should be allowed and the implications of fencing requirements. There was also discussion on what materials should be permitted for building coops, with a focus on aesthetics and standards.
Approval of Meeting Schedule for February (00:58:18)
Approval of planning commission meeting schedule, including adjustments for February due to vacations.

The meeting schedule for the planning commission was discussed and approved. Adjustments were made to the February schedule to accommodate planned absences, resulting in back-to-back meetings. There was discussion about the necessity of approving the schedule by resolution and ensuring that all members were aware of the changes.
Citizen Comments (00:59:59)
Opening and closing of citizen comment period with no citizen comments received.

The chair opened the floor for citizen comments, reiterating the rules for participation. As there were no citizens present to make comments, the comment period was closed shortly thereafter.
Updates from Other Boards (01:00:57)
Updates from township and zoning boards on issues like homeless committees and siren budgets.

Board members provided updates from other boards, including the formation of a committee to address homelessness and panhandling. It was noted that the township board had voted to include weather sirens in the budget, potentially phasing them in. There was also discussion on the policy for utilizing township attorneys, with concerns about restrictions on contacting the attorney for non-statutory duties.
Training Updates (01:04:35)
Update on MAP conference registration and expectations for attendees.

An update was given on the Michigan Association of Planning (MAP) conference registration, confirming that attendees should expect further communication and resources, such as a downloadable app for session information.
Future Action Items (01:05:03)
Discussion of future meeting agendas and workshops, including public hearings and ordinance reviews.

The board discussed future meetings and workshops, including a joint meeting with the CIP and moratorium committee. Upcoming agendas will focus on public hearings for ordinance changes and the progression of discussions on accessory structures and chicken ordinances. Members were reminded of the need to address past requested legal opinions.
Discussion on Closed Session (01:05:45)
Discussion on whether to enter closed session to review legal opinions. Decision made to divide opinions for future discussion.

The board discussed whether to enter into a closed session to review legal opinions. It was decided not to go into closed session at this time. Instead, they considered a motion to have the attorney separate the legal opinions into four different opinions for further review at a later date. The necessity to waive attorney-client privilege to discuss certain opinions in open session was also addressed. No vote was required at this time.
Planning Commissioner Comments (01:08:11)
Commissioners shared their thoughts on the meeting, expressing positive feedback and satisfaction with productivity.

During the planning commissioner comments section, various commissioners expressed their satisfaction with the meeting's productivity and outcomes. Joe, Todd, Amber, and James all indicated that they were pleased with how the meeting went, noting it was productive and effective.
Discussion on Handling Resident Emails and Ex Parte Communication (01:09:45)
Discussion on how to handle resident emails and ex parte communication to avoid influencing planning decisions.

The board discussed the appropriate handling of emails received from residents regarding issues in the township. The importance of sharing such emails with the entire board and relevant staff was emphasized. The discussion also covered the dangers of ex parte communication and how it might influence planning decisions. Commissioners were advised to be cautious when discussing matters that could come before the board, to avoid prejudicing decisions.
Guidance on Recusal and Participation in Discussions (01:14:50)
Clarification on recusal from discussions and whether to share information with recused members.

The meeting included a discussion on the guidelines for recusal, particularly regarding whether recused members should be informed about ongoing discussions from which they are recused. It was clarified that recused members should not participate in discussions or receive specific information on the matter to maintain impartiality.
Attendance of Planning Commission Members at Township Board Meetings (01:16:50)
Discussion on the appropriate conduct of planning commission members attending township board meetings to avoid open meetings act issues.

The board discussed the attendance of planning commission members at township board meetings. It was advised that while planning commissioners can attend such meetings, they should avoid sitting together or engaging in discussions that could be perceived as a deliberation of the planning commission. This is to ensure compliance with the open meetings act and to avoid any appearance of undue influence or intimidation.
Adjournment (01:17:51)
The meeting was formally adjourned after concluding all agenda items.

The meeting was adjourned after all agenda items were discussed and no further questions or topics were raised by the members.

Comstock Charter Township (63 Episodes)

Updated about 17 hours ago

Gavel to gavel coverage of meetings of the Comstock Charter Township Board of Trustees and Planning Commission.