LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION APPROVED - MEETING MINUTES July 17, 2013 7:30 p.m. 304 E. Grand River Ave., Howell, Michigan PLANNING COMMISSION COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: JEANNE CLUM (CO-CHAIR) BILL ANDERSON BRIAN PROKUDA, REID KRINOCK, CHAIR SYLVIA KENNEDY-CARRASCO MIKE HUBERT JAMES SPARKS STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: ROB STANFORD SCOTT BARB BOB HANVEY, MARION TOWNSHIP 1. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order by Commissioner Klum at 7:37 P.M. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL AND INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASCO TO APPROVE THE AGENDA DATED JULY 17, 2013. All in favor, motion passed. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT TO APPROVE THE MAY 15, 2013 MINUTES, AS PRESENTED. All in favor, motion passed. 6. CALL TO THE PUBLIC - There were no issues from the public. 7. ZONING REVIEWS
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 2 A. Z-18-13 GREEN OAK CHARTER TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Article III District Regulations, Section 38-135 Schedule of Use Regulations, (10) LI Limited Industrial District. The proposed text amendment regards a modification to the uses in the LI Limited Industrial zoning district in order to allow movie studio buildings or video production facilities as permitted uses, and vehicle towing facilities, 24-hour movie studio buildings and video production facilities as special uses. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: APPROVAL. The Green Oak Charter Township Planning Commission recommended approval of the text amendment at their April 18, 2013 meeting. There were no public comments at the April 18, 2013 public hearing. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed amendments to Article III are reasonable and appropriate. To supplement this amendment, the Green Oak Charter Township Planning Commission may wish to define these new uses in Sec. 38-1. Definitions, particularly the special approval use of: Movie Studio Buildings and film or video production if production is 24-hour operation or if outdoor storage is considered. APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASCO. B. Z-19-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Article 5.0 Site Standards, Section 5.26 Signs, 2.Permits and Enforcement, C. Review of Application. The Hartland Township Planning Commission proposes to revise text in Section 5.26.2.C Review of Application. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: APPROVAL. The Hartland Township Planning Commission recommended Approval of the text amendment at their July 11, 2013 meeting. There were no public comments at the public hearing held July 11, 2013. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed text amendments to the Hartland Township Zoning Ordinance are reasonable and appropriate modifications regarding the review and determination of sign permits. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASCO.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 3 C. Z-20-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Article 3.0 Zoning Districts, Section 3.24 Notes to District Standards. The Hartland Township Planning Commission proposes to revise text in Section 3.24 Notes to District Standards, regarding supplemental development standards intended to be applied to various uses referenced in the zoning districts. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: APPROVAL. The Hartland Township Planning Commission recommended Approval of the text amendment at their July 11, 2013 meeting. There were no public comments at the public hearing held July 11, 2013. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. All district standards in Section 3.24 were cross referenced in the Hartland Township Zoning Ordinance and the proposed text amendments appear reasonable and appropriate. APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT. D. Z-21-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Article 2.0 Definitions, Section 2.2.229.A, Animated Sign; Article 5.0 Site Standards, Section 5.13.1 Permitted Lighting; and Article 5.0 Site Standards, Section 5.26.4 Prohibited Signs, S. Searchlights. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: APPROVAL. The Hartland Township Planning Commission recommended Approval of the text amendment at their July 11, 2013 meeting. There were no public comments at the public hearing held July 11, 2013. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed text amendments to the Hartland Township Zoning Ordinance are reasonable and appropriate modifications. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASCO TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON. E. Z-22-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to: Article 2.0 Definitions, Section 2.2.182A, Personal Service Establishment and 2.2.182 Personal Fitness Center; and Article 3.0 Zoning Districts, Section 3.1.11 OS Office Service The following amendments regard Personal Service Establishments. Although Personal Service Establishments are listed as a permitted use in the LC, NSC, and GC districts, the term is not defined.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 4 Additionally, these amendments address licensed massage therapy (licensure is now required in the State of Michigan) which is presently not referenced in the zoning ordinance, yet it has become a common service particularly in association with beauty salons and day spas. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: APPROVAL. The Hartland Township Planning Commission recommended Approval of the text amendment at their July 11, 2013 meeting. There were no public comments at the public hearing held July 11, 2013. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed text amendments to the Hartland Township Zoning Ordinance are reasonable and appropriate modifications. APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT. F. Z-23-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Section 2.2 Definitions - Planned Commercial Development The Hartland Township Planning Commission is proposing to amend Section 2.2 Definitions by eliminating the term Planned Commercial Development and revising the term Planned Development. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: APPROVAL. There were no comments at the July 11, 2013 public hearing. There were no public comments. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed text amendments are acceptable, reasonable and appropriate. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON. G. Z-24-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Section 2.2 Definitions - Tavern The Hartland Township Planning Commission is proposing to amend Section 2.2 Definitions by revising the definition of Restaurant - Bar/lounge to include the term tavern. July 11, 2013 public hearing. There were no public comments.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 5 Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed text amendments are acceptable, reasonable and appropriate. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASACO TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT. H. Z-25-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance: Table of Contents; Use Matrix; Section 2.2 Definitions; Section 3.1 Districts Established; Section 4.23 Convalescent Homes, Nursing Homes, Rest Homes, and Orphanages and Congregate Care Facilities. The Hartland Township Planning Commission is proposing to amend several sections of the Township Ordinance. The amendments are initiated to correct the inconsistencies and overlap in references to nursing homes, convalescent homes, rest homes, and orphanages as contained in the Zoning Ordinance. July 11, 2013 public hearing on the proposed amendments. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed amendments are reasonable and appropriate. APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT. I. Z-26-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance: Section 5.2 Minimum Lot Frontage. The Hartland Township Planning Commission is proposing to amend Section 5.2 of the Township Zoning Ordinance with regards to minimum lot frontage on public or private roads, and shared driveways. July 11, 2013 public hearing on the proposed amendments. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed amendments are reasonable and appropriate.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 6 APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASCO. J. Z-27-13 HARTLAND TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Zoning Ordinance: Section 2.2 Definitions. The Hartland Township Planning Commission is proposing to amend Section 2.2 of the Township Zoning Ordinance with regards to the definition of Driveway, Shared. July 11, 2013 public hearing on the proposed amendments. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed amendments are reasonable and appropriate and serve to resolve any confusion regarding shared driveways. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON. K. Z-28-13 MARION TOWNSHIP - PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE: Amendments to Section 6.08 - One Building Per Lot The Marion Township Planning Commission is proposing to amend Article 6, General Provisions, Section 6.08, One Building Per Lot, to clarify the relationship of building to lots. June 25, 2013 public hearing. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. The proposed text amendments are acceptable, reasonable and appropriate. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Clum asked for an explanation of what a metes and bounds was. Principal Planner Stanford explained the difference between metes and bounds and a plat. Public Comment: Bob Hanvey, Marion Township Supervisor explained the history and intent of the proposed amendment. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASCO TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 7 L. Z-29-13 MARION TOWNSHIP: REZONING Current Zoning: PL Public Land Proposed Zoning: SR Suburban Residential Proponents: Marion Township / Willow s Edge Properties / Tom Boyle TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN: The Future Land Use map of Marion Township designates the site as Community Facilities. The Township Master Plan describes this area in the following manner (page 81): The intent of the Community Facilities future land use category is to provide land area for the purposes of administering Marion Township public services. The Community Facilities future land use designation encompasses 181 acres of land in four locations throughout the township. Two locations in Sections 22 and 27 are owned by Marion Township Government for the purposes of providing administrative services through the township hall, fire services through the Howell Fire Service Area (HAFA) Marion Township substation and future township recreational services through donated park land. A third location consists of 52 acres of the Brighton State Recreation Area in Section 36 and the remaining acreage designated as CF is the site of Howell Public Schools Parker High School at the northwest quadrant of Section 13. Developmental Densities within the Community Facilities future land use designation should not exceed 1 building or structure per 11,000 square feet. The Community Facilities future land use category corresponds to the PL Public Lands zoning district of the Marion Township Zoning Ordinance. This proposal is to zone the parcel from the current Public Land to Suburban Residential subsequent to the sale of the parcel from the Howell Public Schools to a private owner. The parcel needs to be rezoned to a residential use to conform with the Township zoning ordinance. The surrounding lands to the east, west and south are planned for Low Density Residential (2 acre), however, lands just to the north of these parcels (across Wright Road) are planned for Sewered Suburban Residential (0.5 acre if sewered, 0.75 acre if not sewered). While the proposed parcels are not planned for Sewered Suburban Residential, the close proximity of this land makes this request reasonable. COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Livingston County Comprehensive Plan designates the site Transitional Residential (page 63-64). According to the County Comprehensive Plan: Transitional Residential applies to areas that have already experienced new suburban housing growth, but which retain some of their agricultural characteristics. These areas act as a buffer between more strictly agricultural lands and Residential areas. Most of the Transitional Residential area will be on the front lines of residential development pressure over the next two decades. Therefore, it is important to have effective open space and cluster ordinances in place, in order to keep residential development surrounded by plenty of open space or agricultural land at low to moderate overall densities. Public sewer and water are already present in some Transitional Residential areas, but should not be extended further into them, in order to focus higher density development in more appropriate Residential, City/Village, Settlement, and Primary Growth areas. This will help keep the remaining farmland viable while still allowing some residential growth. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: The Marion Township Planning Commission recommended APPROVAL of this request at its June 25, 2013 public hearing. There were no public comments regarding the proposed rezoning. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. Staff recommends that the proposed rezoning from Public Land (PL) to Suburban Residential (SR) be approved at this time. The parcel is a compliment to both the current
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 8 zoning and future land use of Marion Township and establishes a continuation of low to medium density residential uses in the general vicinity. It also alleviates the nonconforming land use for the parcel that currently exists as a result of a recent private sale of the property. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER HUBERT TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON. M. Z-30-13 MARION TOWNSHIP: REZONING Current Zoning: PL Public Land Proposed Zoning: SR Suburban Residential Proponents: Marion Township / Howell Public Schools TOWNSHIP MASTER PLAN: The Future Land Use map of Marion Township designates the site as Community Facilities. The Township Master Plan describes this area in the following manner (page 81): The intent of the Community Facilities future land use category is to provide land area for the purposes of administering Marion Township public services. The Community Facilities future land use designation encompasses 181 acres of land in four locations throughout the township. Two locations in Sections 22 and 27 are owned by Marion Township Government for the purposes of providing administrative services through the township hall, fire services through the Howell Fire Service Area Marion Township substation and future township recreational services through donated park land. A third location consists of 52 acres of the Brighton State Recreation Area in Section 36 and the remaining acreage designated as CF is the site of Howell Public Schools Parker High School at the northwest quadrant of Section 13. Developmental Densities within the Community Facilities future land use designation should not exceed 1 building or structure per 11,000 square feet. The Community Facilities future land use category corresponds to the PL Public Lands zoning district of the Marion Township Zoning Ordinance. This rezoning proposal is to create two (2) new parcels zoned Suburban Residential. The surrounding lands to the east, west and south are planned for Low Density Residential (2 acre), however, lands just to the north of these parcels (across Wright Road) are planned for Sewered Suburban Residential (0.5 acre if sewered, 0.75 acre if not sewered). While the proposed parcels are not planned for Sewered Suburban Residential, the close proximity of this land makes this request reasonable. COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The Livingston County Comprehensive Plan designates the site as Transitional Residential area (page 62-63). According to the County Comprehensive Plan: Transitional Residential applies to areas that have already experienced new suburban housing growth, but which retain some of their agricultural characteristics. These areas act as a buffer between more strictly agricultural lands and Residential areas. Most of the Transitional Residential area will be on the front lines of residential development pressure over the next two decades. Therefore, it is important to have effective open space and cluster ordinances in place, in order to keep residential development surrounded by plenty of open space or agricultural land at low to moderate overall densities. Public sewer and water are already present in some Transitional Residential areas, but should not be extended further into them, in order to focus higher density development in more appropriate residential,
LIVINGSTON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION PAGE 9 city/village, settlement, and primary growth areas. This will keep the remaining farmland viable while still allowing some residential growth. Township Planning Commission Recommendation: The Marion Township Planning Commission recommended APPROVAL of this request at its June 25, 2013 public hearing. There were no public comments regarding the proposed rezoning. Staff Recommendation: APPROVAL. Staff recommends that the proposed rezoning from Public Land (PL) to Suburban Residential (SR) be approved at this time. The parcel is a compliment to both the current zoning and future land use of Marion Township and establishes a continuation of low to medium density residential uses in the general vicinity. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Kennedy-Carrasco applauded the merits of the project. She is very excited to this this project take place. Commissioner Clum asked if the parking and lighting issues were an issue with the site. Bob Hanvey responded that the schools moved the property line so as not to encroach on any other property boundaries. Commissioner Clum stated that this has been an incredible program. The kids are getting well-paid jobs as a result of this experience. Commissioner Clum stated that while she wholeheartedly supports the project, it is necessary for her to abstain from voting on it as she is a member of the Howell Schools Foundation and what to make sure there are no conflicts of interest involved in the Commission s recommendation and action on the case. Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KENNEDY-CARRASCO TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON. All in favor, motion passed. 3-0 (1 abstain Clum) 8. OLD BUSINESS: 9. REPORTS: a. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT ) exercise for Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: Followup will take place at the August Planning commission Meeting. a. Distribution of County Planning publications 10. COMMISSIONERS HEARD AND CALL TO THE PUBLIC: None. 11. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Action: IT WAS MOVED BY COMMISSIONER CLUM TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:35, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER ANDERSON..