City of Bay City

The board conducted a work session for a comprehensive zoning ordinance review aimed at aligning with Redevelopment Ready Communities guidelines and modern planning principles. Key discussion areas included simplifying definitions, updating district regulations, and revising standards for specific uses like multi-family housing, kennels, and accessory dwelling units. The commission also reviewed the permitted use table, discussed the reuse of vacant institutional buildings, examined requirements for Planned Unit Developments, and addressed inconsistencies regarding outdoor entertainment, wireless communication facilities, and historic district references.

The board discussed a variance request for a property located at 905 South Henry Street. The appellant is seeking a use variance to permit a parking lot in a light industrial zoning district, as well as dimensional variances regarding setbacks and perimeter landscaping requirements. The board highlighted the need for a comprehensive site plan, including traffic flow, parking layout, and landscaping design, before any final approval can be granted. Additionally, discussions were held regarding engineering requirements, potential access points from Henry Street and John F. Kennedy Drive, and city right-of-way concerns.

The commission reviewed multiple historic district cases involving property improvements. Discussions focused on case HDC 2601 and HDC 2604 concerning window replacements and a patio door installation at a sunroom, ensuring consistency in materials and design. Case HDC 2605 involved window replacements, including a change from diamond patterns to a vertical/horizontal configuration and the conversion of casement windows to gliders. Case HDC 2606 addressed the replacement of six windows due to poor mechanical condition. Case HDC 2608 involved comprehensive discussions regarding siding replacements, specifically the removal of existing metal and wood materials in favor of vinyl siding, while preserving historical features such as window sills and decorative woodwork.

The Commission reviewed and approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for property work at 920 N. VanBuren, including specifications for porch decking width and railing style using wooden spindles. The Commission also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of 21 windows at 400 Green Avenue, confirming the replication of the existing window pattern and ensuring no changes to opening sizes. Staff provided an update on the status of the CLG report and reviewed the vacancy status for Commission membership.

The meeting focused on the ongoing revision of the city's zoning ordinance. Key discussions included the introduction of new definitions such as artisan manufacturing, triplex, and quadplex, as well as the clarification of industrial and retail categories. The committee addressed the need to incorporate mixed-use building definitions, resolve discrepancies in the zoning table regarding adult foster care facilities, and rectify duplicated items such as group daycare homes. The planning commission reviewed the Redevelopment Ready Communities best practices to align the ordinance with current development needs.