Community Input Sought on Proposed Amendments at Planning Commission Working Session
The 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, City of Ann Arbor Planning Commission Working Session agenda includes two proposed amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC). The planning commission wants to offer, and encourage, community engagement and feedback at this early stage of the ordinance amendment work. The community is invited to learn about these two ordinance amendments and to share feedback directly to the commission as part of its discussion of each agenda item by participating via *Zoom.
The first amendment includes relaxing the standards for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/planning/Pages/Accessory-Dwelling-Units.aspx) to allow them in more zoning districts and to relax their standards in current zoning districts. The proposed changes would eliminate the requirement that the ADU must be in an existing, detached building; newly constructed detached ADUs will be allowed. The proposed changes would also allow ADUs in the R3 Townhouse and R4A, R4B, R4C, R4D and R4E Multiple-family Dwelling Districts when the lot has one single-family home on it.
The second amendment is to create a new zoning district: T1 Transit Support district (https://www.a2gov.org/departments/planning/Pages/Proposed-Transit-Oriented-Zoning-District.aspx). This new zoning district would be used along existing commercial transit corridors and is intended to require or encourage mixed uses in sufficient density to support the adjacent transit systems; provide more housing choices; and further the goals of the City of Ann Arbor Master Plan, including those related to sustainability, affordable housing, transportation and future land use. Development standards for the T1 district would include required residential units; minimum building sizes and stories; setbacks close to the street; and design features for pedestrian and transit users.
The planning commission is asking for feedback specifically on the permitted or required uses, development standards and appropriate areas for initial focus.
*This meeting will be available via Zoom in accordance with current local and state government guidelines. Audience members are invited to address the planning commission at this and other meetings for up to three minutes. Questions and comments may be submitted in advance to City of Ann Arbor Planning Services by emailing to planning@a2gov.org.
Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone or Android device:
For access to video and audio, please click the following URL to join. The passcode is 361611. https://a2gov.zoom.us/j/99539794201?pwd=enovTE9XOTdhZXFGUm12RU50WmRQUT09
Or join by phone (audio only):
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 213 338 8477 or +1 206 337 9723 or 888 788 0099 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5247 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 995 3979 4201
International numbers available: https://a2gov.zoom.us/u/aeCaf1LVJm
In general, the process for ordinance amendments involves:
- Background and research work by staff.
- Community engagement.
- Informal input from the planning commission at working sessions.
This process will allow for:
- Preparation of a first draft of a proposed ordinance amendment.
- Refinement and testing of the ordinance amendments by the planning commission’s ordinance revisions committee.
- Formal discussion by the planning commission following a public hearing at a regular meeting. This will assist the commission in making a recommendation to City Council; a first reading and second reading and vote on the ordinance amendment can then take place by City Council.
Planning commission working sessions are meetings of the full body for presentations and discussions. No formal votes or approvals are passed. Instead, the planning commission learns and talks about the agenda items and provides direction to staff or applicants to continue work on proposed and ongoing projects, initiatives and programs. Working sessions are typically held on the second Tuesday of each month and are open to the community but are not recorded or broadcast.
