[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6324226,"mediaKeyId","2339186-ed2b635d64f44889ec75e2d5086065b8","parentId",2339186,"title","Planning Commission recommends zoning text amendments to ease egress-window, front-yard parking and street-facing solar rules","audioSeconds",1353,"startMs",501000,"endMs",1854000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339186-ed2b635d64f44889ec75e2d5086065b8&start=501&end=1854","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339186-ed2b635d64f44889ec75e2d5086065b8/thumbnail_501000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6324226/Grand-Rapids-City/Kent-County/Michigan/Planning-Commission-recommends-zoning-text-amendments-to-ease-egress-window-front-yard-parking-and-street-facing-solar-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324226-024b0d84013b2ebafcc71c4dbf6a59b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1776327250&Signature=QgFbIEj3XMTerK-SszV5573tdyZO9fW8JAKB-bFt4FKHW52QVMfmeiYM1OTnX0ItDlcbhCOmX9X4izeBt3ug5hFHSeEIV7QuuiQikPmS7Vp21BWhGXDNomhn341yZ~ZDqkr79G3WlhRBCDAEVRoYmGOb4cuUnq8FEBG4RUFO3GZCb4drppmr9FYmINa-vaVlHVBrzWpG2cibdTlpzLp9u1RQzOjB3takLzWEK0RGLNWZYnVBF3tUhjfW8yUg1wEiTTzyJ35K1TPGePU3d6yPMAWIqh9BqJSB98VixgnENVZtafF9hXxSYTswEbgIf50W7cEQSsc5e3jQXC9mrffLAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","The City of Grand Rapids","date","2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Grand Rapids City Planning Commission recommended approval Feb. 13 of several zoning ordinance text amendments intended to reduce recurring permitting barriers for homeowners and small businesses.

The package, presented by city planning staff, includes an administrative-departure process to allow egress window wells to be located as close as 1 foot from a side lot line (down from the effective 3-foot requirement that often forces applicants to seek variances), rules allowing replacement of nonconforming front-yard parking through an administrative departure, reinstatement of a Grand River overlay code section that had been omitted in an earlier amendment, and a revision to make it easier to site rooftop solar on street-facing sides of structures.

Staff said the egress-window-well change responds to repeated variance approvals by the Board of Zoning Appeals: window wells are typically about 3 feet deep, but many older lots and narrow side setbacks have made the current reading effectively require 6 feet of clearance. Under the proposed amendment, an administrative departure could be granted only after applicants demonstrate there is no feasible alternative location and that conditions required by building code and the amendment (for example, a clear path to the public way, adequate fall protection adjacent to walking surfaces, and assurances the work will not undermine adjacent foundations) are met. \"You still need to meet building code, but we added these [standards] so applicants would understand they are required to meet them,\" a city planning staff member said during the presentation.

The proposed front-yard parking provision would allow owners to repave and replace nonconforming off-street parking in front yards through an administrative departure, provided there is no practical alternative on the site, landscaping is brought closer to conformity, and the parking is not expanded. Staff said properties with 20 or fewer spaces could generally retain their existing count; in other instances applicants could submit a parking-demand study under Section 5-10-4(a) to justify retaining more spaces. \"We want to encourage reinvestment and repaving of parking lots in poor condition,\" a staff member said.

On the Grand River Overlay District, staff proposed reinstating text inadvertently removed in a prior amendment and shifting control of allowed uses to the underlying base zone district where appropriate. Staff said extensive rezoning around the river and expansion of the City Center zone made the prior overlay language less appropriate. The amendment would restore the deleted building-elements section and apply underlying zone uses where the modification better matches surrounding properties.

Finally, staff proposed easing the process for street-facing rooftop solar panels. The change would reduce the barrier homeowners face when there is no other feasible roof orientation; staff noted they have routinely approved administrative departures for street-facing panels and received public support letters for the change. \"We've always approved them; this reduces a barrier to homeowners who want to add solar,\" a staff member said.

Commissioners discussed the amendments briefly and expressed support, saying the package codifies existing practice and reduces repetitive variance requests. A motion recommending approval was read into the record; commissioners voted by voice and the motion carried with the commission chair recording \"aye\" votes and no opposition.

The recommendations will be forwarded to the City Commission for final action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission Meeting - February 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Grand Rapids City Planning Commission recommended approval Feb. 13 of zoning ordinance text amendments to ease egress-window setbacks, allow administrative departures for replacement of nonconforming front-yard parking, restore a Grand River overlay code section, and reduce barriers to street-facing rooftop solar.","taxTitle","Grand Rapids City, Kent County, Michigan","taxId",3704,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6324216,"Staff outlines timeline and engagement plan to implement 2024 Community Master Plan and rewrite zoning ordinance",2353,2166000,4519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339186-ed2b635d64f44889ec75e2d5086065b8&start=2166&end=4519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339186-ed2b635d64f44889ec75e2d5086065b8/thumbnail_2166000.jpg","/articles/6324216/Grand-Rapids-City/Kent-County/Michigan/Staff-outlines-timeline-and-engagement-plan-to-implement-2024-Community-Master-Plan-and-rewrite-zoning-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324216-4c19bc7c3a505405fef9dda63381684c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776327250&Signature=FXHiHj6AgHFjucy333xtXXlchE5KJBy85bdmpIyZ8qf7ZAxAO3VgOSP62nLIBRWkW41p7PHodkdNCbJZBmX-zIz3AYrdNe~Tla~tKsUCBCtOrpAR5Swj5S8Eqst25EGFYf8fYUV1TlJi1nDu7493GpZd8AwLcOgv96xDlCxehQ7kRmgLvy2gK2XQkVcmOu7o5NhSa3J3rZ~-PD3z3d1MjScDma~JoVUSARbbrJ8~eN8C9~FuClwiKNinzS31tdMhxcewDCkGKBNPccunig~gKvZxs8MmtxqDOm5Bc4v8OPTvI80avYDmecx68SVu-z1XTvLGzJBHLcQ8-9hEpJnVCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kristen, a city planning staff member, presented an update Feb. 13 to the Grand Rapids City Planning Commission on progress implementing the 2024 Community Master Plan and on plans to rewrite the zoning ordinance to align local law with the plan's recommendations.

Staff said they have published a story map and chapter videos to make the master plan more accessible and are developing an online dashboard to track implementation actions and improve transparency. The zoning ordinance rewrite is framed as a multi-phase effort: an initial phase to form a technical advisory committee and issue a request for proposals for a consultant; a second phase, with consultant support, to draft and test ordinance language and to engage technical stakeholders and the public on specific code provisions; and a target timeframe to pursue adoption of the rewritten ordinance by spring 2027, aligned to the city's budget calendar.

Staff emphasized that the rewrite is not intended to relitigate the master plan's goals, but rather to convert the plan's recommendations into enforceable ordinance language. Staff described a proposed technical advisory committee made up of planning commissioners, Board of Zoning Appeals members, building-code officials, design professionals, neighborhood representatives, and business-district leaders to provide practical feedback on how proposed code changes would function in practice. \"We are not redoing the community master plan,\" Kristentold commissioners; \"our job is to make sure when we're meeting with individuals... we explain what is their role and what are some of the limitations of this role.\"

Staff also discussed outreach and education: a planned \"roadshow\" of zoning 101 sessions (one meeting in each ward, meetings with neighborhood associations, business districts, and targeted outreach to architects and contractor groups), a user survey sent to frequent code users (design professionals, contractors, developers) to identify pain points, and targeted reporting back on prior housing-focused ordinance changes adopted in the last cycle to evaluate implementation results.

Commissioners asked about avoiding repeated debates of the master plan during the rewrite and about timing. Staff said strong project leadership and a consultant's technical expertise would limit relitigation, and that some targeted ordinance updates (for example, housing measures) could be advanced sooner if staff capacity and priorities allow. Staff noted state law constraints that affect zoning options in Michigan, citing the Rent Control Act and limits on certain exactions and inclusionary zoning approaches as examples of external legal constraints that must be considered when drafting code.

Commissioners provided suggestions on engagement partners (AIA chapter, contractor associations, neighborhood schools as meeting locations) and volunteer representation for the technical advisory committee; one commissioner volunteered to serve. Staff asked commissioners to submit recommended names for advisory members by email.

Staff said the rewrite will emphasize better user tools, including interactive mapping that lets users click a parcel and see applicable code sections, to reduce reliance on staff interpretation. No formal action was taken; staff will return with drafts and milestones during the rewrite process.","Planning staff provided a progress update on implementing the 2024 Community Master Plan and previewed a multi-phase zoning ordinance rewrite, including a story map, dashboard, technical advisory committee, consultant solicitation, and a public \"roadshow\" to explain zoning changes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6324221,"Commission backs map correction to include Front and Scribner properties in downtown height overlay DH2A",276,1868000,2144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2339186-ed2b635d64f44889ec75e2d5086065b8&start=1868&end=2144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2339186-ed2b635d64f44889ec75e2d5086065b8/thumbnail_1868000.jpg","/articles/6324221/Grand-Rapids-City/Kent-County/Michigan/Commission-backs-map-correction-to-include-Front-and-Scribner-properties-in-downtown-height-overlay-DH2A","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6324221-daf0c1cadcd9ae26fbc61e2c4432bea2/orig.mp4?Expires=1776327250&Signature=WS-mrqvmubzhpZqxPveDZoG1QBI-X9acXI-nmd09t8UznxoJhDLm45gjch6aq6a7YI1SEJj~37B~sSINUiwj-REOKHYdf7zG-Q-Hw60cpImyX2LLY8Cet33Co5n2A90UDc6I3niw~YY5LmLsTcv9NEdLzDvwXEQPwgofENQxZ7sj6kk4v-NaLu7teQ6~AqT~wCCbsVhctLcZaS3FdDcd71Bps8uX4fvJLI4CZksNU~RbS-z~Zq55QuKn0HudHesKFcYE8zvC4MVnTMLIxTDF7G7AplC~hCqk6wArbJZ1blrfkXUmU6Llx06QCCspuoT0tC7OgbGIJjpe3fPkEyegPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Rapids City Planning Commission voted Feb. 13 to recommend a map amendment that would include several West Side properties on Front Avenue Northwest and Scribner Avenue in the DH2A subarea of the Downtown Height Overlay District.

Staff told the commission the proposal corrects an omission in a prior ordinance: properties rezoned from Transitional City Center to City Center last year were intended to be included in DH2A but were not incorporated in the overlay map when the ordinance was written. The DH2A subarea allows up to 20 stories, and staff said including the parcels would make their allowed height consistent with adjacent blocks to the south and east.

\"During the presentation and the staff report we implied and explicitly said that this area would be in the DH2A overlay; unfortunately, we neglected to include that part when we wrote the ordinance,\" a city planning staff member said during the hearing.

Staff listed the affected addresses during the public presentation and asked the commission to amend Map A (Downtown Height Overlay) to include the specified parcels in DH2A. The Planning Commission closed the public hearing with no speakers and, after brief discussion, a motion recommending approval was passed by voice vote; the chair recorded \"aye\" votes and stated the motion carries.

The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the City Commission for final approval.","The Planning Commission recommended adding several properties on the west side of the Grand River along Front and Scribner avenues to the DH2A downtown height overlay, aligning those parcels with adjacent zoning and allowing the existing 20-story maximum in that subarea.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Planning Commission recommends zoning text amendments to ease egress-window, front-yard parking and street-facing solar rules

Staff outlines timeline and engagement plan to implement 2024 Community Master Plan and rewrite zoning ordinance

Commission backs map correction to include Front and Scribner properties in downtown height overlay DH2A