[{"_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",6076674,"mediaKeyId","2968262-cd7aeaa9da062aa2638538102fb32b10","parentId",2968262,"title","Berkeley council adopts updated zoning and sign regulations; several ordinances and motions pass","audioSeconds",325,"startMs",2004000,"endMs",2329000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2968262-cd7aeaa9da062aa2638538102fb32b10&start=2004&end=2329","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2968262-cd7aeaa9da062aa2638538102fb32b10/thumbnail_2004000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6076674/Berkley/Oakland-County/Michigan/Berkeley-council-adopts-updated-zoning-and-sign-regulations-several-ordinances-and-motions-pass","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076674-4b98ca5cc40f9d4e29a44634051e27cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196248&Signature=J2xG0G5CkZ2ooNhzyaHDg5xz2MpTKGde9T0hLHIeIk9aZBuiEOClY2Pi6e-x0XhVivjcs-EqH94Q4sk-XqA8T9WXwyrj-HaDAeFsOox~Z75yXnwKbpK16JQs0hMyKl1zxqL6tEaerjpgQqTyV1llHrqVdVyrz1GUFlkXExA2lddLRXyLMCZXoUsudisrM8255QHGqjambFUUiL1m1ulZNziDXmFn27L9AWvfVUNHbCc5qk-xeTmlrrHpHlZFNbQvOkQEBXHIgv-MifyC6L7P3zj2xhxMpK6QHjTu1dkdHg9TxcPzH4PK71RK~H313B7Q2V1FHtIyPL7tBVQBVKT81A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Berkley","date","2025-03-17T00:00:00Z","article","The Berkeley City Council voted to adopt a revised zoning ordinance that consolidates and modernizes sign regulations and updates the city zoning map, and it approved a separate ordinance aligning code provisions on sight lines and vegetation.

The first ordinance (O0225) repeals chapter 94 (signs), replaces chapter 138 (zoning) and updates the zoning map to move sign regulations into the zoning ordinance and to align the code with the city master plan, planning staff said. Planning staff and the presenter noted several edits made between readings, including clarified definitions for building‑mounted and freestanding signs, adjustments to temporary sign rules in residential districts, and measurement clarifications for parking distances. Following a public comment period with no speakers on the item, the council approved O0225 by roll call. During the roll call on O0225, Council Member Patterson voted No; Council Members Baker, Black, Gavin and Mayor Dean voted Yes; others recorded as Yes on the roll call and the ordinance passed.

A second ordinance (O0325) was approved to harmonize sight‑triangle and related sections between the city code and the revised zoning ordinance to ensure consistency for safety at driveway and street intersections. The council approved that amendment on second reading by roll call.

Votes at a glance: the meeting included multiple formal votes and consent items. Below are the items recorded in the meeting transcript, with the outcomes as announced on the record.

- Consent agenda (multiple items, including approval of minutes and warrant number 1408): approved by roll call; roll call recorded as Yes for all council members present and the consent agenda passed.

- Motion M1125: application for additional service credit purchase for Sean Knight; cost $28,866, city share $22,977.86 — listed on consent agenda and approved.

- Motion M1225: approving the 2025 summer maintenance agreement with Road Commission for Oakland County — approved as part of consent agenda; city will be reimbursed $1,848 in two installments.

- Motion M1325: purchase of a new skid steer from AIS Construction Equipment Company, New Hudson, Michigan, amount $105,145.93 — approved as part of consent agenda.

- Motion M1425: agreement with DTE Energy for LED street lighting upgrades, amount $115,488.77 — approved as part of consent agenda.

- Ordinance O0225: repeal/replace of sign chapter and zoning updates — passed on second reading by roll call.

- Ordinance O0325: code amendments to address inconsistencies on restricted areas and shrubs/bushes; passed on second reading by roll call.

- Motion M1725: updates to the City of Berkeley fee schedule — approved by roll call; staff said the fee schedule will be published online and is subject to further review during the budget process.

- Motion M1825: lease agreement for use of the marquee — approved by roll call (see separate coverage of marquee lease).

A number of proclamations and appointment items on the agenda were also adopted as part of the consent or subsequent motions, including proclamations recognizing March as Reading Month and Women's History Month.

Ending: Council members and staff said they will post updated ordinance text and the fee schedule online and that some items (notably the zoning map and sign rules) will have implementing steps through planning staff. No further roll calls on the zoning items were requested.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Berkley City Council Meeting - March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Berkeley City Council voted to adopt a revised zoning ordinance that consolidates and modernizes sign regulations and updates the zoning map, and it approved a separate ordinance aligning code provisions on sight lines and vegetation.","taxTitle","Berkley, Oakland County, Michigan","taxId",51882,"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},6076679,"Parents, provider and residents urge Berkeley council to reconsider denial of Little Seedlings expansion",1173,147000,1320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2968262-cd7aeaa9da062aa2638538102fb32b10&start=147&end=1320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2968262-cd7aeaa9da062aa2638538102fb32b10/thumbnail_147000.jpg","/articles/6076679/Berkley/Oakland-County/Michigan/Parents-provider-and-residents-urge-Berkeley-council-to-reconsider-denial-of-Little-Seedlings-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076679-ff41990c27316ad2903a9a1981376c16/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196248&Signature=NUfeaFEAzQmr3lb0nuiJ5ZF11teehEElRsRputfWyHE3kt8uGukFN7l5d3mSDX31cP7hbtIzO~hKZwWJcK4CvDrp-TIwCdTa9elwQwbuwKngsyXyy7geclrzD6qbV~bz01GQSnsfAz6a2BmQwPW05E8d9tLgT21eECBgoaeb9BSy4DYE5f~SeQ-nPm7uHjqInaRJWunkEZUypmuMTgSWN~zumfS3G1~bVceIQk5fAd2r-xJRXLnZdDu2kuOMZHxjtJ90YCy8MFITmH6UctW7gclQAmS-bwqI91fVVmXrEyW2DYTjSU8eoYgCvTB1jPhJNRkWET3W1YyIqRKvPdUtIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Taylor McKenna Dean, a Huntington Woods resident, told the Berkeley City Council that Little Seedlings of Berkeley was incorrectly required to seek a special land use permit to expand from six to 12 children and asked the council to \"promptly review the Berkeley municipal code and Michigan legislature section as it applies to Little Seedlings and make an informed decision,\" saying the council's earlier decision \"did not sit right with me.\"

The appeal drew comments from multiple parents and neighbors who said the council's denial of motion M0625 (the special land use request to allow Little Seedlings to serve six additional children) would force the small in‑home provider to close and worsen a local child‑care shortage. Jordan Dean of Huntington Woods said the city’s available options “far exceed availability, and most facilities have extensive wait lists, some exceeding 2 years.” Justin Simpson, who said he reviewed state licensing data, added that six additional cars would be “less than 1% increase to the cars that are already on their streets,” arguing parking concerns cited by the council do not justify the denial.

Why it matters: Parents and the operator of Little Seedlings said the decision affects immediate child‑care access for families in Berkeley and that the council may have applied the wrong code category. Speakers argued that state law defines a “group childcare home” (more than six but not more than 12 children) as a private residence and not as a child care center that requires the special land use permit referenced by the city.

Speakers repeatedly pointed to the operator’s license and the property at 1818 Mortenson as a private residence used under Michigan licensing definitions. Abby Alteca and Caitlin Miller, both Berkeley residents and parents with children enrolled at Little Seedlings, told council members that drop‑off and pick‑up occurred in publicly available curbside spaces and that they had observed no parking complaints. Miller said the operator’s decision to close followed the council’s vote, and that a petition had gathered “over 300 signatures” urging the council to reconsider.

Caitlin Miller also raised an ethics concern, saying Mayor Dean had voted on the permit despite a personal interest because his granddaughter attends the daycare. Attorney Christ, responding at the council’s request, said he \"respectfully disagree[d] with the conclusion of the speaker\" and did not view Mayor Dean as having a disqualifying personal interest in the special land use decision. Christ said he did not view an ethics violation arising from the mayor's participation in the vote on that permit.

What the public sought and council options: Commenters asked the council to rescind, reconsider or revisit motion M0625. Several speakers urged the council to use Robert's Rules options to reopen or reconsider the prior vote; the transcript records multiple requests that the council \"resend\" its vote denying Little Seedlings' request. No formal motion to reopen or rescind the denial appears in the transcript of this meeting.

Context and limitations: Speakers cited Berkeley Municipal Code section 138.297 and Michigan statutory (MCL) definitions distinguishing child care centers from group childcare homes; the council did not adopt a new interpretation at this meeting. The transcript shows the council had previously denied the special land use request (motion M0625); the vote details for that prior action are not recorded in this meeting's excerpt. Attorney Christ's legal assessment that no ethics violation occurred was offered verbally at this meeting.

Ending: Public comment on this item closed after multiple residents and the operator spoke. Council staff recorded written correspondence in the meeting record from several speakers asking the council to \"resend\" the prior vote. The council did not take a subsequent formal vote on reversing M0625 during this session.

","Taylor McKenna Dean, a Huntington Woods resident, told the Berkeley City Council that Little Seedlings of Berkeley was incorrectly required to seek a special land use permit to expand from six to 12 children and asked the council to \"promptly review the Berkeley municipal code and Michigan legislature section as it applies to Little Seedlings and make an informed decision,\" saying the council's earlier decision \"did not sit right with me.\"",{"_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},6076670,"Council approves short‑term marquee lease; lights to be turned off for structural repairs",221,2606000,2827000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2968262-cd7aeaa9da062aa2638538102fb32b10&start=2606&end=2827","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2968262-cd7aeaa9da062aa2638538102fb32b10/thumbnail_2606000.jpg","/articles/6076670/Berkley/Oakland-County/Michigan/Council-approves-shortterm-marquee-lease-lights-to-be-turned-off-for-structural-repairs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6076670-04eb562a6cff9c30b6f16eddc1b99956/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196248&Signature=hYiUwmZ~fibcRVPTiq2d~cPdjNtXEBpJkWasEO6viqN8vOFO33rsXjh6yi-KcGwhnchBHuWySvyWtUI96H3vyJUksxKDE5uuzXoW~oPALsZ7ewIBrcY7BAjt7-nFvzdNr2Luc6yzMfo4M-MEgH-zYJ1jOdRFxZs3LmNO2WLX62wAlpzR~mH61F814WbJHIrv4z1NfMhtvX4Bf4Il3Tllw-YobL01uokp~2RcEXKys3q6TH6oYIAxVxtkXGy0hTUn6Oefl~uxlAZy6FSkLKJiUd3mSLEN46EvMBuEyU1vZQo8mFkEp5h0E2sCT5KIlVZZDpz1b1ojZdCB6TKQbfkf9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and the Downtown Development Authority told council members the marquee on the former Rite Aid building is not a city‑owned asset but had long been used by the city under a lease and maintenance arrangement. City Manager Van Vleck said the property owner requested the city pay part of the electrical bill beginning Sept. 20, 2024, and staff estimated the marquee’s current lighting costs at roughly $1,000 a month.

Van Vleck recommended a short‑term lease that would allow the city to use the marquee's message board while paying the building owner $4,000 to cover lighting costs from December 2024 through March 2025 and to discontinue lighting while structural repairs are carried out in April. Van Vleck told council members the Downtown Development Authority had voted to cover the required structural repairs and that lighting would be turned off while repairs are performed.

Council discussion emphasized public communication about the lights being turned off and the short‑term, terminable nature of the lease. City Attorney noted the proposed lease is a one‑year term and terminable on 30 days’ notice by either party. Council Member Baker said messaging to the public about timing and reasons for the lights being turned off would be important so residents are not surprised.

The council approved Motion M1825 on a roll call vote to authorize the short‑term lease and the $4,000 payment for lighting costs. The motion was described on the record as terminable and intended to give staff time to better understand the marquee's electrical costs and the property’s ownership transition before revisiting long‑term arrangements.

Ending: Staff said they will coordinate communications about the lights being turned off while repairs proceed and will explore options with a future owner or tenant for longer‑term arrangements. The letter board on the marquee will remain available for city messaging while lighting and structural work proceed, per the approved lease.

","Berkeley approved a one‑year, terminable lease to use the marquee on the former Rite Aid building, agreed to pay $4,000 to cover lighting costs for Dec. 2024–Mar. 2025, and will turn off marquee lighting during planned structural repairs; the Downtown Development Authority agreed to pay for structural work.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Berkeley council adopts updated zoning and sign regulations; several ordinances and motions pass

Parents, provider and residents urge Berkeley council to reconsider denial of Little Seedlings expansion

Council approves short‑term marquee lease; lights to be turned off for structural repairs