The Regular City Council Meeting held on September 29, 2025, in Madison Heights focused on clarifying zoning regulations and addressing community concerns regarding residential development.

The meeting began with a discussion led by a council member who requested input from the city planner regarding the types of buildings permitted in the newly established Residential Mixed Neighborhood (RMN) District. The planner explained that this district aims to facilitate "missing middle housing," which includes duplexes, townhomes, triplexes, and quadplexes—housing types that bridge the gap between single-family homes and larger apartment complexes. Each parcel in this district can accommodate a maximum of four units, but these structures must adhere to the same dimensional standards as single-family homes, ensuring they maintain a similar appearance from the street.

The planner emphasized that the design of these buildings would be such that they would not be easily identifiable as multi-unit residences, with the intention of blending seamlessly into the neighborhood.

Following this explanation, another council member expressed concern over the public's reaction to the RMN District, noting that it had generated significant backlash, the most intense feedback received during their 12 years on the council. This member highlighted that the zoning changes were prompted by the closure of several churches, which had previously been restricted to single-family residential zones. The council member compared the situation to outdated regulations that had been removed in other contexts, suggesting that the previous zoning laws were overly restrictive and did not reflect the current needs of the community.

The council's discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to adapt zoning laws to better serve the community's evolving landscape while addressing residents' concerns about potential changes in their neighborhoods. The meeting concluded with an invitation for further questions and comments from the public, indicating a commitment to transparency and community engagement in the planning process.