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Wixom council adopts renewable-energy zoning, accessory-structure rules and overlay for nine parcels
Summary
The council adopted a package adding a new zoning section (18.26) regulating renewable energy facilities consistent with Michigan Public Act 233 of 2023, clarified accessory-structure rules for solar and wind, and approved a renewable-energy zoning overlay for nine parcels while retaining underlying zoning districts.
The Wixom City Council voted to adopt an amendatory ordinance adding Section 18.26 to Title 18 of the zoning code to regulate renewable energy facilities, approved amendments clarifying placement and standards for solar panels and wind generators as accessory structures, and adopted a renewable-energy zoning overlay covering nine parcels, all as recommended by the planning commission.
Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director Drew Benson summarized the package and explained that the new Section 18.26 aligns with state-level preemptions for utility-scale renewable energy projects under Michigan Public Act 233 of 2023 while establishing local zoning controls for smaller, non-utility projects. Benson noted the ordinance distinguishes utility-scale projects (subject to state preemption at specified power thresholds) from those the city can regulate locally.
The council also approved targeted amendments to Chapter 18.13 (accessory buildings and uses), specifically sections 18.13.007 and 18.13.008, to clarify placement and standards for solar panels and small wind generators when they are treated as accessory structures. Benson said these changes originated with the planning commission’s discussion on non-utility-scale renewable energy and were intended to allow and promote such installations in appropriate circumstances.
Council members then considered a rezoning action to add a renewable-energy overlay to nine tax parcels while keeping each parcel’s underlying zoning district unchanged. Benson told the council the original ordinance language presented at a prior meeting mistakenly referenced the M-1 Light Industrial district; staff corrected the language to match the planning commission’s intent. He noted that two of the parcels are zoned M-2 and one is zoned IRO; the ordinance preserves those underlying districts and only adds the overlay.
There was little further discussion from council; the planning commission recommendation was cited and consultant Gregory Posselaco of Carlyle Wortman and Associates was noted as unavailable for the meeting. Each of the three ordinance measures was put to a voice vote and carried with no recorded opposition.
Council members and staff did not identify additional implementation steps at the meeting beyond the ordinance adoptions. Benson indicated staff would proceed with any necessary administrative changes to implement the new section and overlay and would coordinate with planning commission staff going forward.
