The Lapeer City Planning Commission on July 10 approved a one-year extension of the site plan approval for the Woodchips mixed-use building on a vacant parcel at 480 West Nefferson Street.

The extension was requested by the project's applicant, who told city staff the project team "is working in good faith to secure the necessary funding and the appropriate construction partners" and that it does not have a specific timeline but "plan[s] on breaking ground by 2026." City planner Ben (city planner) read that statement aloud during the meeting.

The extension relies on the commission's authority in the zoning ordinance (section 7-18-o-6) to grant up to one additional year when the applicant provides evidence showing a likelihood of beginning construction in the extension period. Ben explained the planning office contacts applicants before approvals expire and asks whether they want an extension and for any statements supporting the extension request.

Commissioners discussed delays in the broader construction environment and the consequence that the city should not be blamed for projects that take longer to start. Commissioner Atwood asked whether the ordinance permits multiple sequential extensions; staff answered that the code allows only one additional year and that, if the clock expires, the applicant must resubmit a site plan for full review.

Commissioner Adam moved to approve the one-year extension requested by Patrick Hintz for the Woodchips mixed-use building at 480 West Nefferson Street; the motion received support and passed with all present voting in favor.

The extension keeps the previously approved three-story plan — restaurant space on the first floor, office space on the second and apartments on the third — intact but does not change any site plan conditions. If the applicant does not commence construction before the extended approval expires, the applicant must resubmit under the current code.

The commission noted the extension imposes no immediate cost or permit change to the city but preserves the commission's right to re-review plans if an applicant later files a new or materially different proposal. The planning staff said it would continue to monitor the file and expects to include any further updates before the new expiration date.