Commission splits vote on zoning amendments; approves tattoo-parlor rules and tables remainder

The Coldwater Planning Commission on an unspecified date voted to approve a narrowly focused amendment to allow tattoo parlors in the C-2 (central business) district as a special land use with location restrictions, and to table the remaining proposed zoning ordinance amendments for further review.

Robert (planning staff) opened a public hearing on a package of proposed zoning ordinance updates that included: revisions to Section 2.2 (definitions) covering dwelling types; a new definition for sidewalk café; allowances for limited ground-floor residential uses in the C-2 district (with a proposed maximum of 40 percent of ground-floor area in some streets); updates to commercial building transparency and front-door requirements; and several parking-reduction options in Section 5.2. Staff said notices were distributed in accordance with the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and that the Downtown Development Authority…