Commission formalizes outdoor truck and trailer storage at Schoolcraft Road site, requires repairs before council action

The Livonia City Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a waiver‑use request to operate an outdoor truck and trailer storage facility at 32225 Schoolcraft Road, subject to conditions including a 25‑unit maximum, no on‑site repairs and required repairs to a damaged block wall and fence prior to final approval.

The property, zoned M‑2 (general manufacturing), is approximately 3.24 acres with about 200 feet of frontage on Schoolcraft Road and an existing 22,677‑square‑foot one‑story building. The petitioner, Seaway Realty Properties, LLC, said part of that building is used for office and storage related to the truck operation and that the rear lot has been used for truck parking. Planning staff described the application as formalizing a long‑standing nonconforming outdoor parking use.

The approving resolution limits storage to the two areas shown on the submitted plan and caps the total number of semi trucks and trailers at 25. The commission required that the parking area be used only for licensed trucks and trailers and prohibited on‑site minor repairs, the storage of disabled or inoperative vehicles, scrap or hazardous substances. The petitioner must submit a signed letter of understanding stating the waiver use will be abandoned if the tenant leaves, and the approval expires in one year if no building permit is obtained, per Livonia Zoning Ordinance section 13.13.

Agency reviews were generally supportive but noted conditions. The fire marshal asked that any fenced, gated area allow emergency access via key code, fob or Knox box and requested hydrant locations be shown on plan sheets. The engineering review stated the parcel is served by public sanitary sewer and water mains but that no utility calculations were submitted; it also noted that any redevelopment that disturbs the parking area will need stormwater improvements and Wayne County approval. The inspection division requested that the parking lot be maintained in a safe condition.

Seaway Realty representative Angelo Zanis told the commission that an outstanding water and sewer bill had been paid; staff accepted a receipt and added it to the petition packet. Zanis also said contractors have been engaged to repair about nine square feet of damaged block wall and to reset a bowed section of fencing along the southeast corner; commissioners added a condition that the wall and fence repairs be completed to the satisfaction of the planning department prior to final approval.

Commissioners also asked for documentation of planned repairs (invoices or photos); the petitioner said those could be provided for the record.

The commission recorded votes as follows: Cara Magno — aye; Mr. Long — aye; Missus Denneil — aye; Chair Mulshaw — aye. Mr. Ventura recused himself because of a conflict of interest. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Livonia City Council for final action.