Planning commission sets hearings and approves several site‑plan changes; outdoor‑dining text amendment recommended

The Canton Township Planning Commission on the same agenda recommended approval of an outdoor‑dining zoning ordinance amendment, set public hearings for two zoning‑text items, and approved site‑plan modifications and site work for two township properties and a village arts complex.

Outdoor dining text amendment: Planning staff presented proposed revisions to the zoning ordinance to give the approving authority discretion on front‑yard setback encroachments and to relax some barrier requirements for outdoor dining seating (examples: raised curbs or walkway openings). The commission opened and closed the public hearing with no public comment and voted to recommend approval of the text amendment. The motion to recommend approval was made by Commissioner Gordon Watkins and supported by Commissioner Clarence Lee; the commission voted unanimously in favor. Patrick Sloane said the proposal will go to the township board of trustees for two readings prior to any township action.

Tree/woodland preservation and sign ordinance hearings set: The commission compiled prior comments and voted to set public hearings for two zoning‑text amendments. Commissioners approved scheduling a public hearing for the tree and woodland preservation ordinance and for sign‑regulation changes (those sign changes affect multiple articles of the zoning ordinance). Both motions to set the hearings were made and supported by commissioners and adopted by voice vote.

Canton Township Administration Building parking‑lot amendment: The commission approved a site plan amendment for parking improvements at the Canton Township Administration Building (1150 S. Canton Center Road). Staff reported the project narrows some landscape islands below the 12‑foot ordinance minimum. The commission approved a modification to section 5.02.c.2 to allow the narrower islands and accepted the landscape plan; the motion was moved by Commissioner Watkins and supported by Commissioner Lee.

Canton Village Arts Factory site plan: The commission approved site‑work, circulation, accessible parking and landscaping changes at the Canton Village Arts Factory (Cherry Hill Road at South Ridge Road). Staff recommended a modification to allow work within the 75‑foot setback from the top of bank for the Rouge River tributary that runs between parcels; the planning commission granted the requested modification and approved the site plan. The motion was moved by Commissioner Weber and supported by Commissioner Foster.

Master plan public hearing set: The commission voted to set a public hearing on the master plan update ("Canton's Vision for Tomorrow") for the next regular meeting and instructed staff to present the draft to the township board; the board review was scheduled for the next available board meeting for information, and a public hearing before the planning commission will follow for formal comment.

Votes at a glance: - Outdoor‑dining text amendment: planning commission recommended approval (motion by Watkins; support Lee). - Viva Bene preliminary PDD (detailed in a separate article): recommended approval with conditions (Watkins; Lee) — vote 7‑0. - Tree and woodland preservation ordinance: public hearing set (motion by Weber; support Foster). - Sign ordinance amendments: public hearing set (motion by Weber; support Janowski). - Canton Township Administration Building parking lot amendment (084‑SPX‑7134): site plan amendment approved; landscape island width modification approved (motion Watkins; support Lee). - Canton Village Arts Factory parking/site improvements (074‑DIR‑8588): site plan approved with modification for work within 75‑foot buffer (motion Weber; support Foster). - Master plan public hearing (comprehensive plan): public hearing set for next planning commission meeting (motion Watkins; support Lee).

What comes next: The staff‑recommended items and the commission’s recommendations will go to the township board where applicable (text amendments and preliminary PDD recommendation), and final PDD/site‑plan submissions are expected to return to the commission for final review. Staff flagged several items requiring further work before final approvals, including traffic coordination with MDOT/Wayne County, wetland permitting and final engineering details.