Eastpointe to rewrite zoning ordinance; invites residents to steering committee and workshops

Kimberly Smith, planning and community development director for the City of Eastpointe, told attendees the city is launching a full rewrite of its zoning ordinance and seeking resident involvement. "We are in the process of kicking off a full rewrite of our zoning ordinance," Smith said, adding the city will invite people who signed in to apply for a steering committee.

Smith described a summer series of workshops: a session on planning and zoning scheduled for July 17 and a session on geographic information systems scheduled for July 24. The workshops are intended to explain zoning basics, how to check property zoning and acreage, and how residents can use online mapping tools.

Staff said an RFP for a consultant to guide the zoning rewrite was out for bid and would close "on the twentieth," and that the selected consultant will walk the community and city staff through the rewrite process. Smith said the steering committee will have the opportunity to review draft materials once the consultant is selected and that residents who signed in at the workshop or online would be contacted about participation.

The rewrite effort was presented as an opportunity for residents, realtors, investors and developers to help shape rules that determine what can be done with property in the city. "Our zoning ordinance is basically the rules and the law of what can be done with your property, or with property, located within the city limits of Eastpointe," Smith said.

Staff also said they will produce a newsletter to inform the public about developments and the rewrite process and will use sign‑in lists and email records to contact interested residents.

Ending: The planning and zoning workshop is scheduled for July 17; staff encouraged residents to attend and to sign up to participate in the steering committee once the consultant is selected.