Council revises design review rules, restricts EIFS on primary and secondary facades with limited exceptions

The Ann Arbor City Council approved revisions to the Unified Development Code that change design‑review procedures and revise permitted and prohibited exterior materials on facades visible from primary and secondary streets.

The ordinance, discussed at first reading and amended at the meeting, moves design review feedback into the planning approval process rather than requiring a separate Design Review Board hearing for many projects. Council members said the change aims to reduce procedural delays caused by multiple notice and meeting requirements while preserving planner‑led design guidance.

The meeting also included a contested amendment about exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Council Member Ackman initially proposed removing restrictions on EIFS; staff and other council members warned about durability trade‑offs in Michigan’s climate. After procedural confusion and a brief failed amendment, the council approved a revised text that permits high‑quality facade materials but prohibits EIFS on facades visible from primary and secondary streets except for minor design accents above 8 feet.

Mr. Leonard, a planning staff member, said staff had reviewed the change and acknowledged trade‑offs: EIFS can provide insulation value but lower‑cost EIFS variants commonly used in other regions may perform poorly in freeze‑thaw climates and use foam products with higher embodied carbon.

Ending: Council voted to approve the code changes as amended; staff will incorporate the new design review steps and material restrictions into application checklists and instructions for applicants.