Commission approves Islamic Center site plan on East 13 Mile Road with conditions

The City of Warren Planning Commission approved a site plan to convert an existing building on East 13 Mile Road into an Islamic Center for worship and community activities, contingent on multiple required plan revisions addressing setbacks, parking, stormwater and landscaping.

The petitioner, identified as Zade Adabo of a Farmington Hills design firm, said he intends to keep the existing structure’s elevations while adding an ADA ramp and interior modifications to create an open worship space with offices. He told commissioners the project would provide “enough parking to have enough parking basically for the worshipers, more than enough, and also for growth obviously too.” He asked staff to remove an incorrect play-area note; staff agreed it should be removed.

Planning staff’s conditions were extensive. Staff required corrected setback dimensions (front 30 feet, side 20 feet each, rear 45 feet) and said that if the building’s measured front setback is less than 30 feet the petitioner must obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Staff also required a combined site data chart including both parcels, square footage of disturbance, and compliance with the city stormwater ordinance if disturbance exceeds one acre. The site falls in FEMA Flood Zone AE per staff, which triggers flood-area construction regulations. Staff asked for two accessible parking spaces (including one van space) for the proposed 37-space lot, revised parking stall lengths and maneuvering-lane widths to meet city standards, lighting shield details showing no light spillage onto adjacent residences, and a specified concrete dumpster pad and trash-enclosure details.

Several neighbors and community members spoke in support during the public hearing. Jahid Al Islam, who identified himself as a Warren resident, said the center “is not just a place of worship; rather it is a place of education, service, positive community engagement,” and urged the commission to approve the plan. Other speakers from the local Muslim community described the center as a needed nearby resource for elders, students and working families.

Planning staff recommended conditions for retaining a wooded screening area along the south property line; if trees are removed, additional landscaping pursuant to section 2.26 of the zoning ordinance would be required. Staff also recommended landscape substitutions for plant species on the Macomb do-not-plant list.

After discussion and confirmation that the petitioner will remove the erroneous play-area note and provide revised plans addressing the listed conditions, the Planning Commission approved the site plan on a roll call vote. The approval is conditional on submitting revised plans, any required variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals if the existing building encroaches on required setbacks, combined parcel paperwork, approval of the ADA ramp by the Building Division, and adherence to floodplain construction regulations.