Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission backs UDC change to remove arcade/theater use‑specific limits; sends recommendation to council
Summary
The commission recommended city council approve amendments to Chapter 55 to remove use‑specific standards for 'general entertainment' uses, expanding where arcades can locate and removing a 600‑seat cap for theaters in certain districts. The recommendation passed unanimously.
The Ann Arbor City Planning Commission on Feb. 19 recommended the mayor and city council approve amendments to the Unified Development Code (Chapter 55) that remove the use‑specific standards for general entertainment uses.
Manager Leonard told commissioners the change arose after a proposed development raised the possibility of displacing a long‑standing arcade. Under current code the coin‑operated arcade use was limited to C1A zoning (a small area near the Packard and State intersection). The proposed amendment would allow arcades wherever general entertainment uses are permitted, mainly the city’s mixed‑use zones, and would also remove a separate standard that limited theaters to 600 seats in C1B districts.
The motion, moved by Councilmember White and seconded by Commissioner Mills, passed unanimously. Commissioners discussed the history of the provision and said the restriction appeared to be an historical artifact—one commissioner suggested it was likely intended to keep arcades near the University of Michigan campus. Some commissioners welcomed the simplification; Commissioner Mills suggested the code simplification work could identify other similar zoning artifacts.
No public commenters spoke on this item during the hearing. Mr. Leonard said the amendment would advance to city council for two readings as a standard UDC amendment process.
