Planning commission approves revised site plan for 27387 Woodward Avenue

The Berkley Planning Commission approved a revised site plan Jan. 28 for the property at 27387 Woodward Avenue, finding that the changes meet applicable site-plan and landscaping standards.

Planner Kristen told commissioners the revisions arose during construction-document preparation and included several design changes: the removal of a proposed carryout food-service area, a 507-square-foot enlargement of a single-story reception area, and consolidation of a previously extended roof deck back to the main portion of the building. Staff recommended approval, noting the landscaping met Section 1337 and the site plan met Section 138-679.

An applicant representative described design refinements that removed awkward exit pathways and a back exit stair, and said the revisions make the overall plan "a much better plan, and doesn't, impact the city in meaningfully negative ways." The applicant also told commissioners the project now meets the ordinance parking requirement: the required number of spaces was recalculated at 43 and the site provides 43 spaces on-site plus bicycle parking.

Commissioners asked about landscaping and height; the applicant said the building is about 3 feet 4 inches taller than in the earlier submission but remains within the allowable height limit, and landscaping was rearranged but not materially reduced. The commission moved and approved a recommendation that the plan meets site-plan standards and that landscaping meets Section 130-307.

Vote at a glance: The planning commission approved the revised site plan by roll call (yes votes recorded from Commissioner Stapp, Commissioner Arnsman, Commissioner Woods, Commissioner Dahlin and Chair Kempner).

The applicant may proceed to building permit review consistent with the approved revisions.