Planning Commission approves small UDO amendments to clarify open-space uses and administrative review of manufacturing intensity

On Jan. 14, 2025, Holland City planning staff presented two text amendments to Chapter 39 of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The planning commission voted to approve both amendments.

Staff said the first amendment removes the words “large city” from the OS (open space) intent language and clarifies that the intent includes green space, wetlands and nature preserves; staff also added man-made wetlands, retention ponds and detention ponds as permitted principal uses in the open space district so that properties composed primarily of those features would be allowed in OS.

The second amendment changes the review process for high-intensity manufacturing uses in the industrial district. Under the proposed amendment the zoning administrator — rather than the planning commission — would make determinations about whether a proposed use qualifies as high-intensity manufacturing or not, aligning this determination with other administrative decisions in the UDO.

Steve (planning staff) said the changes are intended to clarify the code and to increase administrative efficiency. A commissioner moved to approve the staff recommendations for both amendments; the motion was supported and passed by voice vote with all in favor and no opposition.

The approved amendments amend sections 39-2.18 and 39-4.4.e of the UDO and will be implemented through the city’s ordinance-adoption process; the commission’s approval reflects support for the staff-recommended language, but final legal enactment may require City Council action as part of the formal ordinance adoption process. The amendments do not specify any project-specific approvals or budgetary changes.