The Grosse Ile Township Planning Commission on a unanimous voice vote recommended that the township board approve a special land use to allow U-Haul truck-and-trailer rental with outside storage at Island Paladise, 9510 Grow Road, and approved the related site plan with conditions.

The commission’s action covers two separate processes under township rules: Article 22 (special land use), for which the planning commission made a recommendation to the township board, and Article 21 (site plan review), for which the planning commission issued final approval. The property is zoned A-1 (Airport and Light Industrial District); the proposal relies on Section 9.3(c) standards because the operation requires outside storage.

Planner Brian (staff/consultant) summarized the site layout and screening during the hearing, saying applicants will keep short-term pickups and drop-offs in a fenced front parking area and store vehicles in a screened yard north of the building. Brian noted existing six-foot screening fencing and a row of evergreen trees that provide additional visual buffer and said the biggest vehicle proposed would be a 10-foot-tall U-Haul truck; higher vehicles could be allowed only in a more set-back, screened location.

Applicant Paul (owner/operator of Island Paladise) told the commission the U-Haul rental hours would be constrained to fit around the dog daycare business and that the operators will move vehicles into the enclosed storage yard as soon as staff are on site the next business day. Paul said routine mechanical work would not be performed on site and that heavier service is handled off-site in Romulus.

Commissioners asked about public-safety and fire access; Brian reported he had met with the fire marshal, who had no concerns. Brian also recommended two conditions for approval: (1) a requirement that vehicles left in the front pickup area be relocated into the enclosed storage yard at the next business day (or otherwise managed as the commission directs) and (2) that the applicant obtain a sign permit before installing any new U-Haul signage.

During public comment, resident Kyle Debuset voiced support. After closing the public hearing, the commission moved, seconded and voted to forward a favorable recommendation on the special land use to the township board with a finding that the standards of Section 22.3 are met and that the use is compatible under Section 9.3(c). The commission then voted to approve the site plan as submitted with the added condition that front drop-off and pickup be treated as temporary and managed so vehicles are moved into the enclosed storage area promptly; commissioners also added that site-plan approval is contingent on township-board approval of the special land use.

The commission asked staff to prepare findings of fact for the township board; liaison Bill Heil (township board) will present the recommendation at the board’s next available meeting.

Planning staff noted the commission can revisit compliance if short-term front-yard storage becomes a recurring issue.