Planning commission approves primary caregiver site plan with parking, odor and safety conditions

The Clawson Planning Commission on Oct. 14 approved a site plan for a primary caregiver facility at 860 Banner Avenue, subject to several conditions addressing parking, odor control, lighting, surveillance and fire access.

Planning staff and the applicant discussed outstanding engineering and operational questions that had delayed review at an earlier meeting. Staff said a consulting engineer (AEW) and the City of Troy reviewed utility arrangements and that the city engineer indicated existing infrastructure could continue to be used. Staff also noted the applicant provided a revised landscaping plan and photometric plan and that the fire marshal requested a Knox Box for gate/exterior access.

A central staff concern was parking: the zoning ordinance requires 15 spaces based on square footage, and the current layout appears to create three double‑parked spaces that could interfere with vehicle maneuverability. Staff told the commission the applicant must either provide compliant parking, obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals, or secure a shared‑parking agreement with a neighboring property; trimming building area was presented as a third option.

On odor and ventilation, staff and commissioners sought documentation that the facility’s carbon filtration and fan systems meet state and local performance standards. The applicant said they have purchased industrial‑grade carbon filters and fans and will install carbon filtration; the applicant also said marijuana waste will be stored inside and handled by licensed waste providers so that usable clippings would not be left in an exterior dumpster.

Operations and security were discussed: staff and the police department requested and the applicant confirmed video surveillance will be maintained (retention and angles were discussed in the packet). The fire marshal inspected the site and recommended a Knox Box; staff included that as a condition. The commission also required that lighting fixtures be shielded and meet IES cutoff standards so light does not spill onto adjacent properties.

The commission’s motion required that the applicant provide compliant parking or secure a variance/shared parking agreement, identify caregivers on the floor plan (each caregiver suite allocated per ordinance minimums), verify odor control equipment and comply with police and fire department requests (video surveillance and Knox Box). The motion passed on roll call with all commissioners voting yes.