Planning commission recommends rezoning for Island Auto Body site on South Michigan Road

The Eaton County Planning Commission on Sept. 2 recommended approval to the Board of Commissioners of a map amendment to change the zoning of 2334 South Michigan Road (Section 26, Eaton Rapids Township) from Local Business (C-1) to General Business (C-2).

Applicant Raymond Charles told the commission he closed on the property (the former P & K Auto Body Repair site) and wants to operate Island Auto Body, which will include vehicle sales and repair. Staff said P & K was approved for operation in 1974 and has operated as a legal nonconforming use; the current request would align zoning with the county master plan, which designates the parcel as General Business.

Staff reviewed local comments and agency responses: MDOT had no comment on the rezoning, Eaton County Road Commission said there are no impacts to county roads (property accesses a state truck line), and Eaton Rapids Township recommended the change. The Eaton Conservation District raised no concerns. Ten adjacent property owners were notified and no written responses were received at the time of the staff report.

Commissioners considered the criteria in Article 13.6 and concluded that rezoning would correct an apparent oversight from the 1981 ordinance amendment that split commercial districts, would not create new environmental impacts, and would allow reasonable economic use of the property. The planning commission’s recommendation will go to the Board of Commissioners; planning staff said the Public Works and Human Services Committee will consider the recommended resolution the following morning before the board meeting on Sept. 17.

The motion recommending approval passed by roll call with all commissioners present voting yes.