Commission approves redevelopment of former Randolph Fence site with conditions; fence materials and dumpster location remain subject to variances

The Farmington Hills Planning Commission approved a site plan Oct. 16 to redevelop a constrained light‑industrial property at 29008–29082 Nine Mile Road (former Randolph Fence site), authorizing building re‑use, new parking, and perimeter improvements subject to conditions and identifying several variances the applicant must pursue.

The applicant proposes to retain and refurbish the larger existing building for light industrial/warehouse use, remove a small 720‑square‑foot outbuilding, install a new parking layout and replace an existing chain‑link perimeter fence with new screening. Staff described the property as highly constrained — including property lines that intersect roadway pavement — and noted several pre‑existing nonconformities such as building setbacks and limited lot width. Because of the lot’s geometry, staff said a dumpster enclosure, a required fifth parking space and a designated loading zone cannot all be accommodated in the usual interior locations and may require variances.

Why it matters: The site occupies a visible corner and its redevelopment converts an underused, partly derelict parcel into an occupied property. Commissioners and neighbors debated the appropriate type and placement of perimeter screening where the site abuts single‑family homes.

Key staff findings and outstanding items - Nonconformities and variances: The site has multiple pre‑existing nonconformities (setbacks, fence type). Staff advised that a dumpster enclosure is required in the LI‑1 district; because of the lot configuration, any required dumpster enclosure or loading space may have to be located in a front area and would therefore need a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The plan currently shows three labeled parking spaces plus a fourth; the required fifth space can likely be accommodated in the same area where a dumpster or loading zone would be placed but that also triggers front‑yard rules. - Fence and screening: The applicant proposes replacing a chain‑link fence with a six‑foot stained wood privacy fence around most of the exterior and a masonry screening wall (non‑continuous footing to preserve trees) along the west property line where the site abuts residential lots. Staff indicated the masonry wall along the residential lot is allowed; the wood fence on the other legs of the property is not compliant as shown and will require a ZBA variance if desired. - Landscaping and lighting: Staff asked the applicant to provide planting details and to clarify which trees meet parking‑lot tree requirements. No photometric plan was in the packet; if lighting is proposed it must meet the city’s illuminance standards.

Applicant and neighbor input The proponent (owner/tenant) described the intended use as a low‑intensity kitchen and bath materials business with small deliveries (pickup trucks and small vans) and limited hours; the owner said he had no employees on site and that operations would generate little noise or large‑truck traffic. Neighbors spoke in support of the redevelopment and noted the property’s prior condition was a community eyesore. The applicant agreed to improve landscaping and to work with neighbors on the west lot line; the owner said he would replace the wire fence with masonry piers and panels along the residential edge in a way intended to preserve existing mature trees.

Action and vote The commission approved site plan 62‑8‑2025 dated 06/12/2025 subject to addressing Giffels Webster, engineering and fire marshal comments to staff satisfaction. The approval included the following determinations/conditions: permitted continuation of existing nonconforming building setbacks because the building is not structurally changed; loading designation may be accommodated in a widened maneuvering lane if deliveries are scheduled to avoid conflicts, otherwise a ZBA variance is required; required dumpster enclosure must be provided or obtain a ZBA variance to omit it; a six‑foot masonry wall along the west property line (adjacent to residential) was acceptable in a non‑continuous footing form to preserve trees but the two other legs with a six‑foot wood privacy fence as depicted would require ZBA variance(s). Commissioners stressed that the applicant coordinate final fence design, screening and dumpster/loading arrangements with staff and the ZBA as needed.

Next steps The applicant must submit final details to address the planner’s checklist, provide a photometric plan if lighting is proposed, and pursue any required variances (dumpster/loading in front yard, wood privacy fence on street legs). Staff will verify placement of the required fifth parking space and ensure rooftop mechanical screening (if any) is added to plans before permits are issued.