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Planning commission backs rezoning of Peck Street corridor to form-based code
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended rezoning multiple Peck Street-area parcels from RM-1 and commercial districts to form-based code neighborhood edge or neighborhood core to bring nonconforming buildings into compliance and allow similar building types moving forward; commissioners noted parking and traffic concerns raised by residents.
The City of Muskegon Planning Commission on Aug. 14 recommended that the City Commission rezone a group of properties along Peck Street and nearby blocks from a mixture of RM-1 (low-density multi-family) and commercial districts to form-based code designations — primarily Neighborhood Edge with a small portion to Neighborhood Core.
Planning staff said many properties on Peck Street are legally nonconforming under their current RM-1 zoning because lots and buildings do not meet minimum lot size, width or setback requirements. Staff recommended form-based code Neighborhood Edge to align the zoning with existing building patterns and to allow the same general building types and densities already present, while the Neighborhood Core designation was proposed for parcels closer to Laketon Avenue where slightly greater height (up to five stories) is acceptable.
Property owners were notified and staff held a focus group in June; staff reported about 15 participants and said most property owners supported the change or sought more information. At the public hearing, owners and residents raised questions about what building types would be allowed and whether the code would permit commercial or light industrial uses. Staff said retail uses remain allowed, and light manufacturing would require either a special-use permit or be permitted in a flex building, subject to Planning Commission review.
Residents also voiced concerns about parking and traffic on Peck Street, including narrow travel lanes and school-related traffic speeds. Commissioners noted form-based code does not include a separate parking minimum and that parking standards differ from traditional zoning; staff confirmed the form-based code carries no parking minimum, meaning adequate parking will be evaluated through site-specific review and the overall code framework.
Commissioners moved and voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning to the City Commission.
The motion covered a list of parcels including specific addresses on Peck Street, Ransom, Southern, Strong, Morrell and Iona and included both residential and commercially zoned lots that staff said would be better aligned with form-based code standards.
