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Planning commission recommends C1 ordinance changes to accommodate airport property upgrades and outdoor seating
Summary
The commission voted to recommend zoning text changes to the C1 Convenience Commercial District to allow outdoor seating, alter setback and parking rules, and clarify stormwater and storage rules so an airport‑area business can pursue renovations and a patio.
The Grosse Ile Township Planning Commission on May 19 recommended the Township Board approve amendments to the C1 Convenience Commercial District zoning ordinance to allow outdoor seating and to revise setback, parking and stormwater provisions for the single property zoned C1 at the northeast corner of Grove Road and Meridian.
Township planner Ross and planning staff presented proposed text changes after a concept review with a property owner and architect who seek to renovate the building, add a small expansion and provide outdoor seating facing Grove Road. Planning staff said the existing C1 standards do not match the existing building’s configuration and make even modest changes difficult to permit.
Key proposed changes presented by planner Brian include adding outdoor seating as an accessory use with a noise‑protection clause carried over from the Macomb Street District, a requirement that outdoor seating respect district setbacks, and language removing an incorrect reference to Section 19.11. Staff also proposed allowing on‑site furniture for outdoor seating but requiring either nightly removal or seasonal storage/maintenance language; commissioners discussed practical exceptions for heavy fixed seating and suggested addressing specifics during site‑plan review.
The draft would relax the current front setback from 40 feet to 20 feet and the side yard setback from 25 feet to 5 feet so the building would no longer be a nonconforming structure and would allow limited expansion. Staff also added a parking requirement tied to outdoor seating and proposed a flexible approach for stormwater that would follow Wayne County engineering standards and rely on the township engineer’s recommendation.
Commissioners asked whether the changes amount to spot zoning. Staff said the property is already zoned C1, the amendment updates district standards rather than rezoning the site and therefore is not a spot‑zoning rezoning petition; staff noted C1 applies only to that corner but said changing text to fit the site is preferable to forcing the owner to pursue multiple variances before the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Ed Kosteroff of West Shore Construction, representing the owner and the project team, said the renovation will provide handicapped access, unify grades and is intended to be a positive change for the property; he offered to show drawings to commissioners and staff.
After the public hearing produced no additional public speakers, a commissioner moved to recommend Township Board approval of the zoning text amendments; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff and trustees will prepare findings of fact to accompany the board submittal.
