Rochester Hills council approves wetland impact for 32‑unit Old Orient Court apartments, with conservation easement

Rochester Hills City Council on June 9 approved a wetland use permit allowing permanent impact to approximately 0.09 acres (about 3,900 square feet) of wetland at the Old Orient Court residential development, a proposed 32‑unit apartment complex on roughly 2.4 acres just south of Orient Road.

City planning staff presented the item and told the council the Planning Commission had recommended approval of the wetland use permit alongside site plan approval, a tree removal permit and a natural feature setback modification. The approved site plan calls for 32 apartments — 22 two‑bedroom units and 10 one‑bedroom units — with the developers proposing to place the impacted parking and maneuvering areas in the small portion of wetland designated for impact. The remainder of the site’s wetlands — approximately 0.54 acres — will be held in a conservation easement, staff said.

During public comment, nearby residents raised concerns about flooding, traffic and neighborhood character. “It is a giant arroyo, a giant funnel…When you close off this wetland like this, where’s the water gonna go?” said Ed Capa, a Maple Hill resident who told the council he has experienced flooding near his home. Another resident, Shana Gannon, said she moved back to Rochester Hills to avoid a dense‑city environment: “You don’t move back to Rochester Hills to live in a city that feels like LA.”

Staff and outside reviewers addressed stormwater and hydrology concerns. Kyle Hottenger of ASTI, which conducted the wetland review, said the portion of the wetland to be impacted formed after construction of Maple Hill Road and that the larger portion of the wetland is groundwater‑fed; he said proposed work includes a culvert to maintain connectivity between the remaining wetland and the area receiving drainage from Maple Hill. City staff also noted the development proposes an on‑site stormwater detention system with underground storage and water‑quality measures.

Councilmember Neubauer, who represents the Planning Commission on council, said the developer had accommodated multiple adjustments requested by the commission, and that the site plan and related permits had been approved by staff and planning. Neubauer moved to approve the wetland use permit; Mrs. Moreland seconded. The council voted unanimously to approve the permit, with conditions included in the council packet.

The approval authorizes permanent impact to approximately 0.09 acres of wetland as shown on plans received by the planning department on April 9, 2025, subject to the two findings and four conditions listed in the packet. Staff said additional agency review is required and that EGLE (the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) permitting processes apply.