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Canton board introduces zoning amendments on outdoor dining, tree preservation and signs
Summary
Planning staff brought multiple zoning ordinance amendments to the board for first reading: to allow flexible outdoor dining siting, update tree and woodland preservation standards informed by a University of Michigan report, and modernize sign rules including yard signs and murals.
The Canton Township Board of Trustees introduced and held first readings of multiple amendments to Appendix A of the zoning ordinance, including rules for outdoor dining accessory to restaurants, extensive updates to tree and woodland preservation (Article 5A), and revisions to the sign regulations.
Planning staff said the outdoor dining amendments would allow approving authorities to modify setback and separation requirements in limited circumstances to accommodate outdoor dining where strict adherence to current setbacks prevents outdoor restaurant seating. Patrick, a planning division staff member, summarized the changes and said the planning commission recommended approval following a public hearing on May 5, 2025.
On tree and woodland preservation, staff described a multi-year revision that drew on a University of Michigan graduate report and a July 2024 joint meeting with the planning commission and board. The proposed Article 5A updates modernize mitigation provisions and align standards with current case law and best forestry practices. Trustee Michael praised the update's focus on long-term stewardship: "When you plant a tree, you're not really planting it for yourself to enjoy. You're planting it for your children and grandchildren and great grandchildren to enjoy." The planning commission recommended adoption after its public hearing.
Revisions to the sign ordinance are intended to make rules content-neutral where required by law, to clarify yard sign allowances in residential areas, and to add limited provisions for murals on township property. Planning staff said yard-sign revisions permit noncommercial yard signs with limits ("In residential districts, there's allowed 6 square feet per sign and 24 square feet total, with a max sign height of 4 feet, and a setback of 5 feet from all lot lines," Patrick said) and that staff is coordinating with legal counsel on election-period signage and temporary allowances.
All three measures were introduced for first reading; none were adopted at this meeting. Staff said they will return with final language for a subsequent board reading or adoption after completing legal review on specific provisions.
