Kalamazoo NFP board reviews midyear projects, discusses applicant guide for stormwater and landscaping

Kalamazoo City—Natural Features Protection (NFP) Review Board on July 22 heard a midyear report from staff that outlined four NFP-approved projects so far in 2025, three administrative approvals and one variance recommendation referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), and opened a discussion on a draft NFP applicant guide to better steer developers and residents through stormwater and landscaping requirements.

The board—staff liaison, Nolan, told members the board had seen four approved projects in 2025: 1609 Whites Road (Country Club parcel), 2045 East Michigan (city-owned site with pump-house upgrades and a new PFAS treatment structure), 669 Gold Road (Vareberg Park improvements) and 1900 Belford Street (a large split parcel tied to a housing project). Nolan also said staff had issued three administrative approvals this year (interior or non-ground-disturbing work at 251 Mill Street/Growler Stadium, minor landscape adjustments at 500 Golden Drive and equipment upgrades at a cell tower at 3419 South Burdick). He described one variance recommendation (433 Reed Avenue/Reed Court) that was sent to the ZBA because the NFP ordinance prohibits new stormwater BMPs within setbacks to…