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Romulus Advances Zoning Changes to Limit Fueling Stations and Sends Master Plan Draft for Regional Review
Summary
After a one‑year moratorium, council introduced a zoning text amendment that would require 2,500‑foot spacing between fueling stations and limit two stations per intersection, raised used‑car dealership lot and building requirements, and approved distribution of a draft master plan for a 42‑day intergovernmental review.
The Romulus City Council on Oct. 13 took two related planning actions: it introduced a zoning ordinance text amendment intended to limit the density of fueling stations and used‑car dealerships, and it approved distribution of the preliminary draft of the city’s master plan future‑land‑use map amendments to neighboring jurisdictions and agencies for the required 42‑day review under Michigan law.
Jeff Kemp, Director of Building and Planning, explained the text amendment (TA‑2025‑002) grew from a one‑year moratorium the council adopted earlier. The proposed change would require 2,500 feet between fueling stations, limit fueling stations to two per intersection and increase requirements for used‑car dealerships (raising the minimum lot size from one acre to two and requiring repair‑stall buildings tied to acreage). The planning commission unanimously recommended the amendment, and council voted to introduce it for first reading.
Kemp also described TA‑2025‑003, a change to site‑plan review that shortens the automatic approval window from 18 months to 12 months with one allowable extension to encourage progress from planning approval to engineering and permitting. Council introduced the item for first reading.
Planning consultant John Snow briefed council on the draft master plan and maps. Snow said the distribution step is an intergovernmental review required by MCL 125.3841 (Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Public Act 33 of 2008). The draft clarifies land‑use categories (for example distinguishing parks/recreation from school sites in the map), identifies opportunity areas and will return to the planning commission for a public hearing after the 42‑day comment period. Council approved distribution by roll call vote.
What’s next: the draft master plan will be circulated for 42 days to adjacent jurisdictions, utilities and county agencies; the planning commission will hold a public hearing and may incorporate comments before returning the plan to council for final approval.
