Planning commission sets July 21 public hearing for comprehensive zoning-ordinance update

Cascade Charter Township’s Planning Commission on June 16 set a public hearing for July 21 to consider a comprehensive zoning-ordinance update (case 253892) after subcommittee members said the draft is nearly ready for internal review and public posting.

Speaker 2 told the commission the subcommittee has worked "incredibly hard" for six to eight months and is prepared to present a formatted draft internally; staff will distribute the draft to departments and publish public notice ahead of the July 21 hearing. Speaker 4 clarified that state/local notice rules require a 15‑day posting period; speakers confirmed that posting on July 6 would meet that requirement for a July 21 hearing.

Speakers described turnover at McKenna, the contracted consultant, and staff adjustments during the drafting process. Speaker 2 framed the update as the implementation phase of a multi‑year strategic and master‑plan effort (land‑use elements adopted in 2024) with community engagement behind it, saying the new rules are intended to help preserve community character and support controlled development.

The commission voted to set the July 21 public hearing. Staff said the subcommittee may reconvene for any final marathon meetings and that the commission will have roughly three to four weeks to review the published draft before the hearing.

What happens next: staff will distribute the draft internally, post the public notice at least 15 days before the hearing, and accept public comment at the July 21 Planning Commission meeting; the commission noted that additional hearings are possible.