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Planning commission amends 2025 priority list, directs staff to start work on two zoning items
Summary
The Huntington Woods Planning Commission voted to amend and approve its 2025 priority list, directing staff to start work on revised corner‑lot regulations and revised site‑plan review language while combining and reclassifying several transportation and stormwater items to medium priority for phased coordination with neighboring cities.
The Huntington Woods Planning Commission amended and approved a 2025 priority list that will guide zoning and planning work this year, directing staff to start work immediately on zoning language changes for corner lots and on revisions to site‑plan review for predominant exterior materials.
Staff presented a draft prioritized list and recommended the commission begin with two items it judged actionable within the year: revising corner‑lot orientation language to reduce the need for certain appeals and updating site‑plan review standards to account for existing homes with mixed materials. Staff also recommended combining study items on 4‑to‑3 lane conversions for 11 Mile and Coolidge with regional partners and treating them as a phased medium priority because interjurisdictional coordination could lengthen timelines.
Commissioners debated placement and priority for several items, including sustainable design and stormwater standards, the 4‑to‑3 lane pilot along 11 Mile, and technology‑driven urban solutions such as smart signals and LED street lighting. Staff noted the city has contracted with Verigee and DTE for LED street‑light replacements; traffic control devices and intersections remain under other jurisdictions’ control and will require partner cooperation.
After discussion a motion was made to: (1) start high‑priority items 1 and 5 now, (2) combine items 3 and 4 and move them to medium priority, and (3) combine certain stormwater/downspout items into a single medium‑priority package. The commission discussed amendments on the floor, then voted to approve the amended list.
Staff said it expects drafting of initial ordinance language and review by the city attorney before public hearings; zoning changes recommended by planning commission would later be sent to the city commission for final vote. Commissioners emphasized the need for outreach to neighboring communities when projects require interjurisdictional coordination and for further clarification of standards such as what constitutes a "large expansive blank wall."
