The Eastpointe Planning Commission voted unanimously on Dec. 4 to approve a site plan and recommend special land use for a used-vehicle sales operation at 24700 Gratiot, contingent on revisions to bring the property into zoning compliance.

City planner Mister Abbeel told commissioners the property previously operated as a used-car establishment and that staff find the special land use “appropriate as long as we can come to a zoning ordinance compliant site plan.” The commission’s approval included conditions that a revised plan address landscaping, parking dimensions, screening and lighting, and that the applicant achieve full compliance prior to a certificate of occupancy.

Why it matters: the decision allows the applicant to reoccupy an existing commercial building while requiring tangible site improvements intended to reduce impacts on adjacent residential areas.

Key facts: the commission granted two waivers — one waiving the requirement for an on-site trash enclosure based on the applicant’s plan for contract curbside pickup, and a second easing the required frontage-tree allotment (the plan shows 4 trees where 6 are required). Staff flagged additional deficiencies the applicant must fix in a resubmission, including providing stamped landscape plans, dimensions for all proposed parking spaces, removal of nonconforming site lighting, and a screen wall between the lot and neighboring residences. Commissioners discussed a rear setback deficiency of about 3.5 feet and asked for parking layout corrections; staff said many of those items can be handled administratively but must be documented in the revised submission.

Applicant Sam Thomas described plans to repaint the building, resurface the lot and add landscaping. Planner notes and conditions are captured in the planners review dated 11/26/2025 and were read into the record during the meeting.

The motion to approve passed on a roll-call vote of members present (all voting yes). The approval is subject to the revised site plan addressing the items identified by staff; the commission reserved the right to review any requested waivers in future submissions.

Next steps: the applicant must submit a revised site plan that addresses planner comments and provides the required documentation. A certificate of occupancy will not be issued until the city confirms compliance with the zoning ordinance and the planner’s conditions.