Planning commissioner outlines zoning overhaul to pursue Redevelopment Ready Community certification

AC Williams, a member of the planning commission, told the Inkster City Council on Sept. 2 that the city is nearly ready to pursue Redevelopment Ready Community (RRC) certification from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and that a comprehensive zoning update is central to that effort.

"Redevelopment ready community is a program offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation," Williams said, outlining four phases for the work: evaluation and alignment; drafting ordinance updates; planning-commission and community engagement; and finalization and adoption prep. He said the city is currently in phase two.

Williams said the update will modernize the ordinance, make it more user-friendly, and align it with the master plan adopted in March 2025. He recommended adding form-based zoning to shape building appearance and walkable downtown development, and said the city would consider "missing middle" housing such as accessory dwelling units, townhomes and duplexes to increase affordability and housing choice.

The planning commission will lead review and public hearings and will make a recommendation to council; Williams invited residents to a planning-commission meeting on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers and to complete a four-question feedback survey. He said flyers and a QR code will be available to direct residents to the draft amendments and survey.

Next steps: planning-commission review and community engagement in September, followed by council deliberation on any ordinance amendments before any adoption vote.