Planning commissioner says zoning rewrite aims to attract investment, add housing options

AC Williams, a member of Inkster’s planning commission, told the council on Oct. 6 that a full draft of the city’s zoning ordinance update is complete and that the city is moving into a design phase that will add graphics and public-facing materials.

Williams said the update is part of a broader effort to make Inkster a Redevelopment Ready Community through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. He said the rewrite would modernize zoning language, incorporate form‑based or design standards to guide building frontage and materials, and create zoning tools to encourage missing‑middle housing such as accessory dwelling units, duplexes and townhouses. “By updating the zoning ordinance, we can address obstacles for housing, businesses, infrastructure and enforcement,” Williams said.

Williams summarized resident feedback from an online survey — about 66 responses, most aged 35–74 and 68% living in Inkster at least 10 years — and said the most common concerns were roads and sidewalks, vacant and abandoned buildings, safety and inconsistent code enforcement. He said those issues informed priorities such as updated site standards for sidewalks, bike lanes and traffic calming, anti‑blight policy, and clearer, resident‑facing code enforcement guidance.

The planning commissioner said the draft will move into a design phase that includes updated graphics and a review by outside specialists, and he hoped the city could bring a final ordinance for adoption in November. Williams urged continued community input via the survey on the city website.

The council did not take final action on the ordinance at the meeting; Williams described the draft and next steps for public engagement.