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Saginaw planning panel forwards micro-dwelling ordinance to City Council after debate over zoning and builders
Summary
After extensive debate about whether tiny homes should be allowed in single-family neighborhoods, the Planning Commission voted 6-3 to forward a micro-dwelling ordinance—defining units by square footage and focusing on R-3 and MU-1 districts—to the City Council for approval.
The Saginaw Planning Commission voted 6-3 to forward a proposed micro-dwelling (tiny homes) ordinance to the City Council after more than an hour of discussion about zoning, individual builders and cluster developments.
City planning staff said the updated ordinance defines a micro-dwelling unit by square footage rather than intent and applies the use to R-3 (high-density residential) and MU-1 (mixed-use) districts. Staff added separate regulations for individual micro units and for cluster developments; cluster projects would be planned and reviewed as a special land-use permit.
"I updated the micro dwelling unit definition... it defines what the micro dwelling unit is based on square footage," city planning staff said while describing the draft. Staff told commissioners that several preapproved plans in the 600–650-square-foot range are available and that some are slated to be built in 2026.
Commissioner Orange argued the commission was removing an option from individual homeowners in R-1 and R-2 districts and asked if the commission could preserve a path for individual property owners to seek permits. "I still believe that R-1 and R-2 individuals... should have the ability to have a tiny home," Orange said, urging the commission to allow a special-permit process for homeowners who want a single unit on their lot.
Other commissioners urged a cautious approach. One commissioner recommended starting with R-3 and MU-1 to pilot the ordinance and see whether demand exists before expanding into single-family districts. Commissioners raised practical constraints—including older small lots (for example 40-by-80 lots), setback requirements and the need for variances—that may make individual small-house builds difficult without planning assistance.
After final clarifications that cluster developments would require formal planning and that the ordinance could be amended later, a motion to forward the ordinance to City Council for approval was moved and seconded. The roll-call vote recorded six ayes and three nays; the motion passed and the item will be placed on the City Council agenda for consideration.
Next steps: the ordinance will be reviewed by the City Council; the Planning Commission noted the language can be amended later and signaled it could revisit R-1 and R-2 placement depending on interest and impacts.
