Allegan holds first reading of comprehensive zoning rewrite; public hearing set for July 14

City Manager Joel told the City Council that the city is undertaking a complete rewrite of the zoning ordinance and associated zoning map and that council was holding the ordinance’s first reading.

The rewrite, prepared by the Planning Commission over more than a year following the 2023 master plan, makes several substantive changes intended to increase housing options. Among the changes Joel highlighted were allowing accessory dwelling units as a right in all residential zoning districts, creating several new zone districts, and two specific map adjustments: preserving an established Ridge Court neighborhood as residential rather than mixed industrial‑commercial, and rezoning two Swan/M‑89 parcels as residential because they are only accessible from Swan. The Planning Commission also recommended keeping a 10‑foot separation from the top of bluff for waterfront abutting properties; a structure may be closer only if a licensed structural engineer certifies it will not cause erosion or collapse.

Joel said the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing that ran from April 21 to June 16, 2025, and that no public comments were received during that commission process. Council accepted the first reading and voted to schedule a public hearing on the ordinance and map for July 14, 2025, at which time the council will consider the second reading and possible adoption.

Why it matters: the rewrite aligns the zoning code with the city’s recently adopted master plan and aims to create more avenues to build housing in Allegan, including by formalizing accessory dwelling units as an allowable right in residential neighborhoods. The public hearing scheduled for July 14 will be the next formal opportunity for public comment before council moves to a second reading.