Clawson Planning Commission: approvals and next steps — Golf VX site plan approved; master plans adopted; short‑term rentals workshop dates proposed

The Clawson Planning Commission on May 27 approved several agenda items and set follow‑up actions on others.

Key votes

- Golf VX (1301 W. 14 Mile Road): The commission approved a site plan to re‑occupy the former Rite Aid building with a Golf VX golf‑simulator and bar. Staff described the one‑acre site: a 14,564‑square‑foot building with 33 parking spaces and a maximum occupancy of 94. External modifications were minimal and signage will require a separate administrative permit. The motion to approve carried on roll call.

- City Master Plan update: After a staff presentation and no public comment, commissioners voted to adopt the City Master Plan update, which includes infrastructure recommendations (thoroughfare plan, complete streets, water/sewer framework), a parking chapter, sustainability/resilience guidance and targeted changes to future‑land‑use maps. The commission will send the adopted plan to city council for further action.

- Downtown Clawson Master Plan update: The commission also adopted the downtown master plan update. Staff highlighted two study items — potential changes to 14 Mile/ North Main configurations and a public‑art framework — and noted DDA input (DDA asked that paid parking not be included at this time). Commissioners discussed parking management, wayfinding and the scope for conceptual traffic studies; the commission voted to adopt the plan and forward to council.

- Short‑term rentals: Commissioners asked for a focused, joint workshop with city council (and legal counsel) on short‑term‑rental policy. The commission recommended two tentative dates (June 11 or June 18) for a joint workshop; staff will present the dates to council and finalize scheduling.

Other actions

- House of Barbecue (202 S. Main) site‑plan amendment was postponed so the applicant can provide exact grill model, stack dimensions, mounting details and a written fire‑marshal approval (see separate item).

What the votes mean

These actions move the City and Downtown master plans from draft status toward adoption and next‑step review by council; they also clear the way for a new business (Golf VX) to occupy and retrofit a longtime vacant storefront in the Westgate corridor. The commission emphasized the separate sign and building‑permit processes for exterior signage and mechanical work, and it required more information and fire‑marshal approval on the House of Barbecue smoker before any equipment‑specific approval is granted.

Next steps

Staff will send adopted master plans to city council for formal adoption and will work with applicants and the fire marshal to bring the House of Barbecue amendment back to the commission once the requested technical materials are submitted. The short‑term‑rental joint workshop dates will be offered to council for confirmation.

Vote summary (by agenda item)

- Agenda amendment (swap items 7 & 8): approved (roll call). - Approve minutes (05/13/2025): approved (roll call). - Approve site plan — 1301 W. 14 Mile Rd (Golf VX): approved (roll call). - Postpone site‑plan amendment — 202 S. Main (House of Barbecue): postponed (roll call). - Adopt City Master Plan update: adopted (roll call). - Adopt Downtown Master Plan update: adopted (roll call). - Recommend joint workshop with council on short‑term rentals (June 11 or 18): recommended (roll call).

All roll‑call votes reported at the meeting were carried by the commission with affirmative roll‑call responses from present members.