Commissioners request more staff briefings on pending state housing bills and possible local impacts
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Summary
Commissioners discussed a package of pending state bills intended to ease housing production and asked staff to compile information on their potential effects, especially a proposed preemption on setback standards that could nullify local ordinance provisions.
During other business on March 3, Chair Donnell Wyche and several commissioners raised a package of nine bipartisan state bills aimed at easing housing production that were highlighted in the governor’s recent State of the State address.
Chair Wyche asked whether staff had plans to brief the commission or the public on the bills and whether the city’s lobbying position was known. Manager Kelly said staff had received an alert from the Michigan Association of Planning and could compile links and resources for the commission but had not had an internal conversation yet.
Commissioners flagged a particular concern: language in the package that appears to preempt local setback authority by imposing a 15‑foot (and 5‑foot rear/side) standard, which one commissioner warned could effectively nullify conflicting local standards on the bills’ effective date. Commissioner Adams recommended preparing options such as a "springing" or savings clause to avoid abrupt nullification of local zoning standards if the bills pass. Manager Kelly said staff would assess the best course of action and coordinate with management if the commission wants further work sessions or a formal communication to City Council.
No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to circulate information and indicated interest in future discussion if there is broad interest within the commission.
