Public commenters press Ann Arbor Planning Commission to approve triplexes and back Adams implementation plan

Dozens of residents used the Planning Commission’s public-comment periods on April 14 to press for immediate zoning changes that would expand the types of housing allowed in neighborhoods and to urge the commission to adopt steps to implement the city’s recently adopted comprehensive land use plan.

Supporters repeatedly urged the commission to back Commissioner Daniel Adams’ implementation approach and a text amendment filed by the Ann Arbor Community Land Trust (CLT) that would permit up to three dwelling units in many residential zones. Shannon Laauo told commissioners she “want[s] to share my support for the Adams proposal” and said it would “maximize housing development in those transition areas.” Adam Juskevich of the West Stadium neighborhood similarly said he supported Adams’ plan and favored a broad, by-right remedy over a “floating residential” tool that would require owners to seek rezonings.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff are now deciding how to sequence zoning work that implements the comprehensive plan. Supporters say near-term changes enabling modest multi-unit buildings could produce smaller, more affordable homes and let community builders like the CLT begin projects currently constrained by existing rules.

What commenters said: Public commenters described both urgency and nuance. Eric Ivansich urged a quick implementation so the CLT “can begin building homes for essential workers right away.” Sarah Lorent, who described her group as building 26 homes this year, said that allowing three units by right could immediately resolve design constraints that are limiting some of their planned homes. At the same time, Tom Stolberg and others warned that a citywide change as drafted could allow large, market-rate “Bigfoot” triplexes and urged tying any added capacity to affordability or other protections.

Staff and legal caveats: Several commissioners pressed staff on technical details that must be resolved before any text amendment or district is adopted — for example, how minimum lot area per dwelling unit would interact with a new three-unit allowance. Planning staff said the CLT petition, as drafted, would create exceptions that need further review; Planner Deo described the CLT proposal as a citywide text amendment while explaining the alternative: a floating residential district that the city would craft and apply through targeted rezonings.

Next steps: Staff said the CLT petition will be processed like other petitions and that the commission will receive a formal staff analysis and recommendation when it is ready. Meanwhile commissioners asked staff to return with concrete options for sequencing and public engagement. Unless the CLT withdraws its petition, the commission will formally consider and recommend action on it in due course.