Planning Commission backs rezoning for sign company at 18940 W. 8 Mile Road

The Planning Commission on April 29 voted to recommend that City Council rezone 18940 West 8 Mile Road from a light-industrial district (IL) to a general industrial district (I1) so Southfield Signs can build an indoor storage addition and move equipment and materials currently stored outdoors into a building.

Planner's explanation: The parcel contains an existing sign-fabrication business with vehicles and materials kept in the yard, and staff said the proposed I1 zoning removes a 50-foot rear-setback barrier that prevents an addition large enough to house outdoor equipment. Staff recommended the rezoning because the site is in a locally mixed-use corridor and the change would let the business modernize its facility and resolve ongoing code enforcement concerns about outside storage.

Applicant remarks: Mos Tuna of Southfield Signs (18940 West 8 Mile Road) told the commission the business has operated on site with a certificate of occupancy for more than 10 years and wants to move outdoor equipment inside to protect it from weather and to improve site appearance and security.

Outcome: Commissioner Martin moved for a favorable recommendation and the commission voted to forward PZR26-00003 to City Council for final action; administrative site-plan review will follow under industrial zoning if council approves.

Next steps: If City Council approves the rezoning, the applicant will follow an administrative site-plan review with the planning department and must comply with applicable site and material storage standards; council review is scheduled as the next step in the city process.