Planning Commission approves mixed-use site plan at 20 West 14 Mile Road with conditions

The Planning Commission voted to approve a site-plan application for 20 West 14 Mile Road, a 0.48-acre former Pizza Hut/Texaco parcel in the City Center (CC) district, with conditions requiring a photometric plan, bicycle parking to be shown on the final plans and a seasonal removal requirement for a rooftop pergola.

Planning staff member Mr. Tanjeri presented the proposal, describing a three-story building with ground-floor commercial space and upper-floor residential units — 18 one‑bedroom units and two two‑bedroom units — and said the roof height would be 42 feet with elevator and stair penthouses exempted under the code. "They're proposing to construct a three story mixed use building," Mr. Tanjeri said during his presentation.

The commission’s approval was conditioned on items staff flagged during the review. Staff said the project meets dimensional standards and provides the required 31 residential parking spaces (1.5 spaces per one‑bedroom unit; two per two‑bedroom unit) but is requesting use of adjacent public parking for the ground‑floor commercial tenants. The commission required that the applicant add bicycle parking to the plan (staff estimated the building requires two secure bicycle spaces) and submit a photometric lighting plan before final sign‑off.

On the rooftop feature, the applicant showed a demountable pergola and roof deck. Commissioners debated whether a permanent pergola would give the appearance of an additional story and discussed safety and structural concerns. Planning staff noted the city’s rooftop‑restaurant language and seasonal rules, saying rooftop amenities that operate like outdoor cafes are governed by the city’s ordinance and are typically allowed to operate from April 15 through Nov. 15. The commission’s motion states that the pergola will be removable and acknowledged the seasonal removal requirement in accordance with the ordinance.

The applicant acknowledged outstanding engineering matters, including underground stormwater detention and remediation of legacy soil contamination from prior uses; staff said engineering review will address sanitary, water and remediation requirements and that the property owner is aware remediation will be required. The applicant also warned that DTE coordination could be required to reroute electrical facilities as part of site work.

The commission’s motion to approve the site plan with conditions passed on roll call. Staff said the applicant must provide the photometric plan and updated site drawings showing bicycle parking and return to the building‑plan review process; building permits and engineering approvals will be required before construction begins.