Waterford Planning Commission backs four rezones, approves short-term rental with conditions

The Waterford Township Planning Commission unanimously recommended four rezoning actions and approved two special approvals at its April 22, 2026 meeting, forwarding the rezoning recommendations to the Township Board and setting conditions on the non-residential approvals.

Director of Development Services Jeffrey M. Polkowski introduced a slate of zoning matters tied to the township’s Master Plan. The commission voted 6–0 on each matter.

In Rezoning Case PRSA 26-02-02, the commission recommended changing a 0.12-acre vacant parcel at the southwest corner of Pontiac Lake Road and Nash Avenue from O-1 (Local Office) to R-1C (Single-Family Residential). Applicant Bill Dumiter confirmed he intends to build a dwelling on the lot and is a builder. The commission cited Master Plan consistency, site suitability, and public-service capacity in its findings and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Township Board (motion moved by Commissioner Lawson; supported by Commissioner Wall).

In Rezoning Case PRSA 26-03-01, the commission recommended rezoning 5663 Highland Road from O-1 to C-2 (Small Business). Applicant Carol Mountain told commissioners she and her family have been in business at that address for 57 years and plan to retire; the commission found the rezoning consistent with the Master Plan and adjacent commercial uses and forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Township Board (motion moved by Commissioner Smith; supported by Commissioner Wall).

The commission approved Special Approval PRSA 26-03-02 to permit a short-term dwelling at 4975 Coshocton Drive subject to conditions intended to limit neighborhood impacts. Applicants Duane and Sandy Lewis said they will remain local and manage the property. Conditions include: ownership must remain with the applicant; no renter access to or use of motorized watercraft; a maximum of eight short-term tenants; no parties or large gatherings; all renter vehicles must be parked in the driveway (the property has two garage spaces and two driveway spaces); quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.; implementation and maintenance of a noise-monitoring program; and a minimum three-night stay for rentals. The Planning Commission reserved the right to modify or revoke approval for excessive code enforcement violations or safety concerns (motion moved by Commissioner Sintkowski; supported by Commissioner Lawson).

At 2200 Elizabeth Lake Road, the commission recommended rezoning the property from C-4 (Extensive Business) to M-1 (Light Industrial) in PRSA 26-03-03. Applicant Mykhaylo Hrokh said the rezoning would allow the operation to meet State of Michigan licensing requirements (a Class C dealer license) to purchase salvage vehicles within Michigan. Commissioners noted the Master Plan’s Future Land Use Map shows commercial designation along the road frontage and industrial designation to the rear; the commission nevertheless forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Township Board (motion moved by Commissioner Sintkowski; supported by Commissioner Lawson).

Related to that site, the commission approved Special Approval PRSA 26-03-04 to allow the property owner to add a Used Vehicle Parts Dealer use to an existing used vehicle dealer operation, subject to conditions. The applicant said they do not intend to conduct on-site dismantling or sell used parts but need the State Class C license to source salvage vehicles for repair and resale. Conditions include: the special approval is conditional on successful rezoning to M-1; outdoor storage of distressed vehicles is prohibited; and the west-side fence on the northern parking lot must be enhanced with opaque screening fabric. Commissioner Wall told the body he had observed inoperable vehicles on site during a recent visit; the applicant agreed to add screening (motion moved by Commissioner Lawson; supported by Commissioner Smith).

All public hearings on the items produced no public comment. The commission approved the meeting agenda, minutes, and consent agenda earlier in the session and adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Next steps: the rezoning recommendations will be forwarded to the Waterford Township Board for final action; the short-term dwelling and used-vehicle-parts approvals are effective as conditioned but remain subject to commission oversight and potential revocation for violations.