Bethany commission weighs moratorium on new warehouses and how to meet state housing rules

At its June 3 meeting the Bethany Planning & Zoning Commission began detailed discussion of a proposed moratorium on new warehouse and large storage facilities in BNI zones to "conserve BNI property for business development," and considered how to implement recent state statutory changes that expand middle/transit community housing and limit parking requirements for small multiunit projects.

Members emphasized the moratorium is intended as a temporary measure to buy time to draft more permanent regulations that balance business needs with housing goals. Several commissioners said the moratorium should include a clear statement of purpose so the public understands the intent and any exemptions (existing or approved storage uses would be grandfathered). The commission noted the existing moratorium would expire at the end of July and discussed holding a special meeting on July 8 to advance language in time.

Staff summarized the state statute discussed at the meeting (referred to in the packet as Public Act 25-1) and explained that, after July 1, municipalities must allow certain types of "transit community" middle housing in many commercial/business zones and cannot require parking for projects of 1–16 units. Commissioners debated local responses: design standards, notification rules, lighting limits, landscaping and whether ADUs should remain subject to public hearings or be moved to administrative review with neighbor notification.

Several practical constraints were raised: water and septic capacity, regional planning deadlines, and the need for legal guidance on the state law’s interacton with local regulations. Commissioners proposed drafting a consolidated list of constraints (lighting standards, architecture, native landscaping, sealed dumpster requirements, and limits on impervious cover) that could be placed alongside state-required standards. The commission voted to hold a special meeting on July 8 to consider moratorium language and proposed regulatory changes.

Commissioners also discussed homeowner-notice mechanisms if ADUs are made administrative, suggesting certified mail to neighbors or a 100-foot notice radius as a compromise: allow faster approvals for small ADUs while preserving neighbor input for projects with potential impact. The meeting ended with direction to obtain an attorney opinion, consolidate suggested constraints into a single draft, and return the draft for public review.