Fraser planners outline zoning ordinance rewrite and flag proposed state bills that could preempt local zoning

Fraser planning staff updated the zoning board on a near-final draft of the city’s zoning ordinance and alerted members to state legislative proposals that could reduce local zoning control.

Planner Lauren said the planning commission completed article-by-article review of residential, industrial and commercial standards and steering committee comments were incorporated; planning commission scheduled a public hearing for April 1 and staff anticipated forwarding a final draft to city council for consideration (target date mentioned as June 11). Lauren said the city plans targeted notices to property owners whose zoning would change and encouraged attendance at the April hearing.

Separately, Lauren described draft state house bills under discussion that aim to expand housing supply by allowing accessory dwelling units, duplexes and manufactured homes in single‑family districts and by setting very small minimum lot and floor‑area standards (examples given in testimony: 1,500 square feet minimum lot and 500 square feet minimum unit size). Staff warned the bills are conceptual and will be amended, and noted the Michigan Municipal League and local associations have expressed opposition to preemptive measures.

The board was advised to monitor the bills and consider outreach to state lawmakers if members or staff wished to preserve local zoning discretion. Planner Lauren said staff would send notice and explanatory materials to residents affected by map changes and include clarifying language in mailed notices to reduce confusion over zoning abbreviations.