Monroe Planning & Zoning approves text amendments to permit 2–9 unit mixed‑use buildings, set parking rules and update manufactured‑home language

The Monroe Planning & Zoning Commission on June 18 approved three zoning text amendments to implement state changes and to clarify local review procedures.

The first amendment (RA 2026‑2, file 1051) creates a mixed‑use development definition and relocates prior special‑exception language into the town's supplemental regulations so that mixed‑use (commercial on the ground floor and residential above) in B1, B2, SB2 and LS districts is permitted as of right through a site development plan (a summary review). Staff explained that the town is aligning local terms with Public Act 25‑1 and that the commission chose to limit mixed‑use buildings to "two to nine" residential units in the amendment. As staff summarized, "mixeduse development is now permitted as of right under a summary review." Commissioners voted to approve the amendment as revised to specify two‑to‑nine residential units.

The second amendment (RA 2026‑3, file 1052) addresses parking requirements and creates the framework for parking management districts. Staff said developments of 16 units or less are treated under the town's allowed uses, while developments of 17 or more dwelling units must meet a minimum parking requirement or submit a parking needs assessment for commission approval. The amendment requires that in certain multi‑residence districts at least half of required parking be provided in a garage or structured parking incorporated into residential buildings; staff noted the town adjusted older local ratios to match state guidance (one space for studios and one‑bedroom units, two spaces for units with two or more bedrooms) and removed the prior local 1.5‑space standard for one‑bedroom units. Staff also described parking management districts as allowed to cover up to 4% of the town and be contiguous areas used to implement alternate parking rules; mapping and final district adoption were scheduled for a subsequent meeting.

The third amendment (RA 2026‑4, file 1053) standardizes language for permanent and temporary metal storage containers and updates the town's manufactured/mobile‑home language to match state definitions, including removing the former 22‑foot width requirement so manufactured homes are treated like single‑family dwellings if they meet the state's manufactured‑home definition.

All three amendments were moved, seconded and approved by roll call in sequence. Commissioners and staff emphasized that while a mixed‑use site development plan is a public meeting, the town cannot require a public hearing for that summary review use under the current state framework. Staff also noted some ambiguity in recent state housing legislation about unit caps; the commission opted to record a local two‑to‑nine limit now and could revisit the regulation if state law changes.

Votes at a glance: • RA 2026‑2 / File 1051 (mixed‑use text amendment, limited to 2–9 units) — motion made and seconded; roll call vote recorded as passing. • RA 2026‑3 / File 1052 (parking requirements and parking management district) — motion made and seconded; roll call vote recorded as passing. • RA 2026‑4 / File 1053 (metal storage containers / manufactured homes language) — motion made and seconded; roll call vote recorded as passing.

The commission closed the public hearings with no substantive public testimony on these items and will take the parking‑management map and district adoption up at a subsequent meeting (the staff reminder noted the town must adopt certain changes by July 1 to meet the state timeline).