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Planning commissioners set public hearing on rezoning to ease nonconforming home sales
Summary
Cedar Springs staff proposed changing many B2 (central business) parcels to mixed-use or R1 to remove commercial zoning from houses that are now used as residences; staff said the change would make sales, mortgages and insurance easier for homeowners. A public hearing will be scheduled for the April meeting.
Cedar Springs planning staff told the commission they will schedule a public hearing next month on a draft zoning-map amendment that would convert identified parcels from B2 (central business) to mixed-use or R1, depending on which side of the street a property sits. Mr. Moore, the city planner, said the primary goal is to eliminate nonconforming residential uses that are currently zoned commercial.
The change would make single-family and two-family homes permitted by right in the mixed-use district and by right in R1, Mr. Moore said, which would remove a common obstacle lenders and insurers cite when a property is nonconforming. "By changing it to mixed use, we're making it so that your house is no longer nonconforming," Mr. Moore said. "It would be compliance with the zoning ordinance — it would be easier to sell, to do improvements, to get insurance on them."
Several residents who spoke during public comment supported the proposal. Rose Powell, a Cedar Springs resident, thanked commissioners for their service and encouraged engagement with the process. Martin Fraser, who identified himself as a retired chief, told the commission he had received a tax-assessment notice showing an incorrect address and asked staff to coordinate with the city assessor to correct property records. "I don't know if the planning commission wants to deal with that or something I bring up with city clerk or manager," he said.
Isaac Carr, a Cedar Springs resident, described difficulties securing a mortgage on a home because the property was nonconforming under B2; he said rezoning would help future buyers and sellers. Staff clarified that parcels with frontage on Main Street (C2) are not included in the proposed changes and would remain C2.
No formal vote on the rezoning was taken at this meeting; staff said the map amendment requires public notice and a hearing before the commission can make a recommendation to city council. The commission approved routine meeting motions at the start of the session (minutes and agenda) and then closed public comment before moving to the zoning presentation. The public hearing will be held at the commission's April meeting, when members can make a formal recommendation to city council.
