Planning commission reviews draft ADU language and options to streamline special‑use approvals

Members of Middleville’s ordinance committee presented draft changes to zoning text, including proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) language, and asked the planning commission for feedback as the committee continues to refine draft ordinances.

An ordinance committee member summarized the ADU approach: “One ADU is allowed per lot…ADUs are only for single family dwelling units,” and committee members said the language aims to prevent unplanned density increases in areas designated as moderate or high density under the future land use map.

Why it matters: ADU rules can affect housing supply, neighborhood character and how the village handles infill development. Committee members also discussed moving some approvals that currently require a special‑use review toward administrative approvals or committee review where appropriate, which committee members said could reduce processing times and costs for applicants when no material issues are present.

Committee members noted the draft language has not yet been reviewed by the village attorney. They said staff will compile recent permit data to identify recurring special‑use requests that could be moved to administrative review and will continue to refine district‑by‑district language before returning items to the planning commission for ordinance amendments.

Next steps: ordinance committee will continue vetting language, obtain attorney review and bring refined draft sections back to the planning commission for further discussion and potential referral to council.