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Planning commission backs Kia of Canton expansion, conditions setback and landscaping fixes
Summary
Commission recommended approval for Kia of Canton to expand onto two adjacent parcels at 41840 Michigan Ave to add 121 parking spaces and expand a stormwater pond, subject to a 75‑foot top‑of‑bank setback (or a variance) and revisions to landscaping and lighting plans. The matter moves to the township board for final action.
The Canton Township Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a special land use and site‑plan amendment that would allow Kia of Canton to expand west onto two vacant parcels at 41840 Michigan Avenue and add roughly 121 parking spaces and an expanded stormwater pond.
Community planning staff (Patrick) told commissioners the proposal does not include new buildings but would combine three parcels, construct a new parking field and enlarge an existing stormwater pond. Staff recommended approval with three conditions: (1) all paved surfaces, curbs and light poles be at least 75 feet from the top of bank of the Lower Rouge River unless the applicant obtains a variance from the zoning board of appeals; (2) landscape plan revisions to meet Article 5 of the zoning ordinance; and (3) lighting‑plan revisions to meet Section 2.13 of the zoning ordinance. Patrick said the engineering division will work to define the top‑of‑bank location if no official field delineation exists.
Timothy Wood, the applicant’s engineer, said the team had submitted revised plans and believed the minor landscape and lighting comments could be satisfied administratively. He said the proposed distance to the plan’s top‑of‑bank line measures about 71 feet and that the exact interpretation of 'top of bank' would determine whether the applicant needed a variance or could stay in compliance.
No members of the public spoke during the public‑hearing period. After brief commissioner questions focused on stormwater jurisdiction and the pond’s review by Wayne County, the commission moved to recommend approval. The motion carried unanimously among commissioners present, and staff said the application will next go to the township board for final action.
Next steps for the applicant include resolving landscape and lighting revisions with planning staff, coordinating with the township engineering division on the top‑of‑bank definition, and proceeding to the township board for action.
