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Newaygo planning commission recommends expanding Industrial zoning to allow compatible retail
Summary
The commission voted April 9 to recommend City Council approve amendments to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17 (Industrial I-1) that would broaden permitted uses to allow compatible retail operations and add an enforceable noise-level standard. The recommendation passed unanimously.
The Newaygo City Planning Commission on April 9 voted to recommend that City Council approve amendments to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17, which governs the city’s Industrial (I‑1) zoning district.
City Manager Jon Schneider told the commission the proposed changes are largely language clean‑up but would broaden the ordinance to permit certain "compatible" retail operations in the Industrial Park after inquiries from prospective businesses. Schneider said the draft also adds an explicit noise‑level standard so the city has an enforceable threshold for complaints and enforcement; he said he researched typical noise levels and levels considered harmful and noted the commission could later adjust decibel limits if necessary.
The commission opened a public hearing at 6:31 p.m. and closed it at 6:38 p.m. After discussion commissioners moved to recommend the amendment to City Council; the motion passed AIF/MC (all in favor, motion carried).
If adopted by the council, the change would allow a broader range of ground‑floor uses in parts of the Industrial Park that the city and applicant(s) determine are compatible with surrounding industry. Schneider said the draft leaves room for the Planning Commission and staff to refine decibel limits and enforcement procedures as the city gains experience under the amended rules.
The recommendation now moves to City Council for consideration; no council action or hearing date was specified in the minutes. The commission adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
