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Commission defers recommendation on ADU zoning amendment pending deed‑restriction language
Summary
Hartland Township Planning Commission held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) township‑wide, discussed size and utility standards, and chose not to recommend the amendment until deed‑restriction language from the Township Attorney is available; commissioners rejected a family‑only occupancy limitation.
The Hartland Township Planning Commission opened a public hearing on Zoning Amendment #26‑001 on Feb. 12 to consider allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single‑family residential districts and to add a new Section 5.14.4 to the zoning ordinance.
Director Langer outlined the key definitions and requirements under consideration, explaining that a dwelling unit would be defined by required elements (sleeping room, bathroom, cooking facility) and that the draft "would allow Accessory Dwelling Units." He said the amendment would be township‑wide and that the ordinance review committee had worked extensively on definitions and standards.
Langer described size and configuration standards in the draft: "Minimum size of 190 square feet," he said, while noting that most zoning categories set a minimum principal dwelling size of about 1,200 square feet. Attached ADUs could be as large as 1,200 square feet if the principal dwelling is at least 1,200 square feet; detached ADUs would be capped at 1,200 square feet or 50 percent of the principal dwelling's square footage. He also listed example construction types (detached accessory structure, addition, attic or basement conversion, garage conversion) and said existing well/septic systems could be used with Livingston County Health Department approval or public utilities with Department of Public Works permission.
Public comment included a question and support from Edward Stack of Hartland Township on maximum and minimum sizes. The Township Attorney advised adding deed‑restriction language for ADUs; Director Langer asked the commission to wait until draft deed‑restriction language is available. Commissioners discussed whether to limit ADU occupancy to family members; Commissioner Sue Grissim said limiting use to family would not meet the goal of helping with affordable housing. The majority of commissioners said they opposed a family‑only restriction and chose not to make a final recommendation at the meeting; the amendment will return to the commission after the attorney provides deed‑restriction language.
