Commission hears public comments on proposed accessory dwelling unit ordinance; deed‑restriction language to be drafted

Hartland Township held a public hearing Feb. 12 on draft zoning amendments to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and clarify dwelling‑unit definitions. Township planner Troy explained the proposal would permit a secondary, smaller dwelling unit on single‑family lots and that the draft largely reorganizes existing definitions rather than adding new elements.

Troy said the ordinance review committee reviewed many samples and recommended clear elements for identifying a dwelling unit (bathroom, bedroom, cooking facility). Staff described size parameters discussed by the committee: illustrative minimums of about 190 square feet for the smallest ADUs and a typical cap at 1,200 square feet for attached units, with detached ADUs limited by a 50% rule (that is, 50% of the principal dwelling when that is the controlling limit). On utilities and parking, staff said the draft does not require additional parking spaces and allows shared wells or sanitary connections if county health and permitting requirements are met.

During public comment Edward Stack identified himself and asked whether the ordinance intended the smaller of the two size limits; he then expressed support, saying, "Definitely, it'd be nice to be able to build something on our property, where they could live, you know, nearby, and we could help them as they, get a bit older and also incur other medical issues." Commissioners discussed enforcement issues and noted the township attorney suggested adding a deed restriction as an additional enforcement tool; Troy said the attorney's suggested language was not available at the meeting and recommended the commission delay final action until that language could be reviewed. Several commissioners also opposed limiting ADUs to family members, saying such a restriction would undercut affordable‑housing goals and be difficult to enforce.