Board introduces sweeping zoning and subdivision amendments, including Town Center overlay and moratorium authority

The Allendale Charter Township Board on July 27 received first readings of two ordinances that would make substantial changes to the township zoning and subdivision code.

Ordinance 2026-09 (Zoning Text and Map Amendment) would add condominium project approval standards requiring applicants to show sidewalks, pathways and pedestrian areas would not be impeded; create authority to impose a temporary moratorium on accepting or processing applications for data centers, battery storage facilities, large-scale solar farms and wind farms (including provisions to set and extend an expiration); establish a Town Center Overlay District with detailed standards for stories, yards, facades, public amenities, signage, landscaping, parking and utilities; add provisions for outdoor venues and bed-and-breakfasts; revise lot-area minimums and private-road construction standards in agricultural and rural districts; modify rules for outdoor wood boilers and add a new section permitting Tiny Home Developments with specific siting, deed restriction, rental prohibitions and public-water connection requirements. The ordinance would also amend the zoning map to designate certain properties as TC Town Center Overlay District. The ordinance was presented for first reading (BOT 26-114).

Ordinance 2026-10 would amend subdivision regulations to add the same sidewalk/pedestrian demonstration requirement referenced above (amend Section 405-23A); it was also introduced for first reading (BOT 26-115). Both items were introduced and not adopted; the transcript records introduction only and does not record a final vote or public hearing on either ordinance during this meeting. Additional public notice, review and subsequent board action would be required before adoption.