Caledonia denies Raymond out-of-compliance addition and directs staff to work with applicant

The board discussed a cooperative-boundary review for a proposed 5,700-square-foot addition at 2720 West 7 Mile Road (applicant Scott Niles / 7 Mile Fair Inc.). Staff reported the submittal failed multiple Caledonia design-guideline items and the planning commission forwarded the matter to the board with no recommendation.

Planning staff noted the boundary agreement allows Caledonia to identify certain developments as ‘spectacular’ and set findings to permit projects without sewer and water connections. Staff offered model language trustees could use if they chose to approve the project as an exception. Several trustees warned that an ad-hoc exception could set precedent and weaken enforcement of design standards. After discussion the board voted to deny the current submission and directed staff to work with the applicant to mitigate design deficiencies and return for reconsideration at the August 18 board meeting.

Planning staff read the suggested statutory finding language that would be used if the board elected to approve the project, noting it should be tied to specific factual findings: “a proposed use meets the intent of the village of Caledonia's development standards and find that the proposed use is a spectacular use for the parcel without connecting to sewer and water in accordance with the cooperative boundary agreement between the villages of Caledonia and Raymond.”