Title
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 55 (Zoning) and Chapter 57 (Subdivision and Land Use Control) of Title V of the Code of the City of Ann Arbor regarding Citizen Participation (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 7 Yeas and 2 Nays) (Ordinance No. ORD-08-29)
Memorandum
Approval of these amendments to Chapter 55 and Chapter 57 will implement an effective process for citizen participation for petitioners seeking approval of planned projects, planned unit developments, rezonings, and major site plans. The objective of the new process is to improve communications between petitioners, citizens who may be affected by development proposals, and City staff. The amendments have been proposed following direction from City Council to develop an internal process for an early notification stage for Ann Arbor citizens.
The Planning & Development Services Unit worked with a core team appointed by the City Council and Planning Commission to develop this process: Council Member Briere, Council Member/Commissioner Lowenstein, and Commissioner Westphal. Staff met internally and with the core team to determine the underlying issues and opportunities of a citizen participation ordinance. As part of the process, staff researched other community ordinances and participated in an exchange with the City of Auburn Hills, the only other city in Michigan with this type of ordinance.
A public meeting was held in April 2008 to explore options for the ordinance. Over 160 stakeholders were invited to attend the meeting to provide comment. In addition, opinions were solicited from the stakeholders through an email survey. Stakeholders included real estate developers, interested citizens, representatives of all registered residential neighborhood groups, professional consultants, and local agencies. A follow-up meeting with the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce was also held in April.
The City Planning Commission, at its meeting of June 3, 2008, recommended approval of the proposed amen...
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