Title
Resolution to Approve the Near North Area Plan, 700 N Main St (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 8 Yeas and 0 Nays)
Memorandum
This resolution will approve an area plan for a 52,00-square-foot-site on the east side of N Main St, south of E Summit St, proposed for rezoning from R4C (Multiple-Family Dwelling) to R4E (Multiple-Family Dwelling with conditions to limit the maximum height to 75 feet. See associated file 26-0875, Near North Rezoning With Conditions, proposed Ordinance 26-17. Rezoning petitions must be accompanied by either an area plan or site plan. Area plans entitle the land to be used as proposed and must be replaced by an approved site plan to develop the land.
Summary
• The Near North project was originally submitted as a single combined application for rezoning to C2B (Business Service Commercial) and site plan approval. The first review revealed the requested zoning designation may not be the most appropriate fit for the site and that variances would be required.
• The applications for rezoning and site plan were separated, and the rezoning petition was revised to request R4E With Conditions designation.
• The Comprehensive Plan 2050, adopted in March 2026, recommends the future land use category Transition for the subject site. The current zoning districts that meet the criteria for Transition include the R4E district.
• The Near North Area Plan is consistent with the Near North Site Plan currently under review for approval by the Planning Commission, subject to a dimensional variance granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, following approval of the Near North Rezoning by City Council.
The City Planning Commission, at its meeting of May 5, 2026, recommended approval of the Near North rezoning and area plan.
Attachments: Near North Area Plan (05/28/2025)
May 5, 2026 Planning Staff Report
May 5, 2026 Planning Commission Minutes
Staff
Prepared By: Alexis DiLeo, Principal Planner
Reviewed By: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved By: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, Near North Development, LLC, has requested rezoning of a 52,000-square-foot site at 700 N Main St and submitted an accompanying area plan as required in order to develop a multi-family residential development at 700 N Main St;
Whereas, The Ann Arbor City Planning Commission, on May 5, 2026, recommended approval of the petition;
Whereas, on July 20, 2026, the City Council approved a rezoning of the development site to R4E with conditions;
Whereas, The development would comply with all applicable local, state, or federal laws, ordinances, standards and regulations;
Whereas, The development would limit the disturbance of natural features to the minimum necessary to allow a reasonable use of the land, applying criteria for reviewing a natural features statement of impact set forth in Chapter 55; and
Whereas, The proposed uses or other uses permitted under the associated rezoning are compatible with the City’s adopted plans and policies.
RESOLVED, That City Council approves the Near North Area Plan dated May 28, 2025.