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October 2023 Update
A revised proposal was released in June and public comments were accepted through July 7. The proposed changes were presented to the Planning Commission at their August 3 meeting and an updated copy of the proposal was released on August 4. On September 7, the Planning Commission recommended approval of these updates to the City Commission.
A public hearing to review the proposed Zoning Code & Map update will be held by the City Commission on Monday, October 16 2023 at 7 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 241 W. South St. This meeting will also be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page and YouTube Channel. The meeting agenda will be posted with the final documents at https://kalamazoomi.portal.civicclerk.com
OVERVIEW:
The City of Kalamazoo is in the process of incrementally updating its Zoning Code, a process started after the approval of the 2025 Imagine Kalamazoo Master Plan and Strategic Vision. The goal of these updates is to ensure that the Zoning Code supports the community vision as outlined in the 2025 Master Plan.
Throughout this incremental code update, staff has reviewed existing zoning rules found in Appendix A of the Municipal Code. Upon review, the existing rules were changed or removed or had their language simplified. These revised sections along with completely new rules, were then transferred into the new location for the Zoning Code, Chapter 50 of the Municipal Code. As this Zoning Code update continues, Chapter 50 is growing larger, while Appendix is getting smaller and in the near future will be completely removed from the Municipal Code. All changes to the Zoning Code are reviewed by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. The Planning Commission recommends the changes, or not, to the City Commission for their review and approval, also through a public hearing.
In 2023, the City will tackle updates to the commercial zoning districts and related standards, such as signs, landscape and screening, and lighting and begin the process to do the same for residential zoning districts. Along with changes to the commercial zoning rules, staff will review the existing design guidelines (Downtown and Southtown Design Standards) to determine if these guidelines are still useful in supporting development in these areas and several sections of the municipal code related to signs, nuisance issues, and the keeping of animals. The recent code updates are all listed below.
An initial draft was shared in the spring and City staff started a lengthy engagement process to review the proposal with community members and hear feedback, questions, and concerns. Three public meetings were held, staff meet one-on-one with affected property owners, and staff discussed questions and concerns received directly via phone and email. Presentations were also made to the Planning Commission, Natural Features Protection Review Board, and City Commission.
Commercial Code & Related Standards (2023)
Currently, the City has eight existing commercial districts in Appendix A (link to https://ecode360.com/33036531). The existing eight commercial districts have the following challenges:
Several of the districts are not used or mapped in the Zoning Map, while Community Commercial (CC) District is overused or over-mapped.
Several commercial districts (such as commercial office, commercial neighborhood office, commercial neighborhood 1, and commercial neighborhood 2) allow a narrow set of uses and often with requirements, like maximum size (square feet), that are not realistic or necessary to achieve the goals of the district or align to existing character.
Residential uses are limited in commercial districts, creating barriers to infill and new development especially in neighborhoods where residential uses are regularly found along commercial corridors.
The standards in the existing eight districts are not regularly in alignment with the existing lot and block patterns in Kalamazoo or the Street Design Manual.
The City is proposing to remove these districts and create two new districts: Community Commercial 2 (CC2) and Commercial Node. Together with the three mixed-use districts and three Downtown districts that were created over the last few years, these will support commercial and mixed-use development throughout Kalamazoo. These updates are a result of the use of these standards over time and the need to align these to the new and updated commercial/mixed-use zoning districts to prevent conflicts.
These changes are intended to:
Update old or out-of-date standards, some which were created in 2005.
Align the Zoning Code with Imagine Kalamazoo & the 2025 Master Plan.
Support economic development & community investment through better written & streamlined rules.
DRAFT ZONING CODE (REVISED PROPOSAL, AUGUST 2023)
Articles 1 - 4 - General Requirements, Review Bodies and Processes, Zoning Districts & Map, Use Regulations
Article 5 - Zoning Standards
Article 6 - Zoning Standards: Overlay District Standards
Article 7 - Parking & Loading Regulations
Article 8 - Landscape & Screening Regulations
Article 9 - Signage
Article 10 - Lighting
DRAFT ZONING CODE (REVISED PROPOSAL, JUNE 2023)
Full Document (4.07 MB)
Articles 1 - 4 - General Requirements, Review Bodies and Processes, Zoning Districts & Map, Use Regulations (3.56 MB)
Article 5 - Zoning Standards (654 KB)
Article 6 - Zoning Standards: Overlay District Standards (635 KB)
Article 7 - Parking & Loading Regulations (515 KB)
Article 8 - Landscape & Screening Regulations (188 KB)
Article 9 - Signage (249 KB)
Article 10 - Lighting (72 KB)
DRAFT ZONING CODE (ORIGINAL PROPOSAL, SPRING 2023)
Full Document (4.07 MB)
Articles 1 - 4 - General Requirements, Review Bodies and Processes, Zoning Districts & Map, Use Regulations (3.56 MB)
Article 5 - Zoning Standards (654 KB)
Article 6 - Zoning Standards: Overlay District Standards (635 KB)
Article 7 - Parking & Loading Regulations (515 KB)
Article 8 - Landscape & Screening Regulations (188 KB)
Article 9 - Signage (249 KB)
Article 10 - Lighting (72 KB)
Zoning Districts Information
Click the links below to learn more about each Zoning District
DRAFT Zoning Map (June 2023)
Zoom using the map controls. You can find select a parcel by clicking on it. You will be able to see information on current and proposed zone types. You can also find a PDF map book by Neighborhood below the citywide map.
Rezoning Table by Neighborhood (Full Table)
Maps by Neighborhood (tables included):
DISCLAIMER:
This map and others are user generated public output from a mapping software and are for reference only. Data layers on this map(s) may or may not be accurate, current, or otherwise reliable. THIS MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.
Outreach Activitites
PRESENTATIONS
Mailings:
Ask Questions About Your Address: Schedule a conversation with City Staff (by phone or on Zoom) to discuss the proposed changes & your property. Schedule.
Want to Attend a Meeting, But Need Assistance? Call 311 to ask about accommodations.
Obtenga más información sobre las actualizaciones propuestas al
Código y Mapa de Zonificación
Este proyecto incluye cambios en los distritos de zonificación comercial y estándares de desarrollo comercial.
Estos cambios tienen por objeto:
Actualizar estándares antiguos o desactualizados, algunos creados en 2005.
Alinear el Código de Zonificación con Imagine Kalamazoo y el Plan Maestro 2025.
Apoyar el desarrollo económico y la inversión comunitaria a través de reglas mejor escritas y simplificadas.
Actividades de divulgación
Haga preguntas sobre su dirección: Programe una conversación con el personal de la Ciudad (por teléfono o en Zoom) para discutir los cambios propuestos y su propiedad.
Asista a una Reunión:
Acompáñanos para conocer los cambios propuestos y hacer preguntas sobre su propiedad.
miércoles, 19 de abril | 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Sala Van Deusen, Biblioteca Central (315 S. Rose Street)
jueves, 27 de abril | 7 pm - 8:30 pm Suite
Suite Hornet, Complejo Atlético del Colegio K (1600 W. Michigan Ave)
miércoles, 3 de mayo | 6 pm - 7:30 pm
Asociación de Vecinos de Edison (816 Washington Ave.)
¿Desea asistir a una reunión, pero necesita ayuda?
Llame al 311 (269-337-8000) para preguntar sobre acomodaciones
To further support commercial and mixed-use development, this process will also update the sign, landscape, lighting, and design standards, you can learn more about those updates below.
IN PROGRESS
Commercial Districts & Related Standards (Updated Commercial Districts and Standards, Signs, Landscaping, Lighting, Downtown & Southtown Design Review)
Residential Districts (coming late-2023)
COMPLETED UPDATES
GENERAL CODE UPDATES (Past work - 2022)
COMPLETE
Natural Features Protection (Phases 1 and 2)
General Code Edits:
Marihuana
General Code Updates
General Code Updates for CC Districts
Chapter 50 Proposed Text Edits
DOWNTOWN UPDATES (2020)
OVERVIEW:
Zoning updates for downtown Kalamazoo were approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday, November 2. These updates went into effect on November 12, 2020. The updated Zoning Code is available at https://ecode360.com/34020814
With the approval of the new Downtown Zoning Districts in Fall 2020, the Downtown Design Guidelines that focused on building form and location were no longer necessary. As a result, Downtown Design Review was edited to remove these sections to prevent conflicts and duplication. To streamline the review process for Downtown projects, projects that went through the Downtown Design Review Committee for review will now be reviewed by staff. The projects that always went through staff review will continue to go through staff review. This review will continue to take place during the Site Plan Review process.
Timeline of Engagement, Review, and Approval:
June 2021: Downtown Design Review Guidelines
Kick off for review and comment on Downtown Design Review Guidelines
October - November 2020: Public Hearings for Review & Approval
Planning Commission & City Commission
Zoning updates for downtown Kalamazoo were approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday, November 2. These updates went into effect on November 12, 2020. The updated Zoning Code is available at https://ecode360.com/34020814
September 2020: Review & Confirmation of Draft
Combine maps & standards into a draft for the community to review
Virtual Town Hall to discuss updates and answer questions
August - September 2020: Map review & Zoning standards discussion
Activity #2: Map review, input on uses & standards
Development Project Survey: Feedback on review & approvals process for Downtown Projects
June - July 2020: Zoning map discussion
Mapping Activity #1: Dividing Downtown into 3 districts
Development Project Survey: Feedback on review & approvals process for Downtown Projects
Natural Feature Protection Overlay District Phases 1 & 2 (2019 - 2022)
OVERVIEW of PHASE 1:
The Natural Features Protection Ordinance and Development Standards would put in place a guide for the development of land on or near areas identified as Natural Features in order to achieve the long-term protection of these areas. The IK 2025 Master Plan defines Natural Features as “an area with existing natural features, including creeks, floodplains, stands of large trees, and slope that should be protected through such methods as conservation easements or land acquisition”. The Master Plan also maps Natural Features as an overlay on the Future Land Development Map.
The action items in the 2025 Master Plan require that the City work with property owners, key stakeholders, and conservation-minded organizations to achieve the long-term protection of these areas for such ends as public enjoyment and environmental health. Development that occurs near these designations will need to complete a thorough analysis of the natural features and the proposed project in order to mitigate potential negative impacts. The specifics of this analysis require review checklists, data, and standards that do not currently exist in the Zoning Ordinances or Site Plan Review Process.
In 2018, a technical steering committee was formed to assist with recommendations, policy development, and further mapping of Natural Features, setting the groundwork for the NFP ordinance and standards. The technical steering committee will continue to meet into 2019 to guide and support City efforts on Natural Features Protection. Further outreach is necessary with the wider community prior to finalizing the policy. This outreach will follow the Public Participation Plan developed during Imagine Kalamazoo to ensure the community’s ability to review and provide input.
TIMELINE for PHASE 1:
Early 2018 – Technical Steering Committee formation & meeting
December 2018 – City Commission Adoption of six month Natural Features Protection Moratorium Resolution; Public Participation Plan
January 2019 – April 2019 – Technical Committee Meetings
February 2019 – Focus Group Meetings
City Staff will be holding four focus groups to present, discuss, and revise the draft ordinance with the community. The four focus group meetings are dedicated to different stakeholder groups in the community. The first focus group is for environmental and conservation organizations, the second and third focus groups are for Kalamazoo residents. (Residents can attend either of these two neighborhood meetings.) The fourth focus group is for the developer and construction community.
Environmental & Conservation Organizations
2/20/2019
4:30 PM (part of regular Environmental Concerns Committee meeting)
Community Room (2nd Floor City Hall), 241 West South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Neighborhoods Meeting, West Side
2/20/2019
7:00 PM (part of regular ODWNA monthly meeting)
Winchell Elementary Cafeteria, 2316 Winchell Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Neighborhoods Meeting, East Side
2/27/2019
6:00 PM
Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association Building, 1301 E. Main St., Kalamazoo MI 49048
Developer & Construction Community
2/28/2019
9:00 AM
Community Room (2nd Floor City Hall), 241 West South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
March 2019 – Community Wide Meeting
Thursday March 21
7pm
VanDeusen Room of the Kalamazoo Public Library Downtown Branch
April 2019 - Planning Commission
Tuesday April 9
7pm
City Commission Chambers (2nd Floor City Hall), 241 West South St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
On Tuesday April 9, 2019 the Planning Commission recommended to the City Commission approval of the proposed Natural Features Protection Zoning Overlay Ordinance and map.
May 2019 – City Commission
A first reading of the Natural Features Protection Overlay District will take place during the City Commission Meeting on Monday May 6 at 7pm in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 241 W South Street The agenda with links to staff reports and drafts is available at https://kalamazoo.novusagenda.com/Agendapublic/
A public hearing on the overlay is scheduled to take place during the City Commission Meeting on Monday, May 20 at 7pm in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall, 241 W South Street
The Natural Features Protection Overlay District was approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on May 20, 2019.
June 2019 – November 2019 – NFP Map Review
August 2019 & Beyond – NFP Property Stewardship
Updates to the Natural Features Protection Overlay district and related zoning code standards were unanimously approved by the City Commission on Monday, August 16, 2021. These updates will go into effect on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
OVERVIEW of PHASE 2:
Adopted in 2019, the Natural Features Protection Ordinance put in place standards for the development of land on or near areas identified with Natural Features in order to achieve better management and long-term protection of these areas. In Phase 2 of this project, city staff, NFP Review Board, and partners are evaluating the current overlay district and mapping existing natural features throughout the City. The goal is to align the overlay district with areas where natural features are known to exist using spatial data and GIS analysis.
The NFP Review Board is recommending an expansion of the Natural Features Protection Overlay District. The NFP overlay district is a special zoning district in the City where new development projects have special standards to consider as part of the City’s zoning and building review process.
The recommended expansion comes after a year of mapping natural features and seeking community input. The NFP Review Board is also recommending text changes to the zoning ordinance. These changes will help make the standards easier to interpret and apply.
TIMELINE for PHASE 2:
January – May 2020: Mapping Analysis: Building off of Phase 1 map, identify additional natural feature areas through GIS and spatial analysis.
June 2020: NFP Review Board of First Draft: NFP review board finalized the first draft of revisions to the NFP overlay district
August 2020 - September 2020: Mapping Activity: Community input on areas that might have been missed in the overlay district
September - November 2020: Review
Community review and feedback on the updated draft overlay map. Final drafts went to the NFP Review Board and Planning Commission.
On Tuesday, October 13 the Natural Features Protection Review Board voted unanimously to recommend the amendments to the Planning Commission.
On Thursday, November 5, the Planning Commission voted not to recommend the approval of the amendments. The Planning Commission requested further information, clarification and community engagement and for City staff to re-present the updates within 6 months.
January - February 2021: The NFP Review Board will re-examine the proposed map and review standards in the code
March - April 2021: Public engagement and NFP Review Board work session (with Planning Commission)
May 2021: Public comments accepted at the NFP Review Board meeting (May 25, 2021 at 4:00 PM)
June 2021: Staff presentation to the Planning Commission (June 3, 2021 at 7:00 PM), virtual information sessions on Wednesday, June 16 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, June 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and public comments accepted at the NFP Review Board meeting (June 22, 2021 at 4:00 PM).
On Tuesday, June 22 the NFP Review Board passed a motion to recommend the Planning Commission hold a public hearing on map and text amendments to Chapter 50, Article 6.2 Natural Features Protection Overlay District and recommend approval to the City Commission.
July 2021: Public hearing at the Planning Commission meeting (July 1, 2021 at 7:00 PM). The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of updates to the Natural Features Protection (NFP) Overlay District and related zoning code standards to the City Commission.
With the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the proposed updates will go to the City Commission for final approval.August 2021: This item was be placed on the August 2 City Commission Regular Business Meeting agenda where the commission set the date for the public hearing.
Updates to the Natural Features Protection Overlay district and related zoning code standards were unanimously approved by the City Commission on Monday, August 16, 2021. These updates will go into effect on Thursday, August 26, 2021.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
· NFP Frequently Asked Questions
· Comments to NFP Review Board Received May - June 22 at 12 p.m.
· Public Comments to Planning Commission Through 6.23.21
· Public Comments Received from July 23 at 7 p.m. to July 30 at 3 p.m.
Marihuana Code UPdates
On May 18, 2020, the Kalamazoo City Commission approved zoning, licensing, and social equity components to permit adult use marihuana in the city. Ordinances will take effect on May 28, 2020. Additional information, applications, and licensing requirements will be posted here shortly.
Chapter 50, Zoning of Marihuana Businesses
Chapter 20B, Marihuana Commercial Business Ordinance
Adult Use Marihuana Social Equity Policy (43 KB) Draft (pending City Commission Approval)
Information about the development of the ordinance is available below.
On October 7, 2019, the City Commission adopted Ordinance 2000 to delay the City’s opt-in of permitting commercial adult-use marihuana establishments in the City until June 1, 2020. Adoption of this ordinance permitted City staff to bring proposed zoning and licensing ordinances to the City Commission in conformance with the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, which was adopted by voter initiative in November 2018.
In January 2020 a public participation plan was developed along with a timeframe for the process of crafting an Adult Use Marihuana Ordinance and Social Equity Policy. Several public meetings were held throughout February, March, and April to obtain feedback from the public on the development of an Adult Use Marihuana ordinance and a social equity policy. Meeting topics included legislation, differences between medical / adult use facility types, and the social equity program at the State level.
Draft ordinances and policies are available below as well as potential land use maps, and other resources. A first reading of the proposed ordinances is expected at the May 4 City Commission meeting, as is scheduling a public hearing to occur on May 18. Following the public hearing, the City Commission will consider the proposal for approval.
Adult Use Marihuana Town Hall Q&A (136 KB)
Planning Commission Meeting Packet, April 15, 2020 (without maps) (646 KB)
Northside Zoning PHASE 1 & 2 Updates (2018 - 2021)
OVERVIEW of PHASE 1
To realize the vision of the Northside Neighborhood Plan and the City’s Master Plan, several zoning changes are proposed including areas along Westnedge Avenue, Ransom Street, North Street, Burdick Street, and Paterson Street. For exact locations, refer to the proposed zoning changes map and table organized by property address.
Residential Zoning Repair. To preserve the core residential character of the Northside, lots that currently have residential uses, and are zoned commercial (Community Commercial – CC and Commercial Neighborhood – CN1); or manufacturing (Manufacturing – M1) will be returned to existing residential zoning districts - Residential Multi-Family RM 15 and RM 36. The Commercial and Manufacturing districts currently limit or prohibit residential development and rehabilitation of existing homes; the proposed changes will remove these restrictions.
New Mixed Use Districts. Three new zoning districts are proposed to encourage a flexible mix of uses (Nodes, Live-Work 1, and Live-Work 2). They each support goals in the Northside Neighborhood Plan to increase access to resident owned businesses and jobs, expand residential options, and provide for flexible production uses like maker spaces. New lot types are introduced to allow outdoor markets, outdoor cafes, limited commercial agriculture, and pop-up shops are also included.
· Node Districts. These areas are intended to create walkable, mixed-use commercial corners in neighborhoods. Nodes allow a wide range of commercial uses on the ground floor with commercial and residential uses allowed on upper floors.
· Live-Work 1 District. Live-Work 1 allows for residential and businesses together and near each other. A wide mix of commercial and residential uses - including single family homes and duplexes are allowed that match what already exists in the neighborhood. Live-Work 1 has a focus on building form as it faces the street, while allowing a flexible uses within the building. Along many streets such as Westnedge and North Streets, the use of this district also serves to remove the barriers to the building of and rehabilitation of existing single family homes.
· Live-Work 2 District. Live-Work 2 also allows for residential and businesses together. The district allows a wide mix of uses, including residential, commercial, limited industrial, and maker spaces. The district serves as a transition from the higher density of Downtown and nearby Industrial. Live-Work 2 has similar requirements to Live-Work 1.
TIMELINE for PHASE 1:
August 29, 2018 4-6:30pm at NACD, 612 North Park Street - Informal open house where residents can stop in, learn more, review the proposed changes in greater detail, and ask questions of City staff about how the changes may impact your property.
September 6, 2018 - First public hearing to present the proposed rezoning changes
October 4, 2018 - Planning Commission recommended to the City Commission approval of several zoning updates in the Northside Neighborhood
November 19, 2018 - Kalamazoo City Commission adopted an ordinance to rezone properties in the Northside Neighborhood as a step to implement the Northside Neighborhood Plan.
Northside Rezoning Phase 2 Updates were approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on Tuesday, July 6 and will go into effect on Friday, July 16, 2021.
OVERVIEW of PHASE 2:
The City of Kalamazoo is working to update its Zoning Ordinance to align development regulations with the 2025 Master Plan, particularly with Neighborhood Plans. This project is focusing on a review of the Manufacturing Zoning (M1) located in the east end of the Northside Neighborhood, generally South of Paterson, West of Walbridge/Verburg Park, North of North, and East of Edwards (MAP).
The Northside Neighborhood Plan strategies include:
Increase the number of resident-owned businesses, especially those by African Americans & low-income residents.
Preserve Existing housing and build new housing to accommodate all residents’ needs.
The proposed review and update to the Zoning Map for this area is intended to remove barriers to infill and rehab development that supports this neighborhood vision. Specifically, the proposed update will:
Remove the limits on new housing found in the existing Manufacturing Zone.
Allow a mix of uses to support a wide range of businesses, housing opportunities, and walkable development.
Guide new buildings to fit with the size and scale of the neighborhood.
TIMELINE for PHASE 2:
JANUARY 2020 – SPRING 2021
January 28, 2020 - Community Meeting: Zoning & Streets Discussion at Mount Zion Baptist Church (flyer, presentation slides) **Note the area being reviewed has changed, the new boundary can be found here)
COVID PAUSE
March 2021 - Informational Outreach: Mailings & Fliers with project information distributed (flyer). Community input collected.
March - May 2021 – Review of input & additional discussions
April 12, 2021 - Presentation to Property owners (Meeting Recording, Presentation Slides)
April 15, 2021 - Presentation to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board (Meeting Recording, This item begins at approximately 21:00 into the meeting)
April 15, 2021 - Presentation to the Northside Cultural Business District Authority (Meeting Recording, This item begins at approximately 3:10 into the meeting)
May 18, 2021 - Northside Association for Community Development meeting. (Flyer).
June 2021 - Planning Commission Review & Seek Recommendation
June 3 - Planning Commission Meeting: On Thursday, June 3 the Planning Commission voted to recommend these proposed zoning updates to the City Commission. (Meeting Agenda, Meeting Recording, This item begins at approximately 26:30 into the meeting)
June/July 2021 - City Commission Review & Seek Approval
First Reading at City Commission - Monday, June 21
With the recommendation from the Planning Commission, the proposed updates will be presented to the City Commission for approval and adoption. This occurs over the course of two meetings, the updates will be presented for a first reading, before a public hearing and vote at a meeting to follow. The first reading for these updates was held at the City Commission’s regular business meeting on Monday, June 21 at 7 p.m.
Public Hearing at City Commission - Tuesday, July 6
Northside Rezoning Phase 2 Updates were approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on Tuesday, July 6 and will go into effect on Friday, July 16, 2021. (Meeting Agenda, Meeting Recording, This item begins at approximately 13:30 into the meeting)
Eastside Zoning Updates (2020 - 2021)
OVERVIEW
The City of Kalamazoo is working to update its Zoning Ordinance to align development regulations with the 2025 Master Plan, particularly with Neighborhood Plans. The Eastside Neighborhood Plan envisions an active East Main Corridor, with vibrant businesses, housing opportunities, and streets that support travel by all modes. The proposed update to the Zoning Map for this area is intended to remove barriers to infill and rehab development that supports the neighborhood vision.
This includes supporting a wide range of businesses, housing opportunities, and walkable development by replacing the out of date manufacturing and intense commercial zoning with districts that support the mix of uses that have historically existed along these streets and in buildings that fit the size and scale of the corridor. The Zoning Map update will also eliminate the situations where a parcel is zoned more with than one district.
The Zoning Map update also aligns with other programs and projects either underway or in the works, including the City and Eastside Business Committee façade program, Kalamazoo Land Bank planned redevelopments on East Main between Edwin Avenue and Phelps Avenue/Southworth Terrace, and street improvements on East Main scheduled for 2021.
TIMELINE
JANUARY 2020 - 2021
January 30, 2020 - Community Meeting: Zoning & Streets Discussion at KENA (flyer, presentation slides)
March 2020 - Business Community Meeting: Review & Confirm Map at KENA
November/December 2020 - Informational Outreach: Door hangers with project information distributed (door hanger). Community input collected.
January 2021 - Recommended for approval by the Planning Commission on January 7, 2021
February 2021 - Approved by the City Commission on February 15, 2021. The updates take effect February 25, 2021.
Downtown Zoning Past Input Opportunities
November 2 City Commission Meeting - Public Hearing
Zoning updates for downtown Kalamazoo were approved by the Kalamazoo City Commission on Monday, November 2. These updates went into effect on November 12, 2020. A recording of the November 2 City Commission meeting and agenda are available below. The Downtown zoning agenda item begins at approximately 30:32 into the meeting.
October 26 City Commission Meeting - First Reading
At the October 26 City Commission meeting, the proposed updates were offered for a first reading and a public hearing was scheduled for November 2. A recording of the October 26 City Commission meeting and agenda are available below. The Downtown zoning agenda item and presentation begin at approximately 49:35 into the meeting.
October 1 Planning Commission Meeting
On October 1 the Planning Commission recommended approval to the City Commission for the Text Amendments to Chapter 50 and Rezoning of Downtown and adjacent blocks with two amendments:
Adjusting Lot Types to permit no maximum height in Downtown 1 and Downtown 2 Districts (staff made this amendment during their presentation)
Adjusting Lot Types to require a 2-story minimum height in Downtown 3
A recording of the Planning Commission meeting and meeting agenda are available below.
Downtown Zoning Virtual Town Hall
A virtual town hall Meeting was held on Thursday, September 24th at 7 pm to present and discuss the proposed Zoning Code and Map updates including answering questions received by the public during the event. A recording of the town hall meeting is available below as well as a summary of questions and answers from the town hall.
Activity #2: Downtown Zoning Uses & Standards
The deadline to submit input for this activity has passed.
The first Downtown zoning activity focused on updating the zoning map by dividing the one, large Commercial – Central Business District (CCBD) into three small districts. The resulting map is available for review and feedback, as the first question of the second activity. The second input activity focuses on the use and standards of the three Downtown Districts and will take about 10-15 minutes to complete.
Development Project Survey
The deadline to submit input for this activity has passed.
Have you developed a building Downtown? If you have, please also consider taking this survey. It will only take about 10-20 minutes and focuses on the review and approval process you went through with your project(s).
Activity #1: Dividing Downtown Into 3 Districts
The deadline to submit input for this activity has passed.
The first Downtown zoning activity focused on updating the zoning map by dividing the one, large Commercial – Central Business District (CCBD) into three small districts. Thank you to everyone who shared their input on this activity. Below is the kick off presentation for the project and activity.