COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Coldwater Planning Commission spent almost two hours Monday night going over recommendations from consultants from Giffels Webster of Detroit concerning site plan reviews as well as proposals to amend the city’s animal and sign ordinances.
The proposal to amend the city’s Site Plan Review and Special Land Use procedures is designed to streamline development within the City. Giffels Webster suggested that if a use is permitted by right in a zoning district and the site plan complies with all ordinance requirements, then the site plan can be reviewed and approved at the administration level by the Plan review committee. The Plan Review Committee or the Zoning administrator may defer the approval to the Planning Commission if certain conditions apply.
In addition, Giffels Webster said a proposal to amend the Animal Ordinance would enable a more orderly keeping of animals throughout the City. They say it would provide minimum standards to permit the keeping of farm animals and bees in a manner that prevents nuisances to nearby properties and prevents conditions that are unsanitary or unsafe.
The Sign Ordinance proposal would amend the City’s Sign Ordinance in order to increase signage allowance on commercial properties in the C-4 General Business District in the I-69 corridor. Giffels Webster reported Coldwater allows a 15 foot freestanding sign but Charlotte and Auburn, Indiana allow 20 feet while the city of Marshall allows a 30 foot pylon sign, but only in the district next to I-94.
No action was taken on Monday night. Complete draft ordinance amendments will be provided at a later meeting based on the input received from the Planning Commission.
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