KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Municipal zoning may sound as dull as mud, but when your property rights are on the line, or someone wants to build a liquor store or a car wash next door, it can be a hot topic. Changes in Kalamazoo’s commercial zoning code will go before the Kalamazoo City Commission tonight after a year of town meetings, public hearings and one-on-one conversations that resulted in four redrafts. City planner Christina Anderson says the goal is to make things easier for residents, business owners and for staff.
While maintaining comfortable distances between businesses and homes.
One change that was made early was maintaining a requirement that car washes get a special use permit for commercial zones. A request by a mega car wash to locate near Asylum Lake resulted in considerable public opposition. Some proposed changes to the natural features protection overlay were also dropped. Commissioners plan a final public hearing on the proposed revisions, a discussion on any additional changes and then a vote tonight.
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