Zoning Ordinance Update Sub-Committee

In 2020 the City of Dexter began the process of updating  the City’s Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.  The process was led by a sub-committee of elected and appointed City officials with support from City planning staff and consultants. The Zoning Ordinance is the local law regulating the location and size of buildings, what “uses” (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial) can happen where, sign location and size, and the landscaping, parking and environmental protections needed with new building and redevelopment. The Subdivision Ordinance mandates the design and layout of streets, landscaping, and property lines for future residential, commercial, and industrial subdivisions. The proposed changes to the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances will implement land development goals established in the Master Plan, which was adopted in 2019.

The Sub-Committee completed its work in February 2022 and presented the Planning Commission with its recommended draft updates.  Over the next 6 months, the Planning Commission reviewed the drafts, making additional changes.  Key changes to the Zoning Ordinance includes the establishment of form-based zoning districts, creation of new definitions, updates to current zoning districts and creation of new zoning districts.  The update also establishes new regulations for landscaping, signs, and parking; updates permitted and special land uses; and revises the City’s zoning map to match the new ordinance text.  Updates to the Subdivision Ordinance will allow alternative options for the layout and design of new neighborhoods.  For example, a traditional neighborhood patterns, similar to the old village neighborhoods.  The update also proposes allowing alleys, sidewalks and bicycle lanes in all types of subdivisions.

The work of the Sub-Committee and the Planning Commission has resulted in final documents, which the Planning Commission will consider during a public hearing at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at St. Andrew's Fellowship Hall (7610 Ann Arbor Street).  The agenda and packet for the hearing will be posted on the Planning Commission webpage, the Wednesday before the meeting.

Copies of the proposed update to the Zoning Ordinance, Map and Subdivision Ordinance are available at the City Offices, 8123 Main Street, 2^nd Floor, Dexter, MI 48130; weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or under Additional Information and Resources, below on this webpage.  

City staff and planning consultant, CWA will be available to meet one-on-one with residents, property owners, and business owners to answer questions regarding changes to the Ordinances. These one-on-one sessions will take place at the city offices, located at 8123 Main St on:   

• Tuesday, August 23^rd from 8:30 – 10:30 am and 6 – 7 pm
• Wednesday, August 24^th from 6 – 7 pm
• Thursday, August 25^th from 8:30 – 10:30 am and 6 – 7 pm

Walk-ins are welcome or appointments may be scheduled by calling City offices at 734-426-8303, during normal business hours. Staff and the planning consultant will also be available one hour before the public hearing to answer any questions regarding proposed changes to the Ordinance.

Questions or Comments? Please contact: Michelle Aniol, Community Development Manager maniol@dextermi.gov,  (734) 580-2233 Grace Whitney, Associate Planner gwhitney@dextermi.gov, (734) 580-2235

Upcoming Meeting Topics: Use Districts and Form-Based Districts Click here to learn more

The Sub-Committee's meeting schedule, meeting topics, agendas, and packet documents are listed below.

Please check back for updates. The schedule and meeting topics are posted as planned, but are subject to change.