LOWELL CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 10, 2003

PRESENT: Batchelor, Blough, Cornish, Sanford, Simmonds

ABSENT: None

STUDENT REP: Britney Batchelor

The regular meeting of the Lowell Charter Township Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Cornish at 7:00 p.m.

APPROVAL OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:

The minutes of the February 10, 2003 Regular Planning Commission Meeting were considered. Batchelor moved to approve. Seconded by Simmonds. All in favor and the minutes were approved as presented.

RUTH GRAHAM – PA 116:

Cornish moved to approve the request to place the Graham property at 12167 Cascade Road, Lowell, Michigan in the PA 116 Farmland Agreement. Seconded by Batchelor. All in favor and the motion carried.

STONERIDGE APARTMENTS – BANNER SIGN:

Mr. Steve Johnson was present to discuss the issue of a banner sign currently affixed to a structure at Stoneridge Apartments. This sign is approximately 3 feet by 10 feet in size. It is red/black/white.

This sign has been in place since November 2002. Mr. Johnson did not realize that he needed a sign permit, hence, he did not obtain a permit for this sign.

Township Enforcement Officer Denning was in touch with Mr. Johnson in late February 2003 related to this sign. It should be removed.

Mr. Johnson requested that he be allowed to keep this sign in place until September 2003.

The Planning Commission then discussed this matter at great length.

After much discussion, the Planning Commission concluded:

- This sign is a banner sign.

- A banner sign is not allowed (4.4.4.A.d).

- This banner sign must be removed.

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2003

Page 2

The Planning Commission determined what type of signage could be used by

Mr. Johnson. They determined the following:

- He must obtain a sign permit for any type of new sign.

- It appears that one point-of-sale sign (not to exceed 125 sq. ft.) would be allowed

(4.4.5.C.b)

The Planning Commission advised Mr. Johnson:

- Remove the banner sign.

- Apply for a permit for a point-of-sale sign.

MARK VAREKOIS – HEIBELDOO DRIVE:

The Planning Commission addressed the issue of two lots (2004 and 2006 Heibeldoo Dr.) that the owners would like to combine.

The Planning Commission determined:

- Both lots contain more than two acres each.

- Both lots have at least 165 feet of road frontage.

- Both lots are located in R-1.

- Does not require public sewer.

After further discussion, the Planning Commission did not see an objection to combining the two lots into one lot.

Simmonds moved that the Planning Commission has no objection to the two lots

(41-20-08-200-010 and 41-20-08-200-011) in R-1 zoning being combined into one lot for this existing two family dwelling. Seconded by Batchelor. All in favor and the motion carried.

RV ORDINANCE:

The Planning Commission discussed the amendments to the RV Ordinance.

Batchelor moved to approve the amended RV Ordinance draft dated February 21, 2003. Seconded by Blough. All in favor and the motion carried.

The Planning Commission will move forward to a Public Hearing on the amended ordinance on April 14, 2003.

JOICE SMITH – PROPERTY AT 10058 FULTON:

Joice Smith indicated that she had an opportunity to purchase a private residence located at 10058 Fulton. She is considering converting this structure into a real estate sales office

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2003

Page 3

She advises that this property is on the south side of M-21, near the flood plain of the Grand River. It is located between Lowell and Ada. She is looking to future development in the area.

After discussion, the Planning Commission determined the following:

- This area is zoned AG-2.

- This area is Master Planned for Rural Agriculture (RA).

The Planning Commission advised that rezoning this property to Commercial did not follow the Master Plan. A Special Use Permit did not seem to apply to this situation.

The Planning Commission advised Ms. Smith that changing this location for commercial use did not appear to be feasible at this time.

WIFNET:

The Planning Commission discussed this request. If does not appear that this situation would be excluded from the requirements of the Township Communication Tower Ordinance.

OTHER:

The Planning Commission meeting of March 24, 2003 will be declared a Special Meeting.

The Planning Commission may host a joint planning commission meeting on Thursday April 24, 2003 to discuss the stormwater ordinance.

CONCLUSION:

Sanford moved to adjourn. Seconded by Batchelor. All in favor and the regular meeting of the Lowell Charter Township Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by D. Simmonds - Secretary