Rochester Hills finalizes zoning amendments

Rochester Hills City Council on Monday, June 18, unanimously approved the final reading and adoption of several zoning ordinance amendments proposed by city staff.

The amendments address tightening language regarding conditional uses; criteria for discretionary decisions during site plan reviews; adding personal service establishments, such as barber shops, beauty parlors and other businesses, as permitted uses in office business districts; aligning requirements for outdoor play areas to match the state's requirements; provisions regarding roadside stands and markets; defining accessory structures; fence ordinances; and sign inspections.

Council also approved an amendment to zoning ordinances in flex-business districts to change hotels from permitted uses to conditional uses. The change follows feedback from the public regarding a proposed 89-room hotel near Meijer on Auburn Road, east of Rochester Road. That project was denied by planning commissioners in March following residents' concerns about traffic and safety.

Council approved the first reading of the ordinance amendments at its June 4 meeting. The changes will go into effect on June 25.