Government Regulation – A Delicate Balancing Act, by David Gordon
The Planning Commission recommended changes to township zoning ordinances at its June 7, 2017 meeting that will impact all landowners seeking “conditional uses”; anyone interested in setting up their own ”Little Free Library” kiosk, and lastly asked the planner to update the township-wide sign ordinance.
Conditional Use – A recommendation to exempt “conditional use permit” applicants from posting signs alerting neighbors to their requests was defeated on a 4-2 vote; a small victory for transparency in government.
Chair Larry Roman and Commissioner Sam Iaquinto voted to allow the exemption, saying that the regular requirements for a conditional use were sufficient.
Commissioners Cecelia Infante, Amy Steffens, John Zarzecki and Trustee Janet Chick argued that the township should do everything possible to alert residents to proposed changes in their neighborhoods. Steffens recommended that requests for “variances” should also be subject to signage, as is done in Indianapolis, IN, where she was a professional planner before moving here. It was unclear whether she would pursue that change in the near future.
Little Free Library - The Commission set standards for residents wishing to put “Free Little Library” kiosks in their front yards to loan/exchange books, tapes and DVDs, though there was considerable debate on the issue.
Planner Patrick Sloan’s recommendation that the kiosk “shall be constructed with similar materials and colors as the principal structure, if applicable”, and the requirement that a resident needs an approved permit, were stripped away.
However, the PC did recommend six special requirements not already included in the township’s “Accessory Uses & Buildings” ordinance, including dictates as to the size of the kiosk (24”x24”x16”); that it be mounted on a post; only one per home; away from public right-of-way, etc etc. (link to McKenna memo, noting that items “d” and “h” were stripped away)
Sign Regulations - The PC instructed Sloan to provide recommendations for bringing the township sign ordinance into compliance with the “Free Speech” doctrine as outlined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:27pm; was run efficiently by Chair Roman, and although he did not set a record for brevity, sometimes less is more.
Meeting Documents:
- Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Public Hearing Sign Posting Requirement
- Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Little Free Libraries as Accessory Structures
- Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments – Open and Unroofed Terraces, Patios, and Porches
- Proposed Update to Zoning Ordinance – Sign Regulations
- Proposed Zoning Map Amendment – Whitmore Lake/Horseshoe Lake Overlay District
- Proposed Land Division Ordinance Amendments – Application Fees
- 2017-06-07 Northfield Township Planning Commission meeting Agenda
- 2017-06-07 Northfield Township Planning Commission meeting Packet
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Video of the complete meeting is here: 6-7-2017 PC Meeting on VideoNorthfield
Larry Roman, Chair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Janet Chick, Vice Chair/Twp. Board Rep This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
John Zarzecki, Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Brad Cousino, Member This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Sam Iaquinto, Member/Parks & Rec. Rep. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Amy Steffens, Member/ZBA Rep. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cecilia Infante, Member This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
