On July 23, Ann Arbor officials met for the fourth public hearing in a series of five scheduled. The ongoing topic? Strategic rezoning of the periphery of the downtown area. The intent is to migrate the city from suburban to more of an urban environment.. Targeted property will be retail, employment and multi-family zoning districts. Neither existing duplexes nor single family homes will be impacted.

Density would not change; however, there would be a reduction in the setback of townhomes and multi-family dwellings, and increased height would be allowed for townhomes. Less land usage and reduced impervious surface would benefit storm water management and be a plus for the environment.

Predominant revisions are proposed for commercial and employment zoning, which would require new construction to be built closer to the street. Parking and sidewalks would be moved to the rear and side, instead of in front of buildings.

All changes were proposed last year, and have been approved by the Ann Arbor Planning Commission.. City Planner Jeff Kahan stated that planners thought the rezoning would encourage on-site expansion. Two goals are to retain business and motivate owners of dated property to renovate.

Earlier approved rezoning and expenditures were bicycle parking – some on the street – for $25,000, along with $75,000 for the start of a business district along Main Street.

For more information about the rezoning in the city, please visit the Ann Arbor website. On the left-hand side of the screen you’ll find a list of links. Click on “Area, Height and Placement Project.”

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