TheReview_Jan_Feb_2022 Flipping Book

development, preserving community character, and even creating new community character. The plan helps your planning and zoning team make coordinated and consistent decisions on a wide range of issues. Community master plans come in all shapes and sizes. At a minimum, the master plan is based on community input and includes: an analysis of existing conditions and trends, a clear statement of goals and objectives, a future land use plan, a zoning plan, and an implementation plan. Master plans should plan for the next 15 years but must be reviewed every five years as required by the MPEA. Zoning Ordinance The MZEA establishes the procedures for creating and adopting a community zoning ordinance. Zoning is the most used tool to implement a community’s master plan. While the master plan establishes a community’s policies for future development, zoning is the local law that ensures the land development policies are adhered to. A zoning ordinance and the zoning map divide the community into districts with clearly stated development standards such as permitted use, lot size, setbacks, and building height. The planning commission is responsible for drafting and/or reviewing a proposed zoning ordinance; this includes the creation of a new zoning ordinances and amendments to an existing zoning ordinance. The planning commission then holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation to the governing body. The governing body is responsible for reviewing and adopting the zoning ordinance.

MCKENNA McKenna’s team of dedicated planning, design and building professionals are in the business of making hometowns home. From neighborhood parks to storefronts and coffee shops, to farmers markets, to parking spots, we want your community to thrive. For more than 40 years, we have partnered with municipal leaders to develop and maintain communities for real life. Headquartered in Northville with offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, McKenna’s services include master planning, economic development, transportation, zoning, public engagement, urban design, form-based codes, bike systems, public spaces, department management, zoning administration, building plan review, code inspection, and code enforcement. www.mcka.com

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022

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THE REVIEW