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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-7-25 PC Minutes LANSING PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting October 7, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. Neighborhood Empowerment Center 600 W Maple Street, Lansing, MI MINUTES – Approved 11/5/2025 1. OPENING SESSION Mr. Klont called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. a. Present: Katie Alexander, Tony Cox (arrived 6:37), Monte Jackson, Tim Klont, Shane Muchmore (arrived 6:36), Ted O’Dell, Spencer Lippert b. Absent: John Ruge (excused) c. Staff: Dan DuChene, Deputy City Attorney. Andy Fedewa, Planner. Ms. Alexander made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jackson, to grant an excused absence for Mr. Ruge. On a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – The agenda was approved by unanimous consent. 3. COMMUNICATIONS – Mitch Rice, 2nd Ward resident and member of Board of Zoning Appeals, submitted an email in support of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Section 1240.02 to provide a definition for “Liquor Store” and Subsection 1250.02.13 to provide for a limitation within the Zoning Code of proximity of liquor stores to each other. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS & ITEMS FOR ACTION A. Introduce amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Section 1240.02 to provide a definition for “Liquor Store” and Subsection 1250.02.13 to provide for a limitation within the Zoning Code of proximity of liquor stores to each other. Mr. Fedewa introduced two proposed ordinance changes. One would add a specific definition for Liquor Store, as a specially designated merchant and/or distributor that primarily sells packaged liquor, beer, spirits, and wine, and may include the sale of tobacco products. Sales of these products would have to be more than 50% of gross sales. The second ordinance would provide a distance buffer of 2,500 feet between liquor stores, as defined, to limit their concentration and possible negative effects on neighborhoods and public safety. Mr. Fedewa clarified a question from the September meeting that the measurement would be taken from the closest property line of the first business to the nearest property line of the second business. Mr. Fedewa explained that the Planning Commission was also able to recommend additional zoning changes, including: • Adding ‘Liquor Store’ to the allowable use tables or specify in which districts ‘Liquor Store’ should require a special land use permit; Andy Schor Mayor Planning Commission Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 2 ____________________________________________________________________________________ • Additional distance requirements from other land uses such as schools, child care centers, parks, places of worship, libraries, or places of assembly. Currently liquor stores are restricted 500 feet from a school or place of worship (Code of Ordinances §830.03); • Restrict drive-through or walk-up windows from buildings; or • Additional site development or architectural standards. Mr. Fedewa stated that similar regulations have been adopted by other communities in Michigan. Mr. O’Dell asked if there are existing stores that would be within the proposed 2,500 buffer from each other. Mr. Fedewa answered that the Planning and Zoning Office has not conducted a comprehensive survey but staff is aware of a few off-hand. These stores would be considered legally nonconforming and allowed to continue to exist per the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. O’Dell asked who proposed these ordinance amendments. Mr. Fedewa answered that the ordinances originated from the Council Committee on Public Safety. Mr. Jackson asked if a business had to sell both alcohol and tobacco products to be considered a liquor store. Mr. DuChene clarified that a store does not have to sell tobacco products, but tobacco products would be considered when determining the gross sales of those products stated in the definition, versus the sales of other products. Mr. Klont opened the public hearing. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Mr. Klont closed the public hearing. Mr. Muchmore made a motion, seconded by Mr. O’Dell to recommend approval of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, Section 1240.02 to provide a definition for “Liquor Store” and Subsection 1250.02.13 to provide for a limitation within the Zoning Code of proximity of liquor stores to each other. Mr. O’Dell asked if the proposed amendments would impact the various ‘social districts’ within the City. Mr. DuChene stated they do not anticipate any impacts as the various businesses in those social districts either sell other products like food or provide entertainment. Ms. Alexander asked if other Commission members supported exploring additional requirements for landscaping, buffering, and safety plans. Mr. DuChene stated that applicants to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for their licenses do have to include detailed safety plans. Mr. Fedewa stated that staff will obtain the requirement language from the Liquor Control Commission for Planning Commission’s review. On a voice vote the motion carried unanimously (7-0). 5. COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE – None 6. RECESS – Not taken. 7. BUSINESS Planning Commission Minutes October 7, 2025 Page 3 ____________________________________________________________________________________ A. Consent Items (1) Minutes for approval September 2, 2025 The minutes from the September 2, 2025, Planning Commission meeting were approved without objection. B. Old Business – None C. New Business (1) Election of Board of Zoning Appeals Representative Mr. O’Dell nominated Mr. Jackson for Planning Commission representative on the Board of Zoning Appeals. Hearing none further, the nominations were closed. On a voice vote, Mr. Jackson was unanimously elected representative. 8. REPORT FROM PLANNING & ZONING OFFICE – None 9. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRPERSON – None 10. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS – None 11. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED – None 12. ADJOURNMENT – The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m.