Work Underway to Update Detroit's Zoning Code

The Legislative Policy Division of the Detroit Planning Commission has taken the first steps toward overhauling the city's zoning ordinance, by releasing a "Zone Analytic"—i.e., an overview of the upcoming process and key recommendations that will guide the process.

Aaron Mondry breaks the news about the new Zone Analytic, describing the document as a "starting point for discussion' prior to drafting the new ordinance."

As noted by Mondry, the Zone Analytic calls for a new zoning ordinance that achieves four major goals:

• Making zoning simpler for everyone
• Neighborhood revival
• Corridor growth
• Job creation

According to Mondry, Detroit's new zoning ordinance is expected to adopt form-based regulations, while discarding some of the use-based regulations that have dominated zoning in Detroit in the past. "Underused, obsolete, and unnecessary overlay codes will be removed or reviewed," according to Mondry.

"Now that the first set of recommendations has been released, the Planning Commission will continue to take feedback from residents and stakeholders, who can do so through Zone Detroit’s website or at public meetings held before public comments close on November 1."

The city is working with consultant Code Studio to complete the project. Disclosure: the author of this post has worked with Code Studio professionally in the past.