Planning commission sets March public hearing on allowing attached single‑family dwellings in multifamily zones to meet RRC recertification

The Lapeer City Planning Commission on Feb. 12 voted to set a public hearing for March 12, 2026 on proposed zoning amendments that would permit attached single‑family dwellings (quadplex‑style units) by right in RM1 and RM2 multifamily residential districts. Planner Ben framed the change as a narrow compliance step for the Michigan Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) recertification process, which asks participating jurisdictions to allow one additional housing type by right in at least one zoning district.

The draft standards previewed to the commission include: a maximum of four dwelling units per attached‑structure, a minimum private outdoor space of 250 square feet per unit, minimum separation distances between principal buildings (25 feet) and a larger setback (35 feet) where primary facades face one another. Ben said the draft also ties attached single‑family dwellings to the city’s existing single‑family dimensional standards and height limits; staff plans to provide illustrative examples and photos for the March hearing.

The commission supported the approach and voted to set the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on March 12, 2026. The item will return with graphics and additional detail for public review.