Council asks staff to clarify 'development' in CCD standards, draft dimensional amendments

City Planner Ted Woodcock told the Norton Shores City Council that the current Conservation Cluster Development (CCD) zoning district and its standards for parcels exceeding five acres would benefit from clearer definitions and dimensional standards. Mr. Woodcock's suggestion was to "define the term 'development' as referenced in section 48-769 'Purpose.'"

He presented the current CCD map and noted that the original intent of the overlay district was to preserve rural lands — a point several council members raised while discussing whether the city's south end should remain rural. The discussion focused on whether the CCD's dimensional standards and the definition of "development" are appropriately calibrated for large parcels.

Council consensus was to have staff draft an ordinance amendment that would revise dimensional standards for CCD parcels larger than five acres and clarify the meaning of "development" in section 48-769. No formal vote or ordinance introduction occurred at the Feb. 24 session; staff will return with proposed language for the council to review.