Planning Commission approves Genesis Credit Union site plan with fire-marshall condition

The City of Southfield Planning Commission on April 29 granted final approval to a site plan to demolish the vacant Arby's at 29515 Southfield Road and construct a new Genesis Credit Union branch, subject to conditions including fire-marshal clearance for the drive-through canopy and implementation of Police Department crime-prevention recommendations.

Project details: The plan calls for a single-story bank building with a three-lane drive-through (one lane serving an internal ATM), a canopy for drive-through lanes, landscape buffers to adjacent residential zones, a detention basin to improve stormwater performance and a reduction of impervious area compared with the former restaurant site. The project retains an existing six-foot screening wall at the rear, adds ornamental fencing and brick piers near pedestrian entrances, and includes a public-art fund contribution if the project cost exceeds $1 million.

Code and safety questions: During study-session follow-up, a planner noted National Fire Code guidance for canopy clearance (13.5 ft) and said the fire marshal reviewed a bypass/outer lane arrangement and indicated the proposed configuration could be acceptable if accessible. Staff made the canopy clearance a condition of approval: the planner and fire marshal must sign off before final permit issuance.

Outcome: Planning staff recommended approval of PSP26-00005 conditioned on development consistent with revised plans dated April 17, 2026, compliance with police crime-prevention recommendations, and continuous compliance with all applicable codes and permits. Commissioner Bernudi moved for approval, supported by Commissioner Martin; the commission voted to approve the site plan with the fire-marshall/planner condition.

Community context: Genesis Credit Union representatives presented their institution's nonprofit, member-owned structure and described outreach activities; commissioners praised the landscaping, reduced impervious surface and updated stormwater design as improvements over the previous development.

Next steps: With commission approval, the applicant proceeds with building-permit submittals and must obtain planner/fire-marshall sign-off on canopy clearance before final permits are issued.