Planning commission approves special land use allowing residence at 24 South Court Street

The Lapeer City Planning Commission unanimously approved a special land use request on May 14 to allow 24 South Court Street to be used as a single‑family rental dwelling.

Staff planner Wade told the commission the parcel is zoned B2 (general business) but sits within the mixed‑use overlay district, which allows certain residential uses by special land use approval. Wade said the house, built around 1900 and roughly 2,200 square feet, has the required two parking spaces and, according to records and the site inspection, does not present noise, odor or traffic issues that would be detrimental to surrounding properties. Based on those findings and the five review standards in section 7-9.04 of the zoning ordinance, staff recommended approval.

Owner Adon Shango addressed the commission, saying he and his brother had operated the building for a time and had previously removed a drop‑in center amid problems with drug activity. "We kicked them out and we really could not get the county to do anything about it," Shango said. He said he had not known a special permit was required and filed the application after receiving a zoning notice.

A commissioner moved to approve the special land use (parcel ID L2125-500-040-00) on the grounds it met the ordinance standards; the motion received support and carried with all members voting in favor.

What happens next: the approval allows the property to be used as proposed under the mixed‑use overlay; no exterior changes were proposed or required in the application. Any future site or building work will follow standard permitting and site‑plan review procedures.