Planning commission recommends allowing ADUs in single‑family districts, removes family‑only occupancy limit

The Hartland Township Planning Commission on April 23 recommended approval of a zoning text amendment (Text Amendment #26‑001) to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in all single‑family zoning districts, with detached ADUs allowed only in Conservation Agriculture (CA) zones. The recommendation was unanimous and will be forwarded to the Livingston County Planning Commission for review and then to the Township Board for final action.

Director Langer said the draft amendment caps ADU size, allows ADUs as basement conversions, garage or attic conversions or additions, and limits detached ADUs to CA‑zoned parcels. He said the Township Attorney recommended restricting occupancy in ADUs to family members, but the Planning Commission voted to remove that limitation so ADUs are available to any occupant provided the property owner resides on the parcel in either the principal dwelling or the ADU.

Commissioner Grissim moved to recommend approval of Text Amendment #26‑001 as outlined in the staff memorandum and attached draft ordinance; Commissioner Murphy seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Director Langer said the recommendation will be sent to the Livingston County Planning Commission and then to the Township Board, with an anticipated late May or early June Board meeting for final consideration.

The amendment, if adopted by the Township Board, would change local zoning rules to explicitly permit ADUs in single‑family districts and would impose owner‑occupancy and size limits described in the draft. The Planning Commission did not set specific unit‑count or permit fee changes at this meeting; those details will depend on the draft ordinance and subsequent reviews.