Planning commission approves Chipotle with pick‑up window at Hartland Towne Square

Hartland Township Planning Commission on April 23 approved a site plan for a Chipotle restaurant with a single pick‑up window at Hartland Towne Square, north of Highland Road (M‑59) and east of US‑23. The approval is subject to conditions including an administrative review of construction plans, a land use permit before construction, and compliance with engineering, Department of Public Works and Fire Code requirements.

Director Langer described the project as part of the Hartland Towne Center Planned Development, noting it does not require Township Board review. The proposed building is approximately 2,385 square feet, would include dining-in and a pick‑up window (orders placed online and picked up; not a drive‑through), and proposes 33 parking spaces, including two van‑accessible barrier-free spaces near the entrance. Frontage was reported as approximately 185.88 feet along Highland Road (M‑59) and about 148 feet on Hartland Square Drive; lot coverage in the PD is not defined.

Nik Bauer of Stonefield Engineering and Design, representing applicants Harvey Weiss and Steven Samona of Hartland Towne Square LLC, said the team will address outstanding engineering and fire-review comments and described the landscaping plan as meeting the intent of the ordinance. "We are excited to bring this project to the community," Bauer said.

Commissioners raised several site details during review. Commissioner Grissim suggested eliminating costly evergreens in front of the dumpster screen wall and asked that the transformer be screened with evergreens roughly six inches taller than the equipment (about five feet tall). Grissim also questioned the planned ADA signage location on the building wall. Commissioner Mayer pressed for a full‑depth brick product rather than a thin veneer and said rooftop HVAC screening appeared incomplete from the north; the applicant agreed to work with the architect to add screening.

Commissioner Eckman moved to approve Site Plan Application #26‑005 with conditions spelling out that outstanding Planning Department items be addressed on the construction plans (per the April 16, 2026 memorandum) subject to administrative review, that a land use permit be obtained before construction, and that the applicant comply with Township engineering, DPW, Fire Code and applicable government requirements. Commissioner Mayer seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Next steps: applicants must submit construction plans addressing the Planning Department memorandum for administrative approval and obtain required permits before beginning construction.