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Finally got the zoning approval for that old warehouse on Grand River
Man, this week was a huge weight off my shoulders. I've been working on a project to turn an old, empty warehouse on Grand River (near the old train station) into a small business hub for almost eight months now. The big hold up was a zoning change from heavy industrial to mixed-use. I had my meeting with the city planning board on Tuesday, and after answering what felt like a hundred questions, they gave the green light. The whole process was so slow, and I had to get letters of support from three different neighborhood groups. What made it stand out was getting a call from the head of the board later that day, who said, 'We're rooting for projects like this.' It just felt like a real win for the area, not just for me. Has anyone else dealt with a zoning change for an industrial building recently and have tips for the next steps?
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wells.karen5d ago
That's amazing news about the warehouse! Hearing the board is actually rooting for you must feel great. For the next steps, @grantf73 is right about the forms, but don't forget about the building code side of things. The change from heavy industrial to mixed-use will mean a whole new set of rules for things like bathrooms, exits, and fire walls. My friend had to add a second staircase they didn't plan for, which was a big surprise cost. Getting a good inspector to walk through early can save so much headache later.
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sethhernandez7d ago
Congrats on the win, that's HUGE. My buddy tried to convert a mechanic's garage into a pottery studio and the noise ordinance fight was a total nightmare.
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grantf737d ago
Eight months for a zoning change sounds about right for city speed. At least they called you back, my last permit request got a sticky note that just said "see attached noise rules" and a frowning face. @sethhernandez, your buddy's pottery war is exactly why I brought earplugs to my hearing. The next step is probably a dozen more forms about parking spots and gutter angles. Good luck with the real fun.
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