Title
Request for Adoption of a Moratorium on conversion of Residential Dwellings to Places of Worship
Body
Whereas, the City’s Zoning Ordinance allows Places of Worship to be located in one-family residential zoning districts as a principal permitted use; and
Whereas, the City Planning Commission has expressed concern about conversion of residential dwellings to Places of Worship, and whether that is compatible and harmonious with the character of, and residents’ reasonable expectations in, residential neighborhoods; and
Whereas, the Planning Commission has asked the City Council to adopt a temporary moratorium on the conversion of residential dwellings to Places of Worship to allow the Planning Commission to study and recommend to the City Council possible ordinance changes to regulate the conversion of residential dwellings to Places of Worship; and
Whereas, the City Council believes a temporary moratorium for this limited purpose is appropriate.
Therefore, the City Council of the City of Rochester Hills resolves that a temporary moratorium is hereby adopted and imposed, effective immediately, for a period of 180 days, unless sooner repealed by further resolution of the City Council.
It Is Further Resolved that during this moratorium, there shall be no consideration or action by the City or any City board, commission, official, employee or agent relating to any application, proposal or plan to convert or otherwise change the use of a residential dwelling to a Place of Worship within a one-family residential zoning district.
It Is Further Resolved that the City Council directs the Planning Commission to, during the moratorium, study, process and recommend to the City Council possible ordinance changes to regulate the conversion of residential dwellings to Places of Worship.
It Is Further Resolved that this moratorium shall not apply to a Place of Worship that received site plan approval prior to adoption of this moratorium.