Council Votes to Maintain Current Lot Size, 'Integrity of Clawson'

Clawson City Council voted Tuesday evening to adopt a Proposed Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 34 of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances, which will allow for the preservation of the land on which home lots sit within the city.

According to Mayor Penny Luebs, the Ordinance will "keep out future developers from putting one home on two lots" by maintaining specific requirements to ensure the development of those homes keeps within the city's goals and objectives.

Currently, 30% of homes in Clawson sit on 'large lots'. According to the Land Development Regulations Code, lots must be a certain length and width for one home and meet detailed criteria and recommendations.

City Attorney Jon Kingsepp notes that an amendment such as this ensures that the integrity of the city and its homes will be maintained well in the future, stating at the meeting, "That's the character of this community that is so unique."

The amendment issue was the subject of three previous public hearings.

"The change began when groups of residents expressed their desire to preserve the character of their neighborhoods and not put additional strain on sewers with more housing, thereby maintaining a safe and healthy neighborhood," said Mayor Luebs, who also notes that lack of open land in Clawson also played a factor in the decision.

Councilmen Thomas Palmer and Howie Airriess voted against the adoption.