Kentwood · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Kentwood public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
ZBA quorum crisis resolved
Sue West's resignation left the Zoning Board of Appeals without seven members, postponing cases and leaving applicants waiting. Two new appointees should restore a full board before its September 21 meeting.
Front-yard vegetable garden ordinance
The city ordered a resident to remove her front-yard vegetable garden or face fines up to $250/day under zoning ordinance chapter 19, section 19.05. The mayor agreed to hold off enforcement while staff consider a text amendment or variance path.
Self-storage boom prompts new zoning rules
Kentwood already has 9.1 square feet of self-storage per capita — well above the state average of 4.99 — so new facilities will now need special land use approval with spacing, landscaping and screening standards rather than a simple building permit.