Community invited to learn about proposed updates to the NFP ordinance, ask questions, and share feedback

The City of Kalamazoo will host virtual information sessions on Wednesday, June 16 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday, June 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. to discuss updates to the City’s Natural Features Protection (NFP) Overlay District and related zoning code standards. These updates would expand protected areas in the city and clarify the NFP requirements. Residents can join the meetings via the following Zoom links or dial in numbers:

Wednesday, June 16 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, June 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to ask questions and join the discussion during the meetings by raising their hand in Zoom or by pressing *9 to raise their hand if dialing in. Community members can also submit questions or comments by using Zoom's Q&A feature or by emailing hello@kalamazoocity.org.

The proposed overlay map and standards are available for review and comment online at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/nfp2. An updated draft map will also be available in the lobby of City Hall (241 W South Street) near the south entrance starting Monday, June 14. Residents can submit comments or ask questions about the proposed updates by contacting Jamie McCarthy Sustainable Development Coordinator and NFP staff liaison by phone at (269) 337-8789 or email at mccarthyja@kalamazoocity.org.

Public comments will also be accepted at upcoming NFP Review Board and Planning Commission meetings. The NFP Review Board will review the Phase 2 updates at their meeting on Tuesday, June 22. If approved by the NFP Review Board, the updates would go before the Planning Commission for a public hearing on Thursday, July 1. Meeting details including how to provide public comments at those meetings will be posted when available to www.kalamazoocity.org/notices

Proposed updates would add additional areas to the NFP Overlay District map and amendments to the ordinance text, which were originally approved in 2019. New and additional areas that are being considered for protection were identified through a mapping analysis and community input. Geographic Information Systems and spatial analysis were used to review slope areas, tree canopy coverage, wetlands, and waterways. Community input was collected through a mapping activity and comments on draft maps. The NFP Review Board and City staff also reviewed site plans and variance requests that came before the board over the past two years to determine if the implementation of the standards was fulfilling the intent of the ordinance. As a result, text amendments to the ordinance are also recommended to clarify the standards as well as improve their application and outcomes.

Full details on the NFP Phase 2 project are available at www.imaginekalamazoo.com/projects/nfp2