In Green Oak Charter Township (Livingston County), an “Assembly Hall” or “Banquet Facility” is a regulated use that typically falls under a Special Approval Use permit. This means the project is not “allowed by right” and must undergo a public hearing and Planning Commission review.
Based on the 2024–2025 zoning updates (specifically Ordinance 01-2025 regarding “Event Barns” and “Assembly Halls”), here is the breakdown of the requirements:
1. Permitted Zoning Districts
You can build or operate an assembly hall/conference center as a Special Approval Use in the following districts:
- GB (General Business)
- RE (Rural Estates)
- RF (Residential Farming)
- R3 and R2 (Single Family Residential)
2. Mandatory Site Standards
If you are looking at a property in Green Oak, it must meet these specific “Supplementary Regulations” (Sec. 38-203):
- Acreage: For event-style assembly halls, the site must be a minimum of 15 acres.
- Road Access: The property must have at least one property line abutting a public, paved road. All guest access must come directly from that paved road.
- Parking: The required parking is one (1) space per two (2) guests based on maximum occupancy. For your 10,000 sq. ft. facility (approx. 400-500 guests), you would need to pave for 200–250 parking spaces.
3. Operational Limits
Green Oak is protective of its “rural atmosphere,” so they impose strict operational windows:
- Outdoor Events: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Monday – Thursday).
- Indoor Events: Usually governed by the Township’s general noise ordinance, but expect a “hard stop” on music/alcohol by 11:00 PM or Midnight on weekends.
- Staffing: A representative of the owner must be on-site during all events to ensure compliance with noise and capacity rules.
4. Special Use Permit (SUP) Process
To get approved, you will need to submit:
- Site Plan: A professional engineering drawing showing the building, parking, drainage, and “Greenbelt” (landscaping buffers) to hide the facility from neighboring residents.
- Impact Statement: A document explaining how you will handle traffic, lighting (must be “Dark Sky” compliant/downward-facing), and noise.
- Public Hearing: Neighbors within 300 feet will be notified, and they can speak at a Planning Commission meeting regarding your proposal.
5. Contact Information
Before buying land in Green Oak, you should call the Planning and Zoning Department to schedule a “Pre-Application Meeting.”
- Phone: 810-231-1333
- Address: 10789 Silver Lake Road, Brighton, MI 48116
Would you like me to look up the “Greenbelt” landscaping requirements for Green Oak so you can estimate your screening costs?