The Cadillac Historic Districts Commission has recommended halting the city’s ongoing zoning code rewrite until an update to the 2015 Master Plan is completed. The commission, citing Michigan law that zoning changes must be based on an updated foundational plan, expressed concerns that proposed zoning amendments—such as allowing multi-family units in single-family zones—could compromise the architectural integrity and stability of historic neighborhoods, particularly in areas like the R-three/RSF-50 district surrounding the Courthouse Hill Historic District. They urge the Planning Commission to first update the Master Plan to ensure future zoning changes align with preserving Cadillac’s historic character.

The city has been working on zoning amendments since 2022 with input from Progressive Companies and public engagement efforts including surveys and forums. While the 2015 Master Plan was reviewed in 2021 as a checkpoint, a full update has not yet been initiated. The Cadillac City Council has received the Historic Districts Commission’s resolution and may consider it in policy discussions, but the Planning Commission holds the authority to decide on formally updating the Master Plan and proceeding with zoning changes.