780 Lafayette Ave, Springfield, MI 49037

Industrial/Research/Technology District

The intent of this district is to foster economic development by enabling a mix of traditional and innovative industrial uses while protecting the health, safety and welfare of residents by considering the potential external effects of those uses on nearby residential development. The principal permitted uses of the district primarily accommodate wholesale activities, warehouses, start-up or collaborative work spaces, light industrial uses with a retail or public-facing component, and industrial operations whose external, physical effects are restricted to the area of the district and in no manner affect in a detrimental way or create a nuisance to any of the surrounding districts. More intensive uses and uses with an outdoor component are permitted as special land uses; these uses may be permitted in appropriate locations but may not be appropriate in all areas of the district. The general goals of the IRT Industrial, Research and Technology district include, among others, the following specific purposes: Providing sufficient space, in appropriate locations, to meet the needs of the city’s expected future economy for all types of manufacturing and related uses.; Protecting abutting residential districts by separating them from manufacturing activities, and by prohibiting the use of such industrial areas for new residential development.; Protecting the most desirable use of land in accordance with a well-considered plan. To protect the character and established pattern of adjacent development and in each area to conserve the value of land and buildings and other structures, and to protect the city’s tax revenue.