At its meeting tonight, April 7, 2026, the Ypsilanti City Council will vote on resolutions to approve the second and final reading of three new ordinances for the city. Councilors meet at 7 p.m. in City Hall's council chambers at 1 S. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Members of the public can join in person or by Zoom. During a March 17 meeting Ypsilanti councilors approved the first reading for the new ordinances.
Arts and crafts zoning
The first of these ordinances, No. 2026-065, was titled Arts & Crafts. This would be a zoning text amendment to help the city support small-scale arts and cultural activities.
The March 17 meeting recap posted on the City of Ypsilanti's Facebook states, “Ordinance #1458 - ‘Arts & Crafts’ - Updating city Code of Ordinances to permit Arts and Crafts Studios in the Core Neighborhood-Mid Zoning District as a special land use, and to expand the definition of 'Arts and Crafts Studios' to better reflect artistic practices, including performing and literary art - Passed, First Reading.”
This ordinance has been proposed because the Planning Department determined that Dzanc House, a local arts nonprofit, was operating as an arts and crafts studio in a zoning district where that use is not permitted, said Councilor Amber Fellows. Fellows continued to explain that Dzanc House was issued a notice to stop use of the space, but the owner and many community members objected. The city gave Dzanc House an extension, and they submitted a zoning text amendment application.
Several community members supported Dzanc House and the proposed amendment during the public hearing.
The Council unanimously voted to pass the first reading.
Electronic message boards
The next proposed ordinance was Ordinance No. 2026-066, entitled Electronic Message Boards. This zoning text amendment would allow businesses in residential communities to use electronic message boards.
The March 17 recap stated, “Ordinance #1459 - 'Electronic Message Boards (EMBs) Revisited' - Amendments to Electronic Message Board Sign standards to clarify requirements, add brightness limits when adjacent to residential properties, and to allow for emergency messaging by governmental authorities - Passed, First Reading.”
Councilor Patrick McLean explained that this came to be because the Metropolitan Memorial Baptist Church applied to install an electronic message board in front of their building but were denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals because they were in a residential neighborhood. He continued to explain that the sign would be far below the maximum permitted brightness, would be turned off at night, and would turn black when malfunctioning.
During the public hearing, several community members spoke. Members of the church were in support of the ordinance, but those living in the neighborhood worried it would be disruptful.
The Council unanimously voted to pass the first reading.
Review for special land use permits
The final first reading was for Ordinance No. 2026-068, titled Levels of Review. This ordinance would change the requirements for new or small businesses to need a special land use permit.
The meeting notes state, “Ordinance #1460 - 'Levels of Review' - Revises Change in Use provisions within the Code of Ordinance’s Levels of Review Table to reduce regulatory barriers that disproportionally impact new and small businesses - Passed as Amended, First Reading.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Wilcoxen presented this ordinance. Finding an issue with the wording, the Council voted to amend the ordinance, and all members voted to pass the first reading.
April 7 meeting agenda
The full agenda for the April 7 meeting is available online.
In addition to the ordinance readings, councilors will discuss and vote on resolutions regarding a petition for a ballot initiative to limit increases to the Ypsilanti Police Department budget, the establishment of a Historic District Study Committee, a 25% budget transfer from the general fund to the budget stabilization, or rainy day, fund, quotes for detection systems and security upgrades in the Ypsilanti Freighthouse and City Hall, and waiving fees for a Stop the Gun Violence community outreach event.
