Fraser · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fraser public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Home-Based Business License Fee
A new $100 two-year fee for people running small businesses from home — pet groomers, salons, consultants — passed 5-2. Critics called it unenforceable overreach; supporters called it a fair cost of inspections that protect neighbors.
Code enforcement fines and fee schedule updates
Board members pressed staff about adding escalating fines for repeat ordinance violations and a new inspection fee for home-based businesses. Repeat code violations currently burn staff time with no escalating penalty, and a fee for the new home-based business license requirement is headed to council in September.
Volunteer group community activities
Christmas in Fraser ran smoother this year with 14 Polar Plunge jumpers raising about $4,500 — the most ever. Remaining headaches: the one-door entry/exit crunch and plungers trekking to city hall to change clothes.
Backyard chickens in Fraser
Two residents asked the council to change the zoning ordinance to allow keeping chickens, pointing out that Warren, Roseville, Clinton Township, and Detroit already permit it. Council took no action but the request is on the record.
Residential buffer waiver for indoor recreation
The board waived the 100-foot setback between indoor commercial recreation and homes since the use is entirely indoors and an arcade already abuts the same homes.
Sheetz tree screening enhancement
Sheetz will plant extra arborvitae trees to stop headlights from shining into a resident's backyard at night. The commission supported the fix but is waiting on a legal review to confirm no formal amendment is needed.
Shipping Container Moratorium Extension
Shipping containers can't be used as structures in Fraser for at least one more year while the new zoning ordinance — which bans them permanently — is finished.
Council Rule on Phones During Meetings
Council debated whether members can use phones and email during meetings. The 4-3 vote rescinded the rule, so members can now use devices freely — supporters say it improves responsiveness; critics worry about transparency.
24-hour fast food returns to Groesbeck corridor
Midway Eats can now operate around the clock at the old Rally's location. Commissioners saw no problems — the corridor is commercial, a nearby gas station is already 24 hours, and the site plan and traffic patterns don't change.
ZBA membership reappointments
All three sitting ZBA members want to stay on, and no outside applications came in, so the board recommended reappointing Farina, Burley and Wahl for three-year terms. The City Council makes the final call.
SP 24-07 duplex project may lapse
A proposed 24-unit row duplex condominium project has a for-sale sign up, and the site plan approval appears set to expire. If it lapses, any new developer would have to restart the entire approval process.
Car wash moratorium status
Fraser put a moratorium on new car wash developments so legal and planning could study standards; it runs out November 13, 2026. Farina pressed for a timeline, and the new car wash standards appear in the Article 8 draft.