Where can I open a restaurant in Sterling Heights?

It depends on the format. Full service restaurants are permitted by right in C-2, C-3, and C-4, and in C-3 that extends to banquet facilities and outdoor eating areas (Section 12.01.K; Section 13.01.E; Section 14.01.D). In C-1, a sit-down restaurant up to 5,000 square feet or a carry-out restaurant needs Planning Commission special approval, with ventilation requirements and no drive-through (Section 11.02.E, G).

Fast food is permitted by right in C-3 and C-4 subject to the Section 12.02.D conditions, and by special approval in C-2: the site must front a 120 foot thoroughfare, sit at least 500 feet from another freestanding fast food restaurant and 300 feet from residential property unless a major road separates them, and drive-through speakers are capped at 50 decibels (Section 12.02.D; Section 13.01.E).

Parking runs 1 space per 90 square feet for restaurants, 1 per 75 for fast food plus 10 stacking spaces per drive-through lane, and 1 per 45 square feet of assembly area for banquet halls (Section 23.02.E.20-23). An outdoor patio needs its own parking and possibly a nuisance mitigation plan (Section 28.19).