What kind of business can I open in a GB zoned building in Orion Township?

General Business is the township's widest commercial district. By right (Section 14.01): most retail including grocery, furniture, hardware under 55,000 square feet, and convenience stores without gas; restaurants and bars without drive-throughs; personal services, banks, offices, and medical offices; health clubs, bowling alleys, and theaters; auto parts, auto dealerships, repair shops without gasoline sales, and enclosed car washes; pet grooming, veterinary clinics, trade schools, and places of worship.

Special use approval is needed for (Section 14.01): gas stations, drive-through restaurants, hotels, banquet and conference facilities, large-scale indoor recreation, overnight kennels, extended hour operations, emergency clinics, and any single tenant over 55,000 square feet (which also triggers the Section 27.16 large-scale retail standards).

Practical gates for any GB site:

• Site plan approval by the Planning Commission for new buildings, additions over 10 percent, and most site changes (Section 14.03.A; Section 30.01).
• Parking at 1 per 200 square feet for retail, 1 per 100 for restaurants (Section 14.03.C).
• Direct access to a public road with a 120 foot right-of-way (Section 14.03.G).
• 25 foot height cap, 30 percent coverage, 30/20/30 setbacks (Section 14.04).

A change of use in an existing building re-triggers the parking requirement for the new use (Section 27.04.A.1.a.iii), so verify the parking math before signing a lease.