The Planning Commission approved a special use permit (PC2025.08) allowing Consumers Energy to replace an older regulator building on East Alcott with a smaller, modern building, security fencing and a gravel surface inside the fenced area. Staff framed the project as a utility upgrade in an RS‑5 residential zone and recommended conditions to minimize visual and environmental impacts.

Consumers Energy representatives said the replacement would reduce the footprint, replace aging underground features with above‑grade valves that require security fencing, and add monitoring equipment. Project manager Anthony Stepke and colleagues said modernization increases reliability, reduces leakage risk and allows more secure access to valves. They proposed a six‑foot ornamental fence to protect above‑grade valves and offered to contribute a tree to the neighborhood tree canopy if planting on‑site conflicted with utility safety.

Commissioners focused on fence height and placement, vegetation over utility infrastructure, and whether the final fencing and landscaping should be decided during site plan review. Staff recommended conditions that the gravel surfacing be limited to the fenced area and not exceed RS‑5 impervious limits, that Consumers install one street‑front tree or contribute two trees to Edison neighborhood canopy, and that the final site plan be approved by the site plan review committee to resolve fence and clear‑vision details administratively.

The commission approved the motion by roll call. The decision allows Consumers Energy to advance to site plan review and construction permitting; Public Safety and site plan reviewers will confirm final fencing, access and any environmental protections before work begins.