Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Zoning Board of Appeals met on June 11, 2025, with Chairperson Popke presiding and all members present (Bahle, Hassevoort, Smith, Popke, Cheadle). The Board elected officers, approved prior meeting minutes, and held a public hearing on a variance request from Michael Sanocki for property at 379 S. Shore. After public comment and Board discussion regarding impervious surface concerns, the Board voted to table its decision pending calculation of impervious lot coverage.
Public Comments
During the public hearing on the Sanocki variance request, Tracy Halinski of 356 S. Shore Drive asked about parking impacts if a garage were added to the short-term rental; Mr. Sanocki responded that he would be forgoing the short-term rental use. Rick Andrews of 361 S. Shore expressed concern about impervious surface coverage, noting that concrete had reportedly been added without permits, and stated he felt conflicted given the property's unique design shared with others on S. Shore Drive. Mr. Sanocki stated he had been unaware permits were required for the concrete work. Chairperson Popke noted that letters of support for the applicant were received and included in the packet from Jean-Christophe Deniau (372 S. Shore), Alan & Angela Harris (387 S. Shore), and Janet Pero-Hermann (386 S. Shore).
Other Business
The Board approved the agenda as amended to add Election of Officers, and elected Donna Popke as Chair, Frank Smith as Vice Chair, and Gary Cheadle as Secretary (Ayes: 5, No: 0). The Board also approved the ZBA meeting minutes of June 21, 2023, as presented (Ayes: 5, No: 0).
Action Items
- Impervious lot coverage calculations must be determined for the Sanocki property before the Board reconsiders the variance request (379 S. Shore, Parcel ID# 043-828-036-00).
- The variance decision (8.33' front yard setback variance and 7' Lake Michigan setback variance) remains tabled pending this data, per motion by Hassevoort, seconded by Smith, carried 5-0.
- Applicant Michael Sanocki indicated willingness to remove impervious surface if needed to obtain the variance.