Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Planning Commission met on September 5, 2024, with Chairman Lance Roman presiding. The Commission approved the August 2024 minutes, heard updates on zoning and marina matters, and continued work through its Master Plan and Zoning Ordinance review punch list. No formal votes were taken on ordinance items; most were discussed with no action.
Public Comments
A member of the audience raised concerns about a potential business use at a parcel near M22 and Bay Lane, citing parking issues. Chairman Roman clarified the property is currently zoned residential, and any rezoning request would require a site plan review and notification of all properties within 300 feet on Bay Lane. The same community member also asked about permit requirements for a fence, and later commented on his view that commercial zoning is overly restrictive. He also noted that farms are largely exempt from the Fence Ordinance, a point Commissioner Dotterweich confirmed.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator Tim Cypher reported that the key holing issue at the Marina has been resolved. He also noted parking problems near the Mill on M22, stating the Township could pass a resolution to restrict parking there.
Other Business
- Township Board Report: Commissioner Hawley reported the Township Board will analyze tennis court usage next summer to determine if additional pickleball courts are needed.
- Zoning Administrator's Report: Cypher noted a possible future rezoning request for a parcel at M22 and Bay Lane for business use, though no formal application has been submitted.
- Zoning Board of Appeals: Dotterweich reported nothing currently on the docket.
- Master Plan review: Cypher will contact Assessor Tim Cairns regarding a housing style analysis; Dotterweich requested data on the number of vacant parcels. Cypher will review the Master Plan chapter by chapter with the Commission.
- Ordinance punch list items discussed with no action taken: Fences (ZO v5.1 Item #2), key holing (led by absent member Bob Ihme), adjoining lot restrictive setbacks (preliminary review), Accessory Dwelling Units/FROGS, Solar & Wind, and shipping container use. Accessory buildings will be addressed at the October meeting.
Action Items
- Cypher to contact Assessor Tim Cairns about a housing style analysis for the Master Plan review.
- Cypher to determine the number of vacant parcels, per Dotterweich's request.
- Accessory buildings ordinance item to be revisited at the October meeting.
- Continued monitoring of the possible rezoning request for the M22/Bay Lane parcel, including required notifications to nearby property owners if a formal application is filed.