Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met on October 21, 2026, with Chairperson Hetler presiding. The Commission approved amended driveway and private street standards and voted to set a public hearing for November 18, 2026 to consider the changes. Commissioners also reviewed housing maps intended to identify sites for attainable housing and discussed future zoning language for duplexes and two-family conversions. Deb Smith announced her resignation from the Commission, marking her final meeting.
Public Comments
No public comments or written communications were received under the general public comment period or following the housing mapping discussion.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Staff member Sara presented housing maps analyzing parcels by criteria such as location in the shoreline district, floodplains, and proximity to TART trail access, BATA transit, and grocery stores. The next step identified was to apply a scoring system to these criteria to determine areas suitable for attainable housing. Commission members discussed allowing duplexes and conversions of single-family homes into two-family housing. Sara is to continue developing the housing maps and bring proposed zoning language back to the Commission within the next few months. No vote was taken on this item.
Infrastructure Projects
Village Council liaison Debbie reported that the Council is beginning its budget process and is considering increases to sewer and water fees, as well as marina slip fees. No decisions were made by the Planning Commission on these matters, as they fall under Council's budget deliberations.
Other Business
The Zoning Administrator submitted a written report; no ZBA report was given. Deb Smith announced this was her last meeting on the Commission, and fellow commissioners thanked her for her service. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2026, which will include the public hearing on driveway standards, discussion of 2027 meeting dates, and the 2027 budget.
Action Items
- Sara to finalize draft language for Section 2-4 (Access, Driveways, and Private Streets) and Article 10-2(E) (Parking) ahead of the November 18, 2026 public hearing.
- Sara to provide DPW with draft standards (sidewalk maintenance/repair, curb cut limits, driveway surface/width/entry/exit specifications) to be adopted administratively rather than duplicated in the zoning ordinance.
- Sara to continue refining housing maps and scoring criteria for attainable housing sites, and to draft zoning language addressing duplexes and two-family home conversions for presentation to the Commission in coming months.
- Commission to hold a public hearing on driveway standards at the November 18, 2026 meeting (5:00 p.m.).