Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met July 22, 2026, chaired by Hetler, with all seven members present (F. Smith, D. Smith, Pontius, Campbell, Hylwa, Feringa, Hetler). The agenda and June 17, 2026 minutes were approved unanimously (7-0). Key business centered on developing new driveway access standards and beginning a mapping project to identify potential housing sites. The commission also reviewed its 2026 Master Plan priorities. A September 16, 2026 meeting agenda continues both the driveway standards and housing mapping items as New Business.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
Village Planner Sara Schroeder reported that some "low hanging fruit" Master Plan items were complete, with others, such as low impact design, under review. Member Debbie (D. Smith) requested consideration of dormitory housing. Brief discussion covered PILOTs (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) and TIFs (Tax Increment Financing) as potential tools. The commission reviewed and set its 2026 priority list (attached to the minutes). Schroeder agreed to develop a housing map identifying vacant lots and current development to support workforce and attainable housing. A follow-up memo dated September 11, 2026 outlined GIS scoring criteria for rating potential housing sites (e.g., road access, downtown proximity, sewer/water availability, slope, wetlands, floodplain, and transit access), to be discussed at the September 16 meeting.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Under Village Council Updates, it was noted the Farmers Market will relocate to Ice Rink Park.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore and DPW's Dave Miller are conducting a study to divide driveway oversight between the Zoning Ordinance (setbacks, widths, location) and DPW construction/safety/drainage standards. Small projects may undergo zoning review while DPW reviews larger ones. Patmore's September 11, 2026 memo detailed proposed revisions to Section 2-4 (Access, Driveways, and Private Streets), including alley-access driveways and construction standards to be handled outside the zoning ordinance. The Village Council reported minor changes to the Marina Ordinance. The housing map criteria also reference public sanitary sewer and water extension data for site evaluation.
Other Business
The Zoning Administrator's report (Patmore) noted Inland Seas submitted an incomplete site plan July 3, 2026, later revised and now under review with the Fire Department and DPW. No ZBA report was given. "Good of the Order" included discussion of speeding on South Shore and St. Mary's streets. The next regular meeting was set for August 19, 2026 (later followed by the September 16, 2026 agenda referencing driveway standards and housing mapping).
Action Items
Steve Patmore and Dave Miller (DPW) to continue developing separate driveway/construction standards and report back to the commission. Sara Schroeder to continue work on the housing priority map and GIS scoring criteria for discussion September 16, 2026. Zoning staff to continue coordination with the Fire Department and DPW on the Inland Seas site plan.