Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission's October 15, 2025 meeting agenda included unfinished business on Master Plan priorities and stormwater runoff, and new business covering an Electric Vehicle Charging Station ordinance amendment, ADU discussion, and zoning ordinance amendments. The attached September 17, 2025 minutes (approved with Ayes: 5, No: 0) detail the discussions that shaped the October agenda, including a proposed EVSE ordinance draft from Beckett & Raeder for Planning Commission review.
Public Comments
At the September 17 meeting, Jack Duff spoke on behalf of the Suttons Bay Congregational Church, requesting an amendment to ADU language to allow non-profits to have ADUs on their property for affordable housing. He noted the church has housed a family for over 20 years and wants to offer the home to another family while allowing the current renter to stay. Larry Mawby stated that Peninsula Housing is a non-profit and voiced support for changing the language to accommodate non-profits. Mawby also raised a separate matter regarding the former school property he purchased, currently classified as public lands, stating he intends to request a new zoning classification and file for a planned unit development; he asked to discuss this further at the October meeting.
Affordable Housing Initiatives
The Master Plan Action Items list numerous housing-related priorities, including updating PUD regulations to support workforce housing, mapping priority development areas for workforce/attainable housing, considering dormitory or boarding room housing for seasonal workforce housing, and assessing ADU provisions. The commission agreed ADUs would be added to the October agenda for discussion. Gail suggested a joint meeting with the Village Council to align on housing vision. Sara (Kopriva) will meet with staff to identify potential loopholes in proposed changes and will review zoning areas to allow workforce housing/ADUs. Patmore was tasked with notifying the church that ADU discussion would appear on the next agenda; Kopriva will coordinate a joint meeting with Rob.
Infrastructure Projects
Steve Feringa provided stormwater runoff information for commission members ahead of the next meeting. Richard Hylwa reported on gateway districts, and Planner Kopriva will review this information to determine necessary ordinance changes.
Other Business
Hetler proposed addressing parking standards for EV charging structures in new developments, as well as standards for new sidewalks and pathways. A draft EVSE zoning amendment (prepared by Sara Kopriva, dated 10.03.2025) proposes required charging stations based on parking lot size, equipment and design standards, and Planning Commission flexibility to waive requirements under certain conditions. The September Zoning Report showed 0 new permits issued that month, with 11 land use permits total year-to-date. One ZBA application (for 379 S Shore) was denied. A land division application was under review for a property transfer.
Action Items
- Sara Kopriva to meet with Rob to discuss PUD language.
- Sara Kopriva to meet with staff regarding potential loopholes in proposed ADU/zoning changes and to review zoning areas for workforce housing/ADUs.
- Planner Kopriva to review gateway district information from Richard Hylwa and determine necessary ordinance changes.
- Patmore to notify Suttons Bay Congregational Church that ADU discussion will be on the next agenda.
- Kopriva to coordinate scheduling a joint meeting with Village Council regarding housing vision, per Gail's suggestion.
- Larry Mawby to pursue new zoning classification and file for a planned unit development on the former school property; further discussion planned for October meeting.