Summary
The Suttons Bay Village Planning Commission met on October 9, 2024, with Chairperson Hetler presiding. The Commission welcomed new member Michael Campbell, approved the agenda and prior special meeting minutes unanimously, and discussed two proposed zoning text amendments. The Commission voted to schedule a public hearing for November 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. to consider these amendments.
Public Comments
No public comments or written communications were received.
Infrastructure Projects
Zoning Administrator Kopriva presented a proposed housekeeping text amendment to Article 9-13 (Wireless Communications) to bring the Village into compliance with State law, which provides that a special land use permit is not required to place collocation equipment on an existing wireless tower. Feringa moved and Smith seconded to schedule a public hearing on this amendment, along with the Article 5-3 Bayview District amendment, for November 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. The motion carried, Ayes: 5, No: 0.
Other Business
Kopriva noted that the Bayview District currently allows 1½ stories, but recent permits have allowed 1¾ stories without detrimental effect; the planner and zoning administrator recommended amending Article 5-3 to formally allow 1¾ stories. Feringa moved, Smith seconded, and the Commission carried (Ayes: 5, No: 0) to schedule the public hearing on this amendment jointly with the wireless communications amendment for November 13, 2024.
The Zoning Administration Report was presented as submitted. D. Smith reported that the Village Council appointed Michael Campbell to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission.
Under Good of the Order, Commissioner D. Smith requested a future discussion on height/story limits in the Single-Family Waterfront District and on encouraging accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and room rentals. Staff noted a scheduling conflict on the second Wednesday of the month for the zoning administrator, recording secretary, and a commission member, and proposed moving Planning Commission meetings to the third Wednesday while shifting the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting to the second Wednesday. Chair Hetler asked members to review their schedules, with the Clerk to provide a proposed 2025 meeting schedule next month.
Action Items
- Public hearing scheduled for November 13, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. on the Article 5-3 Bayview District amendment and the Article 9-13 Wireless Communications amendment.
- Clerk to provide a proposed 2025 meeting schedule at the next meeting.
- Future agenda to include discussion of height/stories in the Single-Family Waterfront District, Master Plan Review of Priorities, the 2025 Budget, and the 2025 meeting schedule.
- Commissioners asked to review their schedules regarding a possible change of the regular meeting date from the second to the third Wednesday of the month.