The City Council held a ”special meeting’ on November 7^th, to discuss the zoning after the repeal of #439. The City Attorney unequivocally stated that, as a result of the election, the old zoning is in effect until new zoning is approved through the process required under the Michigan Zoning Enablement Act.

 Taking the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the City Council agreed to a 35-day moratorium on new zoning permits and set a public hearing for December 5th, 2024.

This December 5^th Public Hearing will provide the community with another chance to affirm its preference for keeping the old zoning in place during the development of building a new zoning code.

The agenda of the Public Hearing is posted in the November 13^th, 2024 newspaper: City Council adopted Administrative Ordinance 2024-2 which imposes a moratorium on the issuance of zoning permits for 35 days so the Planning Commission can hold a public hearing to consider the readoption of the zoning code in effect prior to Ordinance 439.

We’d like to congratulate Tom Graham on his win as the new Mayor of Harbor Springs and to Wendy Reeve as our newest City Council member,  winning a seat at the table with Jamie Melke,  an incumbent.

Speaking for the community that voted YES, the work with the Planning Commission on the new code scheduled in 2025 is what we asked for in May 2024.

The community can engage on our website, through newsletters and social media, provide context and common sense in the work sessions, and with the new slate of Planning Commissioners on board build a zoning code that is future forward, with emphasis on expanding the opportunities for full time residency, building the desired stronger downtown for full time residents, promote our expansive school system that is ready for new students and protect and preserve what we love about Harbor Springs.

We are asking the City Government to begin work on the 2025 Zoning Code  in January after the new Boards and Commissions are filled and ready to work.