The City is proposing the largest change in Harbor Springs zoning, perhaps ever. It affects every one of the 1,600 property owners, and they each have a right to say no. Despite hundreds of property owners raising concerns, the Mayor and City Council have not told us why we should say yes.

At the end of the March 18th City Council, after 30 people stood and expressed their opposition vs. 4 in support, the Mayor asked, “Think about some ways that we can improve this. Come back in May with some feedback for us.” The Mayor wants your input before finalizing the zoning.

If the City is eager to do something, then release the existing zoning with new fonts, better pictures, and some consolidated residential districts as planned, but do not change property rights.

The standard practice in every other municipality is to mail every property owner a notice when there are major zoning changes. The city should not implement a single property rights change until every property owner is informed by mail and given ample opportunity to suggest better changes.

The first draft for consideration was released on March 8, 2024. How many of the 1,600 property owners even know this is in the works?

62% of property owners reside part-time, principally summer months. Despite the city’s 2+ year effort, zoning meetings were held from October through April. Little was said in the recordings of summer Planning Commission meetings. Many zoning discussions were in non-public subcommittees and with consultants. No one would expect such a massive change without a warning. The City Council has not told us why we should let them change our property rights.

The principal problems with new zoning are flag lots (removed) , ADU, Tiny Homes (removed), duplexes, removal of the agriculture district, and expansion of the Central Business District.

As many have stated, these changes do not belong in the new zoning code since they arbitrarily grant some property owners new valuable rights, like subdividing lots. Giving the City more tax revenue, while others lose property rights. Property owners are already preparing to sue the City for “Taking” rights.

The Mayor asked for feedback. If you are a voter, or a property owner, in the city or not, email your feedback to the City Manager (citymgr@cityofharborsprings.com). Instruct him to include your letter in the next City Council Agenda, allowing the public to see your comments. Ask the city to remove, ADU, Duplexes, Ag District, and Central Business District until all 1,600 property owners are notified by mail and have ample opportunity to register concerns. Attend the May 6th City Council by Zoom or in person. Hold open houses this summer when the 62% are in town. Ultimately, the City Council owes us an explanation for why it is good for Harbor Springs to change our property rights. Until then please approve nothing.