Planning Commission Meeting - June 18, 2026

Summary

The Harbor Springs Planning Commission meeting on June 18, 2026, focused on a proposed building project at 289 Main Street, addressing design, zoning compliance, parking, drainage, and legal concerns including a moratorium on new developments. The commission discussed signage ordinance revisions, including regulations for formula businesses and digital signs, and reviewed visitor data reports for downtown and citywide areas. The meeting concluded with plans to gather commission members' zoning code revision suggestions, address bulk and height concerns during the moratorium, and consider a historic overlay for the central business district.

Agenda items

• Packet Reviewpending

• Obtain formal legal opinions from City Attorney Jim Raymer on whether residential parking on the first floor is a pro...Open

• Applicant to address outstanding issues on the 289 Main Street project including drainage plan revisions, west wall a...Open

• Planning Commission members to submit their zoning code revision suggestions related to bulk, height, and CBD charact...Open

• Staff to consolidate zoning revision suggestions and prepare draft ordinance amendments for review at the July Planni...Open

• Plan and conduct one or more open houses with the business community to discuss signage ordinance revisions and gathe...Open

• Staff to prepare a memo outlining the process and estimated costs for pursuing a historic overlay designation for the...Open

• Staff to clarify and define signage terms such as digital sign, information board, and display board in the signage o...Open

• Staff to consider adding explicit prohibitions on drones and robotic devices used as signs in the signage ordinanceOpen

• Continue to maintain existing signage regulations until new ordinance is adopted, ensuring no regulatory gapsOpen

• Explore updating drainage standards to require retention of stormwater based on more current storm models, potentiall...Open

• Plan for a public hearing on zoning code amendments in August following the July review meetingOpen

• Encourage Planning Commission to solicit and incorporate public input on zoning and signage issues as feasible within...Open

• Consider updating the master plan to include a community-derived definition of 'small town character' to guide future...Open

• Staff to draft zoning code revision language for July PC. Staff to contact SHPO for historic preservation consultant...Open