Planning Commission Meeting - 2026-07-16

Summary

The Harbor Springs Planning Commission meeting on July 16, 2026, included roll call, approval of June minutes, public comments on unsafe vacant homes, introduction of a new consultant from Beckenreuther, and discussion of zoning and site plan issues. The commission reviewed a city attorney memo regarding a moratorium on buildings over 30 feet and 2 stories, concluding the moratorium does not apply to a specific site plan but that first-floor residential parking garages are not permitted under current zoning. The commission denied the site plan for 289 East Main Street due to parking, lighting, and drainage concerns. They discussed the site plan for 300 Lake Street Harbor Market, focusing on drainage and parking improvements, and agreed to approve it contingent on engineering review. The commission began zoning code discussions, focusing on building height limits in the Central Business District (CBD), massing, setbacks, parking regulations, and architectural review. They agreed on a general preference for 2-story buildings with height limits of 35 feet generally and 30 feet on corner lots, with further work needed on massing and parking definitions. They planned a special meeting on July 30 to review draft ordinance language and discussed the possibility of requesting a moratorium extension if needed. Other zoning topics were tabled for future meetings.

• Beckenreuther to draft zoning ordinance language reflecting agreed building height limits, massing controls, parking...Open

• Planning Commission to hold special meeting on July 30, 2026, to review draft zoning ordinance languageOpen

• Planning Commission to explore establishment of architectural review committee and standardsOpen

• Planning Commission to review and approve revised drainage plans for 300 Lake Street Harbor Market before final approvalOpen

• Planning Commission members to prepare specific proposed language for remaining zoning topics (stormwater, architectu...Open

• Planning Commission to consider requesting City Council to extend moratorium if zoning revisions are not finalized by...Open

• Planning Commission to ensure zoning code amendments avoid spot zoning and maintain consistency across districtsOpen

• Planning Commission to clarify definitions related to parking, including residential parking and private parking lotsOpen