Planning Commission 6.17.2021

Detailed briefing

Planning Commission — June 17, 2021 ATTENDEES: Seven commissioners were present; Beth Berhali and George Peet were absent. • The commission approved the June 3 meeting minutes after no corrections were raised. • Commissioners unanimously approved a special land use for guest quarters/accessory living quarters at 331 Church Street. The project includes a carriage-house structure. Staff said the proposed accessory building meets the required five-foot setback. • During the public hearing, staff summarized a neighbor's concerns about the proposed building's proximity and second-floor windows facing north. The applicant submitted a revised page removing the north-facing windows. Staff said the neighbor responded appreciatively after being told of the change. • The applicant acknowledged operating limits discussed by the commission: the main residence and accessory unit cannot be rented separately, and guest stays are limited to 21 days. The commission found the special-use standards had been met before voting approval. • The commission began a broader policy discussion after the Zoning Board of Appeals concluded that Irish Boat Shop's sail image was art rather than a sign. Members said the city has no clear approval mechanism for murals or similar building-mounted art. No new rule was adopted. • Staff and planning counsel were asked to research how other communities handle mural or art approvals, with attention to a simple process, size and location standards, possible district differences, and legal durability. Members also discussed whether large or freestanding artwork could affect downtown and waterfront character. • Members raised concerns about an outdoor merchandise display near State Street that includes a garbage can with stuffed animals. Staff said it complies with current display rules, which regulate placement, size, and sidewalk clearance but not the type of merchandise displayed. The issue may return for ordinance review. Worth watching: • Staff and planning counsel are to bring back information on mural/art approval procedures; the commission has not yet decided what rule or review body to use. • Staff will look into planning-training and membership options and report back at the July meeting. • The outdoor-display ordinance may need follow-up if business self-monitoring does not address concerns about display appearance. Upcoming: A housing public-input session was set for June 22 at 6 p.m., to be posted as a special Planning Commission meeting and recorded on YouTube; commissioners also discussed using July 15 for a master-plan review meeting. Why it matters: The commission approved a residential accessory-use project while opening policy work on how Harbor Springs will review murals, public-facing art, and outdoor displays.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.