Planning Commission Special Meeting Meeting

Detailed briefing

Harbor Springs Planning Commission Special Meeting — May 3, 2023 ATTENDEES: The commission recorded eight members present; George P. was absent. • The Planning Commission held a public hearing and approved a special land use request for guest quarters at 588 East Main Street. The request concerns a proposed two-story detached accessory building in the rear yard, with three garage bays on the first floor and living space upstairs. • The applicants said they intend to remove two older garages and replace them with the new structure. The stated purpose of the upstairs living area is additional guest space for a growing family and visiting relatives. • Staff said the Zoning Board of Appeals had previously approved a variance related to the building's size. Staff also said earlier application deficiencies involving a site-plan drawing and legal description had been addressed. • Two written correspondents, Charles Shaw and Ty Humpert, were reported as supporting the project. No additional public comments were offered during the hearing. • Commissioners discussed whether the proposed building was architecturally compatible with the existing 1892 house under the zoning ordinance's requirement for similar architectural details. Staff said the consultant review found the design compatible; most commissioners indicated they were comfortable that the proposal met the standard. The commission approved the request in a roll-call vote recorded as six yes votes, one no vote and one abstention. • In member comments, the commission received an update that City Council passed revised short-term-rental regulations. Commissioners said licenses are issued to an individual rather than the property. As described, a license can continue through the calendar year after the license holder's death, but it cannot be transferred; a sale ends the license, and a new owner would need to apply or join the waitlist if no license is available. Staff said two people had filed waitlist applications and several more forms had been distributed. Worth watching: • Whether the approved accessory-building plans proceed in compliance with zoning and the special land use approval. • How the new short-term-rental licensing system operates through a full season, including waitlist activity and potential future review. • The Zoning Review Subcommittee's work plan and any proposals on zoning-district changes. Upcoming: The next regular Planning Commission meeting is May 18; no applications had been received at the time of this meeting. The Zoning Review Subcommittee was scheduled to meet May 4. Why it matters: The approval allows additional guest accommodations at 588 East Main Street while the city begins implementing new rules for short-term rentals and reviewing broader zoning policy.

Agenda items

• 5A · Public Hearing - Special Land Use, Guest Quarters - 588 E Main St.discussed
• 5B · Discussion - Special Land Use, Guest Quarters - 588 E Main St.discussed

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

Related issues

• Zoning / Land Usediscussed