We’ve been charged with re-writing a new city zoning code. How can you get involved?
How did we get here?
In 2020, the City began an update to its Master Plan. The new plan was completed and adopted in 2022 after two years of meetings and public input.
Read more about the city’s Master Plan
After the new Master Plan was adopted, the City of Harbor Springs through its volunteer Planning Commission began a review of the city’s zoning code.
The existing zoning code was adopted in 1976 making it nearly 50 years old. Even with revisions in 2005, the code was overly confusing and did not reflect the priorities of the city’s new Master Plan.
After significant input from the community and concessions to concerned groups the Planning Commission forwarded its work to the City Council. The Council unanimously adopted the recommended zoning code. After a referendum petition drive, the new code was placed on the ballot and was repealed by a vote of 478 to 404 on November 5, 2024.
There are many ways for you to shape the new code!
Agreed Upon Work Plan for Zoning Code Re-Write 2024/2025
Special Planning Commission Meeting/Hearing
Thursday, December 5, 2024
5:30 pm at City Hall
(1.5 hour target)
Objectives:
Hold public hearing to discuss implementing old zoning code for some period or taking other action; make recommendation to City Council on the issue.
Review results of public zoning survey
_______________________________________________
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, December 19, 2024
5:30 pm at City Hall
Objective:
Identify zoning code aspects for review during re-write process; planning commission members, public, and city staff
_______________________________________________
Planning Commission Meeting
(New Commission Members are Seated)
Thursday, January 9, 2025
5:30 pm at City Hall
Objective:
Hold annual organizing meeting
Receive annual training
Welcome new members and elect chair/vice chair
Set planning commission meeting schedule for 2025
_______________________________________________
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, January 23, 2025
5:30 pm at City Hall
Objective:
Begin discussion of zoning code aspects for review
_______________________________________________
Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, February 6, 2025
5:30 pm at City Hall
Objective:
Continue discussion of zoning code aspects for review
_______________________________________________
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025
5:30 pm at City Hall
Objective:
Complete discussion of zoning code aspects for review in re-write process
Come away with planning commission consensus of proposed changes
Schedule public hearing for March 20, 3025 on proposed zoning code
Prepare proposed zoning ordinance document for review at March 6, 2025 planning commission meeting
_______________________________________________
Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 6, 2025
5:30 pm at City Hall
Objective:
Conduct final review of proposed zoning ordinance document in preparation for public hearing
_______________________________________________
Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 20, 2025
5:30 pm at City Hall
Objective:
Hold public hearing on proposed zoning ordinance
Vote if ready/refer to City Council