Notes about the misleading mailer

What is happening in this picture on the mailing? Is this 5 acres of parking for a massive set of duplexes in a residential neighborhood in Harbor Springs? Is it a used car lot or rental car facility? NONE OF THIS IS ALLOWED in Harbor Springs under the new or old code.

A mailer sent to residents in Harbor Springs asks the question: “Duplexes 35 feet tall and 8 feet from your property… is this what we want our neighborhoods to look like?”

We have a couple clarifying notes:

• Take a look at the pictures on the mailer. If this playground equipment is in the backyard, the house behind would need to be 30’ from the back property line (Same as it was before). On a silly side note, it would be against code for the front of the duplex to face your backyard. (Photoshop is fun!)

• We think they are trying to say if you have room for a playground in your side yard, the duplex next door can be 8’ from your fence line, which also was the minimum setback for homes in the 2005 ordinance. If we repeal the new ordinance, your neighbor can still build 8’ from your fence line.

• The new code sets the maximum height of homes in Harbor Springs at 35 feet, which coincidentally is the same as the old code.

• It is true the new code allows for building a duplex on most of the residential lots in Harbor Springs, but anything with three or more units is not allowed. Structures can only take up a maximum of 40% of the lot.

• The photos mailed to all of us are meant to scare rather than be accurate. The homes and parking lots pictured in this mailer would not be allowed under the city’s code update. Making duplexes possible is a way for a small city like Harbor Springs to potential make room for more residents.