Village of Suttons Bay

The Planning Commission conducted an election of current officers. Discussions were held regarding potential zoning ordinance amendments, specifically focusing on driveway standards in alleys, and the progress of other housekeeping items. The draft 2025 Planning Commission report was reviewed with plans to incorporate 2026 priority recommendations. Additionally, the commission reviewed reports from the Zoning Administrator, ZBA, and Village Council, covering topics such as the Inland Seas expansion project requirements, EV charging station regulations, infrastructure projects like the fishing pier and culverts, and future considerations for attainable housing and street design.

The Village Council discussed staffing updates including the hiring of a part-time worker and a part-time vehicle maintenance employee, as well as progress on the boater service and public restroom project. The council approved a contract with 45th Parallel Marine, Inc. in the amount of $43,986.00 for the repair of the Coal Dock Pier following ice damage. Additionally, there was a brief discussion regarding speed limit signage on Elm Street.

The Zoning Board of Appeals held an election for officers and conducted two public hearings regarding zoning ordinance interpretations. The first hearing concerned driveway width requirements off an alley, resulting in the board agreeing with the Zoning Administrator's interpretation and requesting a planning commission review of ordinance language regarding rear access driveways. The second hearing addressed whether Dame Street should be classified as an alley for zoning purposes to resolve setback requirement issues, which the board approved based on the street's physical characteristics and historical usage.

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed a request from an applicant for dimensional variances concerning lot width requirements and depth-to-width ratios for a proposed property transfer between two parcels. Following a review of the findings of fact, the Board determined that the application met the required standards, including the uniqueness of the property conditions and the lack of adverse impact on the surrounding neighborhood, and subsequently voted to approve the requested dimensional variances.

The council meeting centered on the authorization of a grant application for the Coal Dock Park Shoreline Stabilization project. The discussion addressed the financial commitment required for the project, including both cash and in-kind contributions, and clarified that the stabilization work would not disturb any existing trees.