BIRCH LAKE AREA NON-CONFORMING LOTS UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR POSSIBLE CHANGES TO SETBACKS
INVITATION TO AND THE MEETING DOCUMENTS FOR BIRCH LAKE AREA RESIDENTS
WITH NON-CONFORMING LOTS - ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
On Monday, December 9, 2024 - 11:30am
Elk Rapids Township Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan
INVITATION TO AND THE MEETING DOCUMENTS FOR BIRCH LAKE AREA RESIDENTS
WITH NON-CONFORMING LOTS - ELK RAPIDS TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
On Monday, December 9, 2024 - 11:30am
Elk Rapids Township Government Center, 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan
PLEASE JOIN US: The Elk Rapids Township Planning Commission will be holding a Planning Commission meeting on Monday, December 9th, at 11:30am to discuss some possible changes to the Township Zoning Ordinance with the 61 Township property owners in the Birch Lake Area who are the owners of legal lots, but because of the lot size those lots are deemed non-conforming and mostly do require variances from the ZBA for any building, rebuilding or improvement to those lots. The Township Planning Commission would like as many Birch Lake area residents as possible to review this material and if possible attend the meeting on 12/9/24 so awareness of any proposed changes can be reviewed by the property owners before any changes are made to the Ordinance that might affect these 61 properties.
Zoning Administrator Memo (October 8, 2024) Birch Lake Area Properties Map (61 lots)
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (October 15, 2024) Birch Lake Area Property Owners Info
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda (December 9, 2024) Meeting Legal Notice Dec 9th, 2024
Birch Lake Area Lot Owners - Mailing
Unfinished Business (Extract From PC Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2024)
A Request from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Planning Commission to review the Birch Lake non-conforming lots for possible changes to setbacks was addressed. Larry Nix has presented new variance standards that may ease the number of variances that are requested. In discussion with the Commission, proposed setbacks were presented of 30’ from roadside, 35’ from lakeside, and 8’ side setbacks. Fire Chief Williamson offered his professional opinion, citing national standards of 10-foot side setbacks per story. Chief Williamson would like the 10-foot side setback to remain. On a lot 50’x105’ adjacent to Birch Lake and applying the proposed setback standards, a building envelope would yield 1,100 sq ft. Emile Sabty will research other non-conforming lots to foresee any future issues to consider.
Pat Brady brought to the Commission his experience of building and suggests a mean high-water mark on Birch Lake being determined. At this time the commission will pursue an advisory position to include Birch Lake {area} Properties only. Public input is desired and residents will be notified and can attend in person or send correspondence.
At the next meeting, Larry will present various methods to implement these suggestions such as an overlay or as a new zoning district. He will also research comments regarding a median high -water level. December 9, at 11:30 a.m. will be the next meeting.
Public Comment: Pat Brady thinks leaving the setbacks is the best for his concern of Williams Drive. Carol Brady commented she appreciates the time spent by the Commission and reiterated she would like to see the Principals of Governance followed.
Member Comment: Chairperson Smith would like to leave everything as is and only research doing a median high water level mark. After discussion it was decided to explore the setbacks, notify the involved residents, and wait until the next meeting.
Zoning Administrator Memo (October 8, 2024) Birch Lake Area Properties Map (61 lots)
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes (October 15, 2024) Birch Lake Area Property Owners Info
Planning Commission Meeting Agenda (December 9, 2024) Meeting Legal Notice Dec 9th, 2024
Birch Lake Area Lot Owners - Mailing
Unfinished Business (Extract From PC Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2024)
A Request from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the Planning Commission to review the Birch Lake non-conforming lots for possible changes to setbacks was addressed. Larry Nix has presented new variance standards that may ease the number of variances that are requested. In discussion with the Commission, proposed setbacks were presented of 30’ from roadside, 35’ from lakeside, and 8’ side setbacks. Fire Chief Williamson offered his professional opinion, citing national standards of 10-foot side setbacks per story. Chief Williamson would like the 10-foot side setback to remain. On a lot 50’x105’ adjacent to Birch Lake and applying the proposed setback standards, a building envelope would yield 1,100 sq ft. Emile Sabty will research other non-conforming lots to foresee any future issues to consider.
Pat Brady brought to the Commission his experience of building and suggests a mean high-water mark on Birch Lake being determined. At this time the commission will pursue an advisory position to include Birch Lake {area} Properties only. Public input is desired and residents will be notified and can attend in person or send correspondence.
At the next meeting, Larry will present various methods to implement these suggestions such as an overlay or as a new zoning district. He will also research comments regarding a median high -water level. December 9, at 11:30 a.m. will be the next meeting.
Public Comment: Pat Brady thinks leaving the setbacks is the best for his concern of Williams Drive. Carol Brady commented she appreciates the time spent by the Commission and reiterated she would like to see the Principals of Governance followed.
Member Comment: Chairperson Smith would like to leave everything as is and only research doing a median high water level mark. After discussion it was decided to explore the setbacks, notify the involved residents, and wait until the next meeting.
