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News from the Keweenaw Peninsula Posted April 14, 2002 © 2002 Keweenaw Now

Keweenaw County to hold public hearings on residential zoning issues

By Suzanne Miron

EAGLE RIVER -- Definitions of "tourist homes" and "roadside stands" in Resort Residential (RR) zoning districts will be the subject of a public hearing by the Keweenaw County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 30, at the Courthouse in Eagle River.

The Keweenaw County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) will hold a public hearing on residential zoning issues at 6 p.m. on April 30 at the Courthouse in Eagle River. Pictured here at their January 2002 meeting are ZBA members, from left, Clyde Wescoat, Chairman Jim Vivian, James "Reggie" Regis, Frank Kastelic, Zoning Administrator Jane Pelto and Pauline Johnson. (January 2002 photo by Michele Anderson)

Recent complaints from local residents regarding the leasing of residential homes to vacationing snowmobilers have raised some zoning issues for the county. 

Following discussion of "Home Occupation" businesses at their March 26 meeting, the Keweenaw County Zoning/Planning Commission requested an interpretation by the ZBA of the Keweenaw County Zoning Ordinance (RR Zoning) in order to clarify what constitutes a roadside stand for the sale of agricultural or other products and to define a tourist home, which requires a special use permit. Public hearings are required for special use permits.

While the ZBA may or may not make a decision following the public hearing portion of their meeting, written comments may be mailed to them. (See Editor's Note below.) 

The Zoning/Planning Commission will receive public comment, at 6:45 p.m. on April 30, on requests for "tourist home" special use permits from five home owners residing in Keweenaw County. Following the hearing and their regular 7 p.m. meeting, the Zoning/Planning Commission may make their recommendations to the Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners for review at the May 8 County Board meeting. (The Keweenaw County Board recently changed their monthly meetings to the second Wednesday of the month.)

The five home owners were issued violation notices and informed of the special use permit requirement. At the March 26 meeting of the Zoning/Planning Commission, one of the home owners, Mark Martin, a professional outdoors writer, appeared in person with his wife to apply for his permit and address the Commission. Martin resides downstate and has purchased lake front property in Eagle River, which he leases to tenants.

"The purpose of renting was to maintain our home in our absence, and we had hoped by doing so (to) generate revenue for the local economy," Martin explained.

He apologized for the nuisance his tenants may have caused and explained how he screened tenants very carefully.

Zoning Administrator Jane Pelto has asked township supervisors to send her lists of Home Occupation businesses which are in violation of the County Zoning Ordinance requirements. The Zoning/Planning Commission, at their March 26 meeting, discussed the ban on retail sales of any goods or services from the premises. The consensus of the Commissioners was to amend the Zoning Ordinance to make allowances for certain types of businesses to operate from a residence. They plan to have the amendment ready for the April 30 meeting.

Keweenaw Academy repairs needed

Regis commended YSI for the excellent job they do at the Academy and the economic contribution they provide for the county.

"We would like to be able to assist," Regis added.

Pratt Pony Bridge may receive restoration grants

The bridge has been closed by the County Road Commission. The MTU design group anticipates having a presentation ready by the end of spring. Mr. Vivian requests that if anyone possesses documentation or photographs of the bridge, these would be very helpful in making a proposal.

In other business the Zoning/Planning Commission:

• Received an additional outline of the Keweenaw County Land Use project from Lori Hauswirth, associate planner of the Western Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Region (WUPPDR). The commissioners said they would read the information and make recommendations at their April 30 meeting.
   

• Suggested that Richard Harrer of Hebard Park, or any other property owners in that area, contact Commissioner Robert Crampton if they have any questions on the proposed new property lines for that area.

The April 30 meeting of the Zoning Planning Commission will also be preceded, at 6:30 p.m., by a Public Hearing on a proposed amendment to the County Zoning Ordinance to rezone several parcels in the village of Ahmeek from a Business (B-1) District to a Resort Residential (RR) District. The purpose of this rezoning is to accommodate existing, well established residential uses and to encourage businesses to locate in areas most conducive to their activities, thus providing a buffer between business and residential zones.

Visit the Keweenaw Liberty Library for the official Public Hearing Notices of all three April 30 hearings mentioned in this article.
 

Editor's Note: Public comments for the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on definitions of tourist homes and roadside stands may be sent to: Keweenaw County Zoning Board of Appeals, HC-1, Box 607, County Courthouse, Eagle River, MI 49950.

Read more about the author of this article, Suzanne Miron.

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