Call to Order: 6:00 PM
Pledge of Allegiance: Done
Roll Call
Nancy Strohschein (Chair) – Absent with notice, Joe Bollech – Present
Bob Janda (Board Rep) – Present, Robert Lindert (Vice Chair & Secretary) – Absent with notice, Jay Loman (Board of Appeals Chair) – Present, Acting Chair
Donna Preston – Present, Acting Secretary
Introductions:
- Jason McCarthy, Consultant, Northwoods Planning and Zoning
- Buddy Sweeney, Zoning Administrator
Arvon Residents Present: - Sue Bollech
- Jason Emblad
- Jay Emblad
- Angie Emblad
- John Salsbury
- Kathy Salsbury
Approval of Agenda: Motion by Donna, Second by Bob. Approved
Agenda:
I. Public Comment on Agenda Items – Public comments will be taken after the
presentation by Jason McCarthy
II. Chairman Comments – Acting Chair Jay Loman had no comments
III. Presentation of revised Zoning Ordinance by Jason McCarthy, Northwoods Planning &
Zoning
A. Jason stated the tasks for the Zoning Ordinance update were to update the
zoning, preserve rural character, address new housing alternatives such as tiny homes,
geodesic domes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
B. There were no changes to maps, except for district names. Live hyperlinks were
added to provide additional information on line. Language was modernized.
C. Changes made to each article were discussed by Jason. The most important
changes were read to the public.
2 - Article 2: Definitions for ADU, blight, dark sky lighting, duplex, EMC, fence,
geodesic dome, greenbelt, High Risk Erosion Areas (HREA), mining, mineral
extraction, nuisance, recreational structure, Recreational Vehicle (RV),
shipping containers, Short Term Rental (STR), signs, tiny home, utility building - Article 3: Changed to 6 districts. Added STR and tiny homes to be allowed.
Included 40-foot setback for non-inhabitable structures such as sheds and
saunas. - Articles 4 through 9: No significant changes
- Article 10: Jason presented changes to Tables 1 & 2
- Article 12: Added fire safety zone of 10 feet. Defined parking spaces for
ADU, fence location on property line, outdoor lighting, noise. A new section
for signs was added. HREA updated to reflect the law. Temporary uses
better defined. Section 1217 addressed ADUs, cargo containers and shortterm rentals. The changes made to STRs were done to ensure safety to
everyone who lives or stays in the Township. - Article 13: No changes made
- Article 15: Clerical changes from Board of Appeals to Zoning Board of
Appeals (ZBA) - Articles 15 through 18: No substantial changes. Updated language and
terminology. Added hyperlinks.
IV. Public Comment:
A. John and Kathy Salsbury expressed concern about blight on their street. Jason
acknowledged their concern and stated that control of blight is not done in the Zoning
Ordinance, but must be enacted by the Township Board.
B. Jason Emblad stated the website needs to be clarified about setback
requirements for utility buildings. The setback from water’s edge is not clear in the
current Zoning Ordinance. His comments were acknowledged. The updated ZO is
clearer in this area, since the setback info has been included in the articles instead of
only in the definition.
C. Jason Emblad appreciated the section on signs.
D. Jason Emblad asked about the county road easement which states that no
building may be done within the 33-foot easement from the center of the road plus 30
feet from the property line, which means no building can be done within 63 feet of the
road center line. He asked how long this has been in place. Jay and Buddy answered
that this has been in place “for a while” and is not new with this Ordinance change or
the one adopted in 2022.
E. Jason Emblad asked if STRs are allowed near the fire hall. Jay stated that there
are STRs on the lake front, but not in the Business District.
F. Jason Emblad asked how the process for a variance is done. Jason covered the
steps that involve calling a meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).
G. The public hearing portion of the meeting concluded at 7:10 PM
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V. Planning Commission discussion
Motion to proceed to adopt the revised Zoning Ordinance as presented, with minor
typographical error corrections made by Jay, second by Bob. Roll call vote: - Jay Loman: yes
- Donna Preston: yes
- Bob Janda: Yes
- Joe Bollech: Yes
VI. Define Next Steps:
A. Inform board that the updated Zoning Ordinance will be presented for their
adoption at the October, 2024 meeting. The board needs to place a notice in the
paper to advertise that the revised ZO will be discussed and potentially adopted
at the October meeting.
B. Jason will submit to Western Upper Peninsula Planning & Development Region
office (WUPPDR) for review and comment. They have 30 days to comment.
C. Jason will complete the document, including table of content and appendices
and send to Nancy Strohschein for placement on the Arvon Township website.
D. No other Planning Commission meetings are necessary at this time.
VII. Adjourn: Motion to adjourn made by Jay, seconded by Donna. Motion approved.
VIII. Adjourned at 7:15 PM