Zoning Ordinance Update
Zoning Ordinance Update
The Saugatuck Township Zoning Ordinance is a living document, regularly updated and modified to reflect community needs and growth. This municipal law, adopted by the Township Board, defines permitted land uses and regulates development aspects such as building height, lot size, and allowable activities in designated areas.
In February 2020, Saugatuck Township launched a comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update as part of its Strategic Plan. This initiative aimed to align zoning regulations with the Township’s Master Plan, fostering community growth, preserving rural character, and encouraging economic development.
Update Process
The update process included extensive review, collaboration, and public engagement to ensure the ordinance reflects community priorities.
Phase 1: Preparation and Research
- February 2020: The Township Board tasked the Planning Commission with reviewing the Master Plan and recommending zoning updates.
- May 2020: The Planning Commission began the update process, ultimately deciding on a complete ordinance rewrite.
Key steps in this phase included:
- Reviewing existing ordinances, reports, and meeting minutes to identify issues and inconsistencies.
- Holding Advisory Committee meetings to prioritize key topics such as housing, rural character, and economic development.
- Conducting stakeholder discussions with local businesses, environmental groups, developers, and residents.
- The Zoning Ordinance Audit (October 2022) identified key issues and improvement opportunities, guiding the rewrite process.
Phase 2: Drafting the Ordinance
- The consultant prepared working draft chapters, released incrementally for Steering Committee review.
- Four Steering Committee meetings guided revisions to ensure alignment with community goals.
- A Formal Draft incorporated changes based on these reviews.
Phase 3: Review and Adoption
- Beginning in June 2023, the Planning Commission held several public meetings to carefully review the draft ordinance and ensure it met community needs.
- In February 2024, the Planning Commission recommended adoption of the final ordinance.
- In March 2024, the Township Board formally adopted the updated Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map.
Community Involvement
Public engagement was central to the update process. The Township sought resident input through:
- Stakeholder interviews
- Advisory committee meetings
- Community open house events
- Multiple Planning Commission meetings
- A community survey to gather broader insights
Key stakeholder groups included:
- Local businesses
- Real estate developers
- Environmental organizations
- General community interest groups from the tri-community area
The Result
The updated Zoning Ordinance strikes a balance between fostering responsible growth and preserving Saugatuck Township’s unique character. It introduces clear, user-friendly regulations that promote community well-being, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful development.
Supporting the adoption process were two key elements:
- Final Draft Presentation: Provided residents and officials with a comprehensive overview of key updates, ensuring transparency and understanding.
- Executive Summary of Changes: Highlighted improvements such as clearer language, improved graphics, and better alignment with community priorities.