[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6495070,"mediaKeyId","5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb","parentId",5586944,"title","Commission recommends rezoning Lakeshore Drive parcels to allow housing, marinas and small commercial uses","audioSeconds",701,"startMs",1991000,"endMs",2692000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb&start=1991&end=2692","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb/thumbnail_1991000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6495070/Muskegon-City/Muskegon-County/Michigan/Commission-recommends-rezoning-Lakeshore-Drive-parcels-to-allow-housing-marinas-and-small-commercial-uses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495070-0812802eeb24315cdb2018b1ee13ab9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948549&Signature=N3ROs~XpgfIe1x9XPWYynBVXb4XOQTQEOy7pnUfLxggMjT1cA2oJYa8xd1Ld8EAZiLObOXHG-I2ZPGGLs2Y5TsC1wi4sMggctehvhejU5sEofbxXdJnAL8og2LLcsMl-90dpVpg25WdaQKMiTiUoZpCtAlTltC4uuhTjB~mYYT9xxR-DFbzTMYHLrxkxfkDM9hSKZPbvFpZhJnvpIpZul6TOe6nBEzCG6gUGy9YjEEMhwdIo7T6-hRU8Fhld5UZFBi1zdmzWnoo7y5MsNN7Hoa7LwDxjsn6zCuq6mPyx0sO0qzXjx7YQwZ46a52eK7mKn7rlN-nuXWnYqL01Cy0EgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Muskegon, Michigan","date","2025-08-14T21:35:38.073Z","article","The Planning Commission on Aug. 14 voted to recommend rezoning multiple Lakeshore Drive and Edgewater Street parcels from Waterfront Marine to a Form-Based Code Lakeside Mixed Residential (FBC LMR) designation. The change would allow single-family homes, small multiplex housing (up to six units), small-scale commercial uses and marinas where parcels have Muskegon Lake frontage.

Staff said the current Waterfront Marine district does not allow houses despite many parcels currently being residential, which has produced cases where property owners required variances to rebuild. Staff and a June focus group of property owners concluded that Lakeside Mixed Residential better matches the area’s mix of small residences, marinas and occasional commercial operations and would provide clearer options for owners who want to keep residential uses or convert to marina-related uses.

One property owner and several speakers sought the ability to build an eight-unit building on a parcel; staff said the FBC LMR allows small multiplexes up to six units and that owners could pursue a variance or an ordinance amendment but that the present classification was chosen to balance density and preserve waterfront views. Other residents and nearby property owners said they supported bringing properties into conformance and urged the commission to approve the rezoning to remove barriers to repair and sale.

The commission moved and voted to recommend the rezoning to the City Commission. Staff said the change would give property owners more predictable options — including marinas where frontage exists — while limiting very large multiplex development in this lakeshore area.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","08/14/25 City Of Muskegon Planning Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Muskegon Planning Commission voted Aug. 14 to recommend rezoning a set of waterfront parcels from Waterfront Marine to Form-Based Code Lakeside Mixed Residential to allow houses, small multiplexes up to six units, small commercial uses and marinas with lake frontage.","taxTitle","Muskegon City, Muskegon County, Michigan","taxId",5738,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6495075,"Planning commission backs rezoning of Peck Street corridor to form-based code",991,998000,1989000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb&start=998&end=1989","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb/thumbnail_998000.jpg","/articles/6495075/Muskegon-City/Muskegon-County/Michigan/Planning-commission-backs-rezoning-of-Peck-Street-corridor-to-form-based-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495075-48ea575ab7af620c22d60dbaacfe5d9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948549&Signature=m1xfOjZRp8mkBQVGEm2bgmQEQPUZzSdgMlUnA9k4s4MohegoRRjfzahZyOQ0~IXa-3IfUn3UUlDG4tvxjoQxqq25luMTKYcz5zyUhiYqJemAFbsB9sE3VNyNhWAUFc4TZBDD5SGRKe-uHMxVsSzJ~R9ZPBLfGohYLFF~-Vy8NsGbeEDpOorwlhVBZQoMUY-ALHJ7r23z7YiD-KsR0IAOxaiWvqrez8-R6Nu-veaL4u6Z4LhEmUp0C1uRF9SLU0Wvq6eO2umG2FV7RvMKaZSvGRRjbQQC3HwCp4DUO4OdnpceKAWfUVcd1IestyO3cWCZbV3ZoMP5Q-huvdhQcBVUKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Muskegon Planning Commission on Aug. 14 recommended that the City Commission rezone a group of properties along Peck Street and nearby blocks from a mixture of RM-1 (low-density multi-family) and commercial districts to form-based code designations — primarily Neighborhood Edge with a small portion to Neighborhood Core.

Planning staff said many properties on Peck Street are legally nonconforming under their current RM-1 zoning because lots and buildings do not meet minimum lot size, width or setback requirements. Staff recommended form-based code Neighborhood Edge to align the zoning with existing building patterns and to allow the same general building types and densities already present, while the Neighborhood Core designation was proposed for parcels closer to Laketon Avenue where slightly greater height (up to five stories) is acceptable.

Property owners were notified and staff held a focus group in June; staff reported about 15 participants and said most property owners supported the change or sought more information. At the public hearing, owners and residents raised questions about what building types would be allowed and whether the code would permit commercial or light industrial uses. Staff said retail uses remain allowed, and light manufacturing would require either a special-use permit or be permitted in a flex building, subject to Planning Commission review.

Residents also voiced concerns about parking and traffic on Peck Street, including narrow travel lanes and school-related traffic speeds. Commissioners noted form-based code does not include a separate parking minimum and that parking standards differ from traditional zoning; staff confirmed the form-based code carries no parking minimum, meaning adequate parking will be evaluated through site-specific review and the overall code framework.

Commissioners moved and voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning to the City Commission.

The motion covered a list of parcels including specific addresses on Peck Street, Ransom, Southern, Strong, Morrell and Iona and included both residential and commercially zoned lots that staff said would be better aligned with form-based code standards.","The Planning Commission recommended rezoning multiple Peck Street-area parcels from RM-1 and commercial districts to form-based code neighborhood edge or neighborhood core to bring nonconforming buildings into compliance and allow similar building types moving forward; commissioners noted parking and traffic concerns raised by residents.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6495082,"Muskegon planning panel approves Dockers PUD amendment with screening condition",801,255000,1056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb&start=255&end=1056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb/thumbnail_255000.jpg","/articles/6495082/Muskegon-City/Muskegon-County/Michigan/Muskegon-planning-panel-approves-Dockers-PUD-amendment-with-screening-condition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495082-e110f7294153d361cdb275ceb2b9da20/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948549&Signature=UqwdO44BD~Dq9RwP2FOK2IY2vYq2r5~-nV~l~yALgprn-u~qHlzTMUklxVsPEYfDyJkn57SyXePBTDWR40gXMwAL59E1hLJJdCtT6uq2N7fEMYYpmPX5rNmjuvWqt~fnOlh1Bl5j01FtqLh6pFzkXUME3z6JPMYDb6evAEo0-YnGG9M1sARQIPzYdQjN2ALyzR~j5HcSrnga0RQWv9hJafad~KwaLO7EKOY2mQB8hogGRmjIMZ6x6DTvftGDqs3Lew8qu-pLZTAr2yu1NjK3M6DuEPWi0Kc3P9E8vVcnEHJL542dnWNcqaMMNmiquld46sjCfe5j~lyoXP2BotmERg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Muskegon Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Harbour Town planned-unit development for the Dockers restaurant at 3505 Marina Viewpoint on Aug. 14, permitting exterior refrigeration, a larger outdoor tiki bar, a new trash compactor enclosure and a fenced outdoor smoking area.

The developer and applicant, Fred Scharmer, told the commission the project aims to “gain some more space on the interior” by relocating a cooler and freezer outside and to “make the place more efficient” by replacing overflowing dumpsters with a compactor. Scharmer said the owners reached out to neighbors before purchasing the property and that they were “completely fine with doing the wood fence, painting it to match the condos” to screen the compactor.

The commission heard mixed public comment. David O. Cawkins, a long-time Harbour Town resident, said Dockers previously generated noise that affected nearby housing and urged caution about changes that alter the area’s residential character. Other nearby residents, including Jim Goudy and Pat Reeves of Pigeon Key Marina, said they welcome the reopening under new ownership and hope for cooperative management of boat traffic and noise.

Planning staff told the commission the existing dumpster enclosure was a chain-link fence with screening, which is not allowed under city standards; staff recommended a more formal enclosure. Commissioner Mike (staff/commission context in transcript) proposed an amendment to condition approval on the new trash enclosure being a stockade (privacy) fence or masonry wall at least 5 feet tall. That amendment was added to the motion.

Commissioners voted by roll call in favor of the amended plan, with the motion to recommend approval to the City Commission passing on a unanimous vote.

The approval includes the following specific approvals and conditions: the outdoor tiki bar expansion to about 480 square feet and slight realignment within the existing property line; relocation of cooling/freezer equipment to the northeast corner of the property; replacement of the existing dumpster area with a larger compactor enclosure; a fenced outdoor smoking area for patrons; and a condition that the compactor screening be either a wood privacy fence or a masonry wall at least 5 feet tall.

The applicants said the restaurant will reopen under a new name, which Scharmer identified during the hearing as “Bodox.” The item will proceed to the City Commission for final action on the PUD amendment.","The City of Muskegon Planning Commission on Aug. 14 approved a planned-unit-development amendment for Dockers at 3505 Marina Viewpoint to add exterior coolers, a larger tiki bar, a compactor enclosure and a fenced smoking area, with a condition that the compactor screening be a minimum 5-foot wood privacy fence or masonry wall.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6495061,"Commission discusses reducing parking mandates as part of growth and zoning reforms",0,3601000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb&start=3601&end=3601","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb/thumbnail_3601000.jpg","/articles/6495061/Muskegon-City/Muskegon-County/Michigan/Commission-discusses-reducing-parking-mandates-as-part-of-growth-and-zoning-reforms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495061-90ac72476dfe542cf94ad69bc166067a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948549&Signature=Y1MdTrJ5c~pxu~FdyKQ7CERCRG~OhPKzn4tglrDor-~ZXnILziORYp-RTZtD6lImjBr6vNJwh9H-XRvJFtmdQXIeDMG-d32clEWZIJGD1YZh5sQwR0~QwwqfiQZOWtCPJFTuan02XXOar4EOqnytibIeQZ~sqTIJD9kHjHW5cGCUIIJ~2v-5eyquKjrr64Uq1lFi3SlW3~gwFuc-fOzJwc1pEr8L1~9~VWICeU-Fsw0m3q4jE0jQD~GiPzlNxPnQibkKbVvFOb6VTKDSM~cHLRjWnzgeluUB1j6TMVt-rcPwt0s~71eH6whq-Hlq2e0HfKcYtF0SN7-5eR9r7fi4Yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the City of Muskegon Planning Commission discussed parking-mandate reform on Aug. 14 after staff circulated an article showing some U.S. cities eliminating minimum parking requirements. Planning staff noted Muskegon has already reduced parking mandates downtown and that form-based code tools can encourage infill without excessive surface parking.

Staff said arbitrary parking calculations developed after World War II often produce excessive parking that restricts redevelopment, and cited examples — Dallas, Denver and a moratorium in Kansas City — where cities have substantially reduced or suspended parking mandates. The staff presentation highlighted Muskegon’s housing-ready designation and zoning reforms as local successes and encouraged the commission to consider broader parking policy changes outside the downtown core.

Commissioners and members exchanged differing views. Some argued removing or reducing parking requirements can spur redevelopment, lower the cost of building housing and support walkable districts. Others urged caution, saying Muskegon’s public-transportation and pedestrian infrastructure remain uneven and that businesses still rely on nearby free or convenient parking; several commissioners suggested citywide mapping of public parking and more data before sweeping changes.

Staff and commissioners agreed shared parking strategies, improved signage and mapping of public parking could provide flexibility while protecting businesses that rely on vehicle access. Commissioners recommended continued study and the use of data and pilot programs rather than immediate, citywide removal of parking standards.","Planning commissioners discussed an article and national trends to reduce or eliminate municipal parking minimums and considered Muskegon’s experience with form-based code and downtown infill; commissioners stressed the need to balance parking flexibility with local context and pedestrian access.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6495066,"Commission approves special-use permit for drive-through at 431 E. Laketon with traffic and striping conditions",797,3017000,3814000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb&start=3017&end=3814","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5586944-81936084fcd5a82329aeefd1e532c9eb/thumbnail_3017000.jpg","/articles/6495066/Muskegon-City/Muskegon-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-special-use-permit-for-drive-through-at-431-E-Laketon-with-traffic-and-striping-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6495066-b5396b4db1dd3bb253381a9a2d0ba4a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948549&Signature=NHhU6ErcHi4wzwum~xUX-plhYnBVWoIhhbfshQSnCbj5V4d9xH1gVH2UKKwtLTSbDR~kkClS4COt4cddt2RFtFfo7eSEOYZyN~7lvi9pHH211Q2Jip4BOAHIyn5QkhuHsTDDtBK02GeYNQjyYTV4UrfK-L6zlwNNvH8UpUhKi-iYCDc-LG4AfHMRfuJxv~htCdCvpK3RiuCM3rKy4L45SnFgHRz4vsBMPHW0n0L9U99DLl76A9h2k~m6FHl3YT9iRPQa~1UZT7J~MxDOnpiLDmxPKTXEMHZ3XCwBvO1P1CvkK6~OaJWgBqFfPXTNt~sVg~iIDuMzC9wZeGh0bgTQhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Muskegon Planning Commission on Aug. 14 voted to recommend approval of a special-use permit to operate a drive-through restaurant at 431 East Laketon Avenue, subject to several site conditions to manage traffic flow and parking.

Planning staff said the site meets the ordinance’s two siting requirements for drive-through restaurants: a required setback of at least 60 feet from any major thoroughfare and ingress/egress points at least 60 feet from an intersection. Staff identified operational items that should be addressed on site plans: reorienting parking stall striping to match the direction of traffic flow and adding a physical measure (a barrier or landscaped median) on the northwest corner of the building to prevent parked cars from colliding with drive-through vehicles.

Applicant Luis (first name only in transcript), who previously operated Kayla’s Tacos, described plans to bring the restaurant back and said he is familiar with the neighborhood. Commissioners expressed concern about stacking and the site geometry; staff said there is adequate stacking space and that alternate curb-cut approaches would push queuing into adjacent streets.

Commissioner motion language required painting traffic flow arrows, repainting parking to perpendicular stalls aligned with traffic flow and installing a barrier at the northwest corner of the building to prevent parking traffic from colliding with incoming drive-through vehicles. The motion passed by roll call.

Staff will monitor compliance with the conditions and the applicant will proceed to obtain required building permits and City Commission approval where applicable.","The Planning Commission approved a special-use permit for a drive-through restaurant at 431 East Laketon Avenue on Aug. 14, subject to painted traffic-flow arrows, corrected perpendicular parking striping and an installed barrier to keep parked vehicles from entering the drive-through lane.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission recommends rezoning Lakeshore Drive parcels to allow housing, marinas and small commercial uses

Planning commission backs rezoning of Peck Street corridor to form-based code

Muskegon planning panel approves Dockers PUD amendment with screening condition

Commission discusses reducing parking mandates as part of growth and zoning reforms

Commission approves special-use permit for drive-through at 431 E. Laketon with traffic and striping conditions