Escanaba council schedules Aug. 7 second readings for several zoning and code changes

The Escanaba City Council on July 17 scheduled second readings and public hearings for multiple ordinance changes on Aug. 7, including revisions to corner-lot front-yard definitions, changes to lot-coverage limits for small lots, adoption of the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, and a codified sidewalk snow- and ice-removal standard.

Planning and zoning administrator Joseph Walker and staff described the measures. Ordinance 1310 would amend the definition of primary front lot lines for corner lots to correct an earlier change that had created many nonconforming yards and reduced buildable depth on ranch-style corner lots. Walker said staff produced diagrams and a map showing affected lots and called the change a remedy to an unintended consequence.

Ordinance 1311 would alter allowed lot coverage on smaller residential lots. Walker reported a data sample of lots 8,000 square feet and under: the median lot size in Escanaba is about 7,000 square feet (modal lot), 25% of the sampled small lots were already nonconforming under the current standard, and the average lot coverage in that sample was 33.6 percent while the current limit is 35 percent. Walker said the proposed change targets lots under 8,000 square feet to give homeowners more flexibility for porches, small additions and accessory structures without affecting setbacks.

Ordinance 1312 would adopt by reference the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). Public safety and code enforcement staff said Escanaba’s prior code (BOCA) has not been updated since 1994 and that adopting the IPMC will modernize property maintenance standards; examples discussed included updated minimum interior heat requirements and maximum grass height provisions.

Ordinance 1313 would amend section 24-19 to clarify sidewalk snow- and ice-removal windows: in the business district property owners would have 24 hours after snowfall ends to clear sidewalks and 48 hours elsewhere. The proposed language also allows compacted piles to be left along curbs in the business district to facilitate city removal; the council directed staff to clarify the definitions of business district boundaries and a “compacted pile” for the second reading. Staff also discussed enforcement discretion for ice storms and ADA concerns related to providing a walkable path.

Each item was moved, seconded and scheduled for a public hearing and second reading on Aug. 7 by roll-call vote.