Commission approves zoning change to allow marinas in lakeside mixed‑residential form‑based district

The Planning Commission voted July 10 to recommend an amendment to the zoning ordinance to permit marinas as a principal use in the lakeside mixed‑residential form‑based code district, provided the marina has Muskegon Lake frontage.

Planning staff explained the request followed several property inquiries and a focus group of waterfront property owners. Staff said the current Waterfront Marine zoning oddity excludes typical residential uses even though houses exist in the district; the proposed change would align lakeside mixed‑residential designation with the master plan’s lakeshore future land‑use vision and allow marinas and compatible residential and commercial uses.

Staff said the amendment would limit marinas to parcels with direct Muskegon Lake frontage to avoid inland boat storage being classified as a marina. The department also noted that slip counts and dredging/dock approvals are regulated by state agencies (EGLE) and other jurisdictions, not by the city.

A developer who said he is already planning limited slips discussed early site work and described interest in a small condominium product adjacent to the water. He said, “we’re putting the silk curtain in right now and the turbidity curtain goes in next week,” and described plans for a multi‑unit residential building with garage space.

Commissioners approved the staff‑initiated text amendment on a roll call vote. Commissioners also discussed future shoreline/carrying‑capacity work and expressed interest in reviewing wake‑limit and marina‑management questions as the lakefront develops; staff noted the master plan calls for a carrying capacity study for Muskegon Lake.

Votes at a glance: Amendment recommended to City Commission (motion passed).