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Eaton County planning panel approves 67‑site campground over neighbor noise concerns
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Summary
The planning commission approved a conditional use permit for a 67‑site campground at 9396 Sycamore Lane with conditions; neighbors had raised concerns about noise, fireworks and boat engines, and staff noted regulatory reviews including floodplain and wetlands permitting requirements.
Eaton County planning commissioners voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing a 67‑site commercial recreational campground at 9396 Sycamore Lane in Vermontville Township.
Staff summarized the application as a two‑parcel site of 50.09 acres with 67 campsites, three rustic cabins (two of which were placed without permits by a previous owner), manager and owner residences, an activity center, restrooms and storage buildings. The applicants told the commission they plan to operate seasonally from April 1 through Oct. 31, with two employees on site during operating hours and parking provided for 71 vehicles. The application states the applicants intend to reopen the campground in spring 2026.
Why it mattered: the campground request drew a written concern from a neighboring property owner about late‑night music, repeated fireworks and potential daytime boat noise. Staff read the neighbor’s email into the record; the neighbor asked whether noise would be limited and whether extended water or pond work was planned. Staff reported that the applicants are not proposing changes to the pond and that the campground has historic use dating back to the 1970s. Road commission review found no impact to Eaton County roads; Eaton Conservation District and the county drain office raised no concerns in their reviews. Staff also noted that portions of the site lie near regulated Thornapple River floodplain and that any filling, grading or work in the regulated floodplain or wetlands could trigger EGLE permits.
Applicants’ response: applicant Freeman Coblins told the commission the two cabins would be relocated to higher ground (approved Eagle sites), that permits will be obtained for those moves, and that quiet hours would begin at 10:00 p.m.: “So we won't have, any of those problems either. 10:00 is quiet hour.”
Commission action: a commissioner moved to support CU‑12‑25‑12 and the motion passed on a roll call vote with all present commissioners voting yes. After the vote staff instructed the applicants to provide drawings for the cabin relocations and to apply for building permits before construction.
What to watch next: staff and state reviews identified permitting steps (EGLE wetlands/stream permits or floodplain permits if any work occurs in regulated areas) and a requirement for the applicants to obtain appropriate campground licensing (Eagle). Staff said written approvals and permit drawings will be required before building permits are issued.
Votes and procedural note: the permit was approved by roll call vote with all commissioners present voting in favor. The staff report and the applicant’s answers to questions about noise and cabin relocation formed the record for the commission’s decision.
