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Commissioners press for enforceable deed restrictions, safety review in Beaver Island rezoning
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Summary
The commission reviewed a proposal to rezone 11 lots on Beaver Island from commercial to single‑family residential to allow small starter homes, raised safety and enforceability questions about verbal deed‑restriction offers to prohibit short‑term rentals, and voted to send comments to Peaine Township.
The Planning Commission reviewed a request from Edward B. Wojan to rezone 11 lots (Lots 27–35 and Lots 37–38) in the Plat of Airport Homesites on Beaver Island from General Commercial (C‑2) to Single Family Residential (R‑2). The applicant proposes placing small pre‑built homes on the lots; a township official at the hearing indicated willingness to work with the applicant to establish a limited‑access road behind the lots rather than allowing direct driveway access for each lot.
Commission members raised safety concerns about the busy intersection of Donnel Mors Lane and Paid Een Ogs Road (noting there is no stop sign) and discussed whether establishing a limited‑access road would improve safety. Commissioner Marshal Bakker said the applicant’s verbal offer of deed restrictions to prohibit short‑term rentals would not be enforceable by the township and advised: "If it’s the Township’s intent for these new homes to not be used as short‑term rentals, then they need to start over with the approval process as a proposed conditional rezoning." Members also discussed whether FAA considerations around airport approach zones affect compatibility of new housing in the area.
The commission voted to send its comments to Peaine Township for consideration. Staff will forward the commission’s concerns about enforceability of deed restrictions, traffic and safety at the corner, and the need for clear documentation about airport approach compatibility.