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Planning Commission to review alley driveway standards after ZBA ruling
Summary
After a ZBA ruling that a 12-foot driveway-width limit does not apply to alley access, the Suttons Bay Planning Commission directed staff to research ordinance and DPW coordination and to draft setback standards for driveways off alleys.
The Suttons Bay Planning Commission on May 20 directed staff to review village driveway rules after a Zoning Board of Appeals decision found that the 12-foot driveway-width maximum in Section 2-4.D.4.b does not apply to driveways that access properties from alleys.
Zoning Administrator Steve Patmore told the commission the ZBA ruling was issued following a January 14 appeal and recommended the Planning Commission examine Section 2-4 (Driveways) in its entirety, including permit requirements and coordination with the Department of Public Works. Patmore said the DPW also reviews driveways and “has the authority to develop curb-cut standards,” creating a need to align zoning language with DPW practice.
The commission asked staff to research how other villages handle alley driveways and whether standards should live inside the zoning ordinance or as separate DPW standards. Chairperson Hetler and commissioners expressed a consensus that there should be at least setback standards for driveways accessed from alleys; staff was directed to return with recommendations and draft language.
Public commenter Bill Crackel urged the commission to “beef up” alley driveway standards and cited an issue with the alley driveway at 422 St. Mary’s; he also asked what the village is doing about electric vehicle charging stations. The commission noted the Village Council recently approved zoning language for EV charging and is discussing a public charging site.
The commission’s review will include coordination with DPW and the fire department where relevant; staff member Sarah will research options and report back at a future meeting.
