City Council & Planning Commission
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Who gets to decide the future of Harbor Springs—and how?
Dear Friends, So I asked around and spoke with several writers and asked If we strip away all the specifics we have written about Harbor Springs—zoning tables, ARC thresholds, parking ratios, PDs, consultants, memos, timelines—what have you hear is the one question underneath everything, it’s this:
February 5, 2026
Zoning Takes Effect January 26th: Here is What is Still Being Debated
Parking rules, building heights, and planned development head back to Planning Commission as the community asks: was the process enough?
January 24, 2026
After the Vote: Clarifying the Zoning Code and the Path Forward
What the January 5 City Council Decision Means for Harbor Springs’ Charm, Character, and Long-Term Stewardship
January 11, 2026
Planned Development to Preserve & Protect
There is no eraser once zoning is adopted
December 28, 2025
Aligned Planning, Lynee Wells Advice for Harbor Springs Zoning Code - The Proposed Zoning Code is Not ready for Preserve & Protection
Developers: Could vs Would
December 17, 2025
Rust to Judgement
- City Council meets on Monday, December 1st, Monday, December 8th, and Monday December 15th, at 7 p.m. Check here for the **agendas, or **when available: at City Website, Zoom Meeting, You Tube - The Board of Review at 9am and Parks and Rec meet on Tuesday, December 9 at 5:30 PM . The DDA and ZBA all meet on Wednesday, December 10th. The schedules and information are available here: Meeting Calendar. - The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting is Thursday, December 18th, at 5:30 pm, check here for the agenda when available: City Website, Zoom Meeting, You Tube - Remember, the Planning Commission only makes a recommendation on zoning to the City Council. Only the City Council can decide on zoning updates.
November 30, 2025
Harbor Springs Update: Leadership, Zoning, and What Happens Next
- The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting is tonight Thursday, November 20th. They will continue discussions on the proposed draft zoning code, in preparation for submission to the City Council and Capital Improvement projects. Agenda Zoom Meeting, You Tube - City Council meets Monday, December 1st and December 15th, at 7 p.m. Check here for the agenda when available: City Website, Zoom Meeting, You Tube - The Parks and Rec meet on Tuesday, December 9 at 5:30. The DDA and ZBA all meet on Wednesday, December 10th. The schedules and information are available here: Meeting Calendar. - Remember the Planning Commission only makes a recommendation on zoning to the City Council. It is only the City Council that can decide on zoning updates.
November 20, 2025
Ideas Over Promises: Building the Next Chapter for Harbor Springs
We don’t endorse candidates, but we do believe in thoughtful leadership. What’s your vision for the City Council’s priorities?
October 28, 2025
Election Matters - Please Vote!
- **City Council:** Monday, November 3, at 12 p.m. Earlier in the day due to the election on the next day. Check here for the agenda when available: City Website, Zoom Meeting, You Tube - **Planning Commission: **Public Hearing for zoning is Thursday, November 13th. They will continue discussions on the proposed draft zoning code, in preparation for future submission to the City Council. Zoom Meeting, You Tube - **Parks and Recreation:** Tuesday, November 11th. - **The DDA and ZBA:** meet on Wednesday, November 12th. - The schedules, agendas, and information can be found here: Meeting Calendar. - The City Council must vote with a simple majority (3 of 5) to make the zoning law. The Planning Commission recommends zoning updates to the City Council. A planning consultant writes the code based on the Planning Commission's direction. The new members of the City Council elected on November 4th will decide the final zoning.
October 23, 2025
Planning Commission Oct 16, 2025
The Planning Commission is voting to approve zoning on Oct 21, 2025 in a Special Meeting.
October 18, 2025
60 Open Zoning Issues to Ponder
The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting is at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, October 16. They will continue the discussion on finalizing the proposed draft zoning code, in preparation for their eventual submission of the proposed code changes to the City Council, most likely after the election. Check here for the agenda when available: Agenda Zoom Meeting YouTube
October 11, 2025
Planning Commission OPEN House - Questions, Comments and Issues Raised
Actual Notes from the Open Houses September 3-11, 2025 OPEN HOUSE # 1. Questions / Public Comment Wednesday 9.3.25 Zoning Open House including both public voices and statements from the Planning Chair and Assessor Attendees: Bill Mulder, Jeff Grimm, Chip Everest, Bob Buckner, Barry Lustgarten. Other
October 5, 2025
Let’s Turn Around and Get on the Same Page
Some common sense from Nan Mautz on ADUs
October 2, 2025
What Next ? A Planner’s Viewpoint
- City Council meets Monday, October 6, at 7 p.m. Check here for the agenda when available: City Website, Zoom Meeting, You Tube - The DDA, Harbor Commission, and ZBA all meet on Wednesday, October 8. The schedules and information are available here: Meeting Calendar. - The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting is Thursday, October 16. They will continue discussions on the proposed draft zoning code, in preparation for submission to the City Council. Zoom Meeting, You Tube - The Planning Commission only makes a recommendation on zoning to the City Council. It is only the City Council that can decide on zoning updates.
September 30, 2025
Meet the 2025 City Council Candidates
The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their annual Meet the Candidates Forum, tomorrow Wednesday at 7pm.
September 23, 2025
Op-Ed: Harbor-Blue Lampposts and the Cost of Closed-Door Planning
Painting only some lampposts blue?
September 20, 2025
Planning Commission Hearing: Pre-Read for Sept 18, 2025
The Planning Commission meets Thursday night to review the Open House comments. A good time to attend.
September 17, 2025
When is it time to Sell Out?
Keep 'Go Slo' Harbor Springs, or drive property prices up with "progress" while making it harder for newcomers, younger families, or non-owners to afford living here.
September 11, 2025
Open Houses: Recap of Session 1
Next Open House is Friday, September 5th from 10 am to Noon
September 4, 2025
Planned Developments in Small Resort Towns Explained
What Goes Wrong and Why PD's Don’t Fit Here
August 27, 2025