SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Among the items on the agenda for a scheduled business meeting set for tonight (Apr. 12, 2021), the Saugatuck City Council will apparently tackle a topic that has generated some public discussion in that Lakeshore community.
The issue is house boats or “floating homes,” and the panel last Thursday reviewed and discussed informally a proposed ordinance to better regulate these nautical residences. “There have been numerous concerns presented to City Council and staff related to new floating homes in the city of Saugatuck,” City Manager Ryan Heise said before last Thursday’s work-study session and reiterated in this evening’s business meeting agenda notes. “(These) concerns are wide ranging, everything from health-safety and welfare to view-scape concerns.”
The proposed ordinance, drafted on February 25th, opposes long-term off-shore residences for various reasons, but would establish parameters for “floating homes,” with licensing for short-term stays of no longer than 30 days, among other restrictions and guidelines.
Heise added that the proposed ordinance “is recommended to have both zoning and regulatory authority,” with those floating homes and house boats already existing in Saugatuck exempt from the new ordinance, and that those vessels “may be acceptable in their proper location – specifically full-service marinas.”
Council is also expected this evening to ask the Dune Ridge Development Team to modify a fence located next to the chain ferry that has generated “numerous complaints,” according to Heise, about its height and location.
Details on public observation and participation in the 7 PM Monday council business meeting is here.
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