Clark Twp. Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance Update To Begin May 24
Public Welcome To Participate in Process
By Amy Polk

Clark Township Planning Commission will launch the updating of its 1994 comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m. at Clark Township Hall. The process, which is expected to take much of the year, is open to the public.

The comprehensive, or master, plan defines land use and development in Clark Township and serves as the legal basis for the township's zoning ordinances and a guide for residential and commercial builders.

Changes can influence what kinds of development will be permitted in residential, commercial, agriculture, and other zones. Public participation will help commissioners and planning consultants know what land use guidelines need to be revised.

Clark Township hired Gourdie- Fraser of Traverse City to lead the revision process, and a meeting schedule will be developed May 24.

Commissioner Dave Dunning will be the liaison between the commission and Gourdie-Fraser, assisted in a limited capacity by Commissioner John Grenier. He will provide community background information the firm needs, serve as the process administrator, and perform other functions as stipulated by the commission.

Mike Miller was appointed liaison in February, but withdrew last month.

In discussion, commissioners cited the need for improved minutes and record keeping, and reviewed a running list of land use issues Zoning and Building Officer Frank Sims said need action now. Some of those include accessory buildings like garages, inconsistencies in the zoning ordinance that need correction, and better definition of uses.

Commissioner Jeff Davis said amending the zoning ordinance to address the issues now could take as long as four months, and, by that time, the township will be deep into revising the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. Others said they hope the revision process will address those problems.

Mr. Sims reminded commissioners that there are four hearings at the next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting Tuesday, May 22, one for an oversized accessory building and one to clarify the township's definition of "residing" in a motor home or trailer. The other two hearings request easement and accessory building setback variances.