Chapter 1:

Introduction

The Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission has prepared this master land use plan under the authority of the Township Planning Act, Public Act 1968 of 1959, as amended. Section 6 of the Act states:

The planning commission shall make and adopt a basic plan as a guide for the development of the unincorporated portions of the township. As a basis for the plan, the Planning Commission is hereby empowered to (1) make inquiries, investigations and surveys of all the resources of the township and (2) assemble and analyze data and formulate plans for the proper conservation and use of all resources, a determination of the extent of probable future need for the most advantageous designation of lands having various use potential and for services, facilities and utilities required to equip such lands.

Purpose of the plan

Planning is a process that involves the conscious selection of policies relating to land use and development in a community. A master land use plan serves several functions:

Ø Provides a general statement of the community’s goals and provides a comprehensive view of its vision of the future.

Ø Provides the statutory basis for the Zoning Ordinance, as required by the Township Zoning Act, Public Act 184 of 1943, as amended.

Ø Serves as the primary policy guide for local officials considering development proposals, land divisions, capital improvements, and other matters related to land use and development; thus, it provides a stable and consistent basis for decision making.

Planning process

The planning process began with a project initiation meeting to confirm the scope of work and schedule. Following this meeting, background studies were prepared that examine the natural and physical composition of Suttons Bay Township. Following extensive Planning Commission review, the background study findings were presented to the public in a workshop setting to gain additional insight and to begin visioning for the future.

Community stakeholder interviews were also conducted to gain insight on trends and other factors influencing development patterns. In addition, a series of goals, objectives, and policy statements were then drafted in consideration of the vast input received from the public and the conclusions reached in the background studies. A future land use plan was formulated as a natural progression of the planning process; reflective of the preceding steps. The whole of this effort makes up the Suttons Bay Township Master Plan. On ___________, the general public was invited to provide comment on the proposed Master Plan recommendations. Following the public hearing, a copy of the draft Master Plan was forwarded to the County Planning Commission for review and comment. The Master Plan was subsequently adopted by the Suttons Bay Township Planning Commission on __________________.

Plan organization

The master land use plan comprises three primary components. The background studies profile the demographic and environmental conditions that existed at the time the plan was prepared. The goals, objectives and policies provide the philosophical basis of the plan. The future land use plan describes the Township’s vision of its future in written and graphic form.