Council asks staff to draft lakefront-specific Shorelands ordinance after view disputes

City Planner Ted Woodcock told the Norton Shores City Council at its Feb. 24 work session that recent enforcement cases involving fence projections have raised questions about how the city's Shorelands ordinance should be applied to waterfront properties. Ted Woodcock, City Planner, "requested the City Council review the current 'Shorelands' ordinance provisions," citing enforcement and interpretation challenges when fences and other projections obstruct neighboring waterfront views.

Council members discussed the impact of structures that extend into shoreland areas and the difficulty staff has had in consistently interpreting existing language. While no formal motion was made, the council reached consensus that staff should prepare a draft ordinance specific to lakefront properties that would clarify standards for view obstructions and provide clearer criteria for enforcement.

The next step is for staff to present a draft ordinance to the council for further consideration; no vote was taken at the Feb. 24 meeting. The work session adjourned at 6:27 p.m.