Planning commission asks City Council to consider temporary moratorium on new CBD projects over 30 feet
May 22, 2026 | Harbor Springs, Emmet County, Michigan
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The planning commission voted to recommend that City Council consider imposing a temporary moratorium on new central business district (CBD) development applications exceeding roughly 30 feet or more than two stories while the city reviews zoning metrics and design guidelines.
The proposal originated during member comments following extensive public input on the 289 East Main site plan. Commissioners said they were concerned about the cumulative effect of multiple similar projects that conform to the letter of recent code changes but could alter downtown scale and character if replicated. Some commissioners argued the commission should not substitute personal taste for code—but others said the community's repeated objections suggested the city should consider temporary safeguards while it refines overlay and historic‑preservation tools.
A motion recommending that City Council study and, if appropriate, enact a short moratorium (members discussed 30‑ to 90‑day examples) on new CBD projects above a specified height was made and passed on a roll call vote. Commissioners clarified the recommendation is to City Council (not a direct moratorium by the commission) and that any moratorium would need legal review and City Council action to take effect.
Next steps: staff will forward the commission’s recommendation to the city manager and mayor for City Council consideration; the council and city attorney will assess the legal framing and duration of any moratorium.
The proposal originated during member comments following extensive public input on the 289 East Main site plan. Commissioners said they were concerned about the cumulative effect of multiple similar projects that conform to the letter of recent code changes but could alter downtown scale and character if replicated. Some commissioners argued the commission should not substitute personal taste for code—but others said the community's repeated objections suggested the city should consider temporary safeguards while it refines overlay and historic‑preservation tools.
A motion recommending that City Council study and, if appropriate, enact a short moratorium (members discussed 30‑ to 90‑day examples) on new CBD projects above a specified height was made and passed on a roll call vote. Commissioners clarified the recommendation is to City Council (not a direct moratorium by the commission) and that any moratorium would need legal review and City Council action to take effect.
Next steps: staff will forward the commission’s recommendation to the city manager and mayor for City Council consideration; the council and city attorney will assess the legal framing and duration of any moratorium.
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