SL planners review village's B&B rules

Thu, Sep 24, 2009    to del.icio.us

SPRING LAKE — A predominantly bedroom community may soon have more room at the inn.

The Spring Lake Planning Commission on Tuesday discussed a proposed ordinance amendment for bed-and-breakfast establishments.

Village Planning and Zoning Administrator Kathy Staton told planning commissioners the three sentences in the current ordinance are insufficient to cover all the nuances of what could become a viable tourist attraction.

The village currently has no bed and breakfasts within its jurisdiction. The only lodging available in the village is the Holiday Inn, a commercial hotel chain.

Several years ago, a Spring Lake couple approached the Planning Commission with a proposal for a bed and breakfast on River Street. The application was denied and the couple filed suit.

Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Van Allsburg ruled in favor of the Planning Commission in a June 2007 decision. Van Allsburg determined the commission had the right to deny the request due to the potential intrusion the proposed bed and breakfast would have on a residential neighborhood.

"This court is not authorized to 'second guess' the Village of Spring Lake Planning Commission," the judge wrote in his decision. "The evidence adduced by the commission does not have to be persuasive and compelling; it must merely be adequate to support its decision."

Staton suggested Tuesday that commissioners review their stance on potential B&Bs on primary streets, such as Savidge and Exchange.

Although there was no formal vote, commissioners spoke in favor of such options — particularly with three Victorian homes on Savidge Street, which are part of a planned unit development initiated by local developer Norm Beebe.

The proposed ordinance language calls for no more than 50 percent of a dwelling's total bedrooms, not to exceed four, to be used for bed-and-breakfast purposes.

Commissioner John Yasenak said he would love to see some action on the Savidge Street Victorian homes, which are part of the Alden Place condominium development. The development has stalled due to current economic conditions.

"I would love to see somebody get all three of them and run them as a bed and breakfast," Yasenak said.

A public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at Barber School, 102 W. Exchange St.

Any Planning Commission decision will be a recommendation to the Village Council for formal approval at a later date.