CHEBOYGAN COUNTY MASTER PLAN
Our Land. Our People. Our Future.
In accordance with Michigan Public Act 33 of 2008, a county must review its Master Plan and determine whether it is in need of an update. Cheboygan County has determined that an update is needed and has begun this process. What does it really mean and why do we have a Master Plan? It means we’re starting a very important process to re-write a document, called the Cheboygan County Master Plan, that spells out what you want your community to look like now and in the next 20 years. This document is used to create land use laws that guide future development. Let us explain more:
Your future, your Cheboygan County Master Plan
How many times have you wished you could have more impact on your community? You have probably often thought of something that would improve your community and wished you could make it happen. Well, you may have more influence than you realize. Not only can you get involved with a local service groups and volunteer organizations, but you can also get involved in planning how the land in your community is used.
Cheboygan County is rewriting the Master Plan on which most land use laws are based. You can get involved in a variety of ways. The first opportunity to participate in visioning sessions that will be held around the County occurs in late August. These sessions will examine what the 20-year vision is for this community’s land and how it should be used. Based on that vision, the land use laws (zoning ordinance) will be shaped to make that vision a reality.
How should our land be used? Where should growth occur and in what form? Where do you want housing, where should commercial development be located? How close should buildings be to each other in each of these areas? These are just some the questions that need your input.
Fortunately, we can make these decisions at the local level and you have a say in how that happens. Whenever Cheboygan County is asked to change an ordinance, we must first look at the Master Plan to guide those decisions because that’s the law. And that’s why your input on our new Master Plan is so important. It’s an opportunity to communicate your ideas and values so those opinions can be reflected in our land use laws.
Why do we need zoning at all? Zoning ensures that your property investment is protected from incompatible land uses. It also has a positive impact on long-term assessed property values. Zoning helps ensure that only compatible growth occurs. Imagine you’ve just purchased property to open a bed and breakfast only to find out that a metal stamping plant is planned for the property next door.
The County’s Master Plan is our blueprint for our future. Together we create a vision so that we always keep in mind how we intend to retain our economic and physical health, conserve our natural resources, meet the needs of residents and business people, ensure an efficient transportation system, ensure compatible land uses, and promote public health, safety, and welfare.
It’s important to know that change will happen. The Master Plan process reflects the kind of change you want. You can do your part to make sure your community’s interests are communicated and the community’s goals are included in this Plan. This will go a long way in making sure that future development plans are those desired by the community.
Two important meetings to kick off the process are now scheduled for late this month and we hope you’ll plan on attending. All Cheboygan County stakeholders have been invited. The first is on August 29 at 7:00 pm at Inland Lakes Middle School Gymnasium and the second is on August 30 at 7:00 pm at the Cheboygan Middle School Multipurpose Room. You are welcome to arrive as early as 6:30 to view posters and discuss the recent census data and other interesting information about your community and Cheboygan County. You are invited to attend one or both of these meetings! Visit www.cheboygancounty.net/masterplan for more information.
See you at the Planning Commission meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, 7 PM.