​

Voting "yes" means repealing the new zoning code, then working together to build a new one.  

5 City Council Members voted in favor of a new zoning code that directly impacts every person who lives in Harbor Springs, regardless of year round status.  Together, we can repeal and improve the new zoning ordinance to protect Harbor Springs from things such as overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and so much more. 

​

The New Zoning Code Does Not Protect Harbor Springs  

• It promotes development  

• It does not allow property owners to engage in neighborhood development   

• Neighborhood oversight has been eliminated 

• Increased density will reduce open spaces, trees and wildlife in back yards 

• Taller buildings and smaller setbacks minimize green spaces in the downtown 

• The new zoning does not protect classic Harbor Springs views  

• The Agricultural District was removed, and replaced with higher density residential 

• We want changes that support all of us, not just a few of us 

• Construction, growth, noise, activity, and traffic is encouraged by the new zoning

• It gives everyone by right the ability to build three story buildings. Limit building height in the Commerical Business District:  Keep future buildings at two stories not three stories on Bay Street , Main Street and Third Street 

• We can preserve and protect Harbor springs by  VOTING YES on the 439 zoning code ballot question. By doing so, we have the opportunity to repeal and improve the new code, protecting Harbor Springs, and ensuring ALL voices are heard in the process. 

​​

The Goals – Please Join us and Vote YES   

An effective zoning update will maintain the city’s style, simplify regulations, lower costs and complexities, and ensure that new constructions—whether by newcomers or long-time 
residents—align with development goals while preserving Harbor Springs’ character. 

​

VoteYes439.org aims to preserve the integrity and character of Harbor Springs, a community 
cherished since the 1850s for its peacefulness, natural beauty, and historic charm.  

To maintain this unique identity, we need to define a density goal to guide the planning 
commission, the city council and professional urban planners for Harbor Springs.  
 

​

Preserve Harbor Springs:

1. Vote Yes to restore community oversight in zoning decisions.

2. Vote Yes to prioritize public input on zoning changes.

3. Vote Yes for community control over administrative decision-making.

4. Vote Yes to prioritize Harbor Springs over developer interests.

5. Vote Yes to support affordable housing options.

6. Vote Yes to protect our neighborhoods and preserve the character of Harbor Springs.

7. Vote Yes to bring back carriage houses.

8. Vote Yes to pause downtown expansion for thoughtful growth.

9. Vote Yes to protect our scenic views.

10. Vote Yes to restore the agricultural district.

11. Vote Yes to safeguard our green spaces.

12. Vote Yes for zoning that benefits everyone in the community.

13. Vote Yes to maintain a two-story limit in our downtown.

14. Vote Yes to reinstate neighborhood oversight.

15. Vote Yes to preserve the small-town charm of our downtown.

16. Vote Yes to protect heritage lake cottages.

17. Vote Yes to preserve stately neighborhoods.

18. Vote Yes to bring back public hearings for transparency.

19. Vote Yes to eliminate cookie-cutter zoning rules.

20. Vote Yes to add more guardrails for the approval of developments.

21. Vote Yes to favor local developers over outsiders.

22. Vote Yes to manage zoning that overly focuses on density. 

​