Planning and Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Departments work closely with township property owners on issues regarding township land use. They have developed a comprehensive master plan and incorporated it into township ordinance. Their primary duty is to review and recommend, to the Township Board, the direction that the public wants to take. There are two staff members to implement these plans and seven planning commission members that make policy for the township. They process applications, agendas, prepare meeting minutes and give notice of public hearings. They review proposals for land deviations and issue permits.

If you have any questions regarding the use of your property, the Planning and Zoning staff are an excellent resource.

Leslie Couturier is a Certified Zoning Administrator & Planning Specialist. She is under the direction and supervision of the Township Board, Planning Commmission and Zoning Board of Appeals, and administer's the Zoning Ordinance. Some of her responsiblities include; accepting and reviewing zoning permit applications, determines compliance with the provision of the Zoning Ordinance and completeness of the applications, issues land-use permits, investigates violations of the Ordinance and advises applicants of necessary corrective measures. She also attends Planning Commission meetings and acts as an advisor to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Leslie has worked at the township since 1992 and has lived in Grand Traverse County since 1976. If you have any questions for Leslie, feel free to call or email her.

Rick Brown began as the Township Planner for East Bay Charter Township in October of 2015 and serves under the direction of the Township Board, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals. He has more than 25 years of professional planning experience, primarily in Michigan. Rick is a certified planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and is also a Certified Business Solutions Professional (CBSP). Some of his responsibilities include preparation of zoning and code amendments, land use planning and permitting, review of development projects and proposals, as well as grant applications.