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.  The Township has contracted with an outside Planner, Jay Kilpatrick.  Jay has worked closely with the East Bay Township for several years.

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

Leslie Couturier

Leslie Couturier is our Deputy Zoning Administrator/Planning Specialist. She is under the direction and supervision of the Township Board and Planning Commmission, and administer's the Zoning Ordinance. Some of her responsiblities at the township 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 supervises Robert Perry, our Zoning Inspector, and attends Planning Ccommission meetings and acts as an advisor to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Leslie has worked at the township for 14 years and lived in Grand Traverse County for 30 years, 24 of those in East Bay Township. She is married to Michael Couturier and has two children, Lynndsay (25) and Corey (21). If you have any questions for Leslie, feel free to call or email her.