Positive ruling on residential airpark hangars

Note: Dr. Paul Sullivan has been working on developing a residential Airpark in Harbor Springs, Mich. For the last few years. The property is platted and approved and the latest problem was getting approval for a hangar that exceeded 2,000 SF. Because local regulations and the national fire code rate such a structure as a commercial building it required considerable extra requirements.

Now, it appears there is a relief from these onerous requirements and they could become a precedent for others facing the same problem.

Below is the test of a note from Sullivan. He also makes available the rulings and decisions that apply.

“It is difficult to tell you how happy I am to report I was successful in getting a variance from our local Appeal Board. We can now build up to a 4,900 SF hanger without fire suppression.

“You know how long I have been attempting to deal with this difficult issue. I am sure it will be welcome information to members of Living With Your Plane to be informed of this precedent.

“Basically the attorney pointed out that the International Building Code (IBC), adopted by Michigan and many states, is in error. They define a residential hangar as 2,000 SF or less. Anything larger is a commercial hangar.

“They go on to define a commercial hangar as a hangar in which airplanes are painted and major repairs are performed.

“Our Attorney, Scott Fraim, (810-733-2050) pointed out that not size but use should be what defines a hangar. He stated you could have a 500 SF hangar, and if airplanes were painted and major repairs carried out, it would be a commercial hanger.

“I cannot recommend highly enough Scott Fraim.”