Politics & Government

Fenton Officials Draft Ice Rink Ordinance

The proposed change would place a few restrictions on backyard ice rinks.

After much debate last year, the city of Fenton will likely put an official ice rink ordinance in place by winter.

Neighbors disputed an ice rink in the Andover Woods subdivision last winter. The new amendement would place a few restrictions on ice rinks in the city.

The proposed ordinance states:

Find out what's happening in Fentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Personal ice rinks (not commercial) are permitted as an accessory use in any single-family residential zoning district.
  •  Personal ice rinks are not permitted in any required front yard.
  •  A four-foot setback is required from adjacent residential property lines.
  •  The ice rink boards shall be no taller than two feet in height and must be properly maintained and free from deteriorating conditions such as peeling paint and cracking wood.
  •  No ice rinks shall be erected prior to Nov. 15 and shall be removed no later than March 15, or as weather permits.

"As a board member of a local homeowners association and one that might be asked to consider one such request, I think the ordinance provides a reasonable and sufficient guidelines for the location, maintenance and operation of personal ice rinks for neighborhoods like the one I live in," said Andover Woods resident Bob Campbell, who complained about the ice rink in the neighborhood last year, according to the Flint Journal.

A public hearing on the issue will be held Nov. 29.

Find out what's happening in Fentonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fenton resident John Jones built a backyard ice rink behind his home in the Andover Woods subdivision for about six years. Last year Campbell filed a complaint with the Homeowner's Association and the dispute led to the city of Fenton officials drafting an ordinance on backyard skating rinks.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here