Yurts, portable restrooms expected for Mt. Bohemia opening CALUMET ’Äì Since the Mt. Bohemia Ski Hill is scheduled to open in December, yurts ’Äì tent-like structures modeled on Mongolian nomad dwellings ’Äì are now being assembled for the lodge, first aid station and ski shop, while a trailer with portable, low-consumption flushing toilets is expected to provide temporary restroom facilities. Northern Consultants President Ray Gerhart, who issues Keweenaw County building permits, said developer Black Bear, Inc., will need occupancy permits for the yurts. "They are temporary structures, but since they are open to the public they’Äôre viewed (as far as building code stipulations are concerned) as permanent structures," Gerhart said. "(A yurt) is a high-tech, fabric-covered structure with a wood platform deck; and the structures are round with seven-foot side walls and a conical ceiling. The yurt kit sits on a wooden platform (which) is supported by concrete footings." Gerhart added the permits are not really needed to set up the yurts but are required prior to occupancy by the public. "It’Äôs more the use ’Äì the fact that it’Äôs open to the public ’Äì that requires a building permit," he noted. "(A yurt) is more or less a tent ’Ķ The county is working with the (Black Bear) company. We may well allow them some leniency for the decks, since these are temporary structures." Mohawk resident Sandra Britton said she believes Black Bear should have to follow the same rules as anyone else as far as obtaining permits. "I agree the ski hill is a done deal," Britton said recently, "BUT I'm irritated that Black Bear is permitted to do things that no private citizen would be allowed to get away with. The laws should be, but seldom are, equally applied to all." Right now, Gerhart explained, the county is waiting to hear from the Western Upper Peninsula District Health Department as to whether or not the yurts will need health department permits, which are normally required for public facilities prior to occupancy. "We’Äôre working on the issuance of the building permits for the yurts right now, but that’Äôs dependent on health department approval," Gerhart said. "These are new issues. We haven’Äôt dealt with temporary structures open to the public. We’Äôre just conscientiously looking at it right now ’Ķ These are the first yurts we’Äôve had in the Keweenaw. It’Äôs quite a review process to go through because they are so unique." As an example of building permit concerns, Gerhart noted the structures have to be handicap-accessible. According to Gerhart, Black Bear will construct six yurts ’Äì one for a First Aid station, one as a ski shop, three connected yurts for a lodge and one more for extra seating area. Each one has an area of 706 square feet. Since Black Bear has not yet obtained sewer permits from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, a multiple, pre-manufactured unit on a trailer will be used as a portable restroom. "They’Äôre looking at a system that would have no discharge on site," Gerhart said. He described the unit as divided in half, with a restroom on each end ’Äì one for men and one for women.  These would be equipped with low-consumption flushing toilets. Gerhart said he was not sure what the water source would be for the restrooms or for the yurts. "The portable restrooms would not require a building permit (as long as the restroom facilities are approved by the health department and as long as there’Äôs no discharge on site). The yurts do, but the restrooms do not," Gerhart noted. "We’Äôre waiting for clarification from the health department on whether they require a permit for the restrooms or for the lodge." The yurts at Mt. Bohemia are products of Pacific Yurts, Inc., of Cottage Grove, Ore. Gerhart said strong points of the yurt construction include the concentric ring at the top and the cable that prevents expansion. Pacific Yurts are made to support the weight of heavy snow. "As far as the strength of their design, they’Äôre suitable for our area, and they’Äôve been used successfully at other ski hills," Gerhart said. Black Bear President Lonie Glieberman was not available for comments on the water or restroom facilities. He told Janet Shea, Copper Harbor business owner and a member of his Advisory Committee, that he would change the time of the next Advisory Committee meeting to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, so as to present less of a conflict with the Keweenaw County Zoning/Planning Commission meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. that same evening in the Courthouse in Eagle River. Britton, who is also a member of the Advisory Committee, had a positive comment on the committee’Äôs influence. "I was delighted to see that the infomercial about Mt. Bohemia spotlighted Keweenaw County amenities. Apparently the Advisory Committee is helping to bring Keweenaw County concerns to the forefront." - Michele Anderson November 25, 2000