An inspection report released by Leelanau County Code Official Steve Haugen yesterday details numerous code violations at the long-shuttered Sugar Loaf Resort in Leelanau County. Haugen accessed the property on February 5 after receiving permission from the court to inspect the premises following complaints from neighboring residents about the property's deteriorating condition.

Haugen's report, which was addressed to Kathleen "Kate" Wickstrom and Rock Investment Advisors, LLC (owned by Remo Polselli), requires the owner(s) to submit a plan within 10 days to bring the property into code compliance. Cited areas needing to be addressed include: the collapsed front of the Sugar Barn; the roofs of all buildings (especially the main lodge) to prevent further decay from leaks; the collapsed deck and structural stability of the warming shack on top of the hill; the structural abnormalities in and about the main lodge and connected buildings; the exterior landscaping, grass and trees that create a fire hazard for the entire property around structures; all upper building and decks; chair lifts; and the exterior pool and pool structure.

Wickstrom's and/or Polselli's plan must include a timeline of repairs or demolition, as well as all required permits to be obtained for any renovation, alteration, repair, addition, installation or demolition of any system or structure on the entire premises. Should Haugen's report go unacknowledged, the county will send a follow-up letter in 20 days outlining possible penalties if the report continues to go ignored. From there, the county can pursue possible penalties including fines, liens and possibly – through the court system – condemnation and/or demolition of the property.

“It all depends on their intent and how they plan to respond (to the report),” Haugen tells The Ticker. “It becomes a longer process if the court becomes involved. I've only ever had one client that didn't respond by the second letter. We just have to see...every scenario's different.”