Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes

CITY OF NORTHVILLE
Board of Zoning Appeals
Regular Meeting –December 5, 2001
Northville City Hall – Council Chambers

CALL TO ORDER:

Commissioner Stapleton called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.

ROLL CALL:

Commissioners:

Present:
Rolland Stapleton
Eugene Lawrie
Connie Cronin
Carol Maise
James Bress
John Rae
James Haveraneck
Chris Gazlay

Absent:
Bill Lokey - excu
Luke Durst - excu
Charles Ayers - excu

Also Present:
Richard Starling, Building Official

APPROVAL OF AGENDA:

Motion by Cronin, supported by Bress to approve the agenda. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Nays: None. Motion Unanimously Carried.

MINUTES:

Motion by Cronin, supported by Haveraneck to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 7, 2001. Voice Vote: Ayes: All: Nays: None. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Stephanie & Steve Varner Variance to build deck

574 Langfield

Northville, Michigan 48167

The applicant requests a variance to Northville Zoning Ordinance – Article 18, Sec 11.10 to build a deck within 25’ of the property line, seeking a 15’ variance from the south property line. GROUNDS FOR APPEAL: Undo Hardship. (Based on a corner lot and the configuration of that lot).

Chief Building Official, Richard Starling, stated that the facts of the application are correct. On 9-28-2001 he tagged the project with a stop Work Order. No building permit had been pulled. And at that time he told the Varners that they needed a variance for the deck.

The applicant, Mrs. Varner stated that they are relatively new to the community and did not understand the procedures nor know about the ordinance. She then stated that because they live on an odd shaped corner lot she needs a variance to build a deck within 25’ of the property line. They need a large enough deck and handicapped ramp that will accommodate her disabled sister. She needs to access the house safely and comfortably. A statement regarding the condition of the old deck was submitted, as well as signatures from 15 neighbors in support of the new deck. Pictures, drawings, and a mortgage survey were submitted. An award certificate from the Northville Beautification for 2001 was also submitted. Mr. Jack Ellis who has lived in the home across the street for thirty-seven years, spoke in support of the Varners and their ongoing efforts to improve the home and the property.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: The Commissioners were in agreement that the uniqueness is that the lot is not rectangular and has a unique physical characteristic.

Motion by Cronin, supported by Maise to accept the variance as presented. Voice Vote: Ayes: All: Nays: None. Motion Unanimously Carried.

ROUNDTABLE: Joint DDA, Planning Commission, Historic Commission meeting 12-10-01 8:00PM

Motion by Lokey, supported by Gazlay to adjourn at 8:00 PM. Voice Vote: Ayes: All: Nays: None. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Respectfully submitted,

P. S. Howard

Recording Secretary