July 13, 2020
The meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order by President Torres at 6:00 PM via online video/phone conference consistent with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order/COVID-19 pandemic.
ROLL CALL Present: Trustees Al-Awar, Benson, Butterwick, Hensinger, Popp, Saldana, Smith, Torres and Turner. Absent: None.
Others attending: Asst. Treasurer Kirkland, ZA Perry, Supt. Hnatow, BHMC President Curtner, ZH Malan, one project representative and 11 residents.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the May 13, 2019 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting were approved as printed. (Smith/Benson/P)
APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE 196 Barton Shore Drive
Project Presentation (ZA Perry) Variance was requested for construction on a continuing nonconforming lot under 1 acre in size and with existing encroachments in the setbacks. The applicant proposes adding a second story to both the existing house and garage.
Public Hearing The Public Hearing was convened at 6:12 PM. The nearest neighbor at 192 Barton Shore was present and supports the project. There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:15 PM.
Discussion/Decision It was confirmed that there is no encroachment on the adjacent fire lane easement. The applicant wishes to retain/enhance the character of the house built by Detroit Edison in 1928, while bringing the structure up to current building code.
Motion Request for variance from Section 4.08 of the Barton Hills Village Zoning Ordinance to allow construction/renovation of the existing structures on a lot less than 1 acre in size, and with existing encroachment in the setbacks, at 196 Barton Shore Drive, per the plans dated June 19, 2020 was approved. (Al-Awar/Butterwick/P)
APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE 320 Juniper Lane
Project Presentation (ZA Perry) Variance was requested for construction on a continuing nonconforming lot under 1 acre in size and with existing encroachments in the setbacks. The applicant proposes to remove the existing house and rebuild on the same footprint and up to current building code, with an addition on the west side.
Public Hearing The Public Hearing was convened at 6:20 PM. The neighbor at 321 Juniper Lane was present and has had multiple email communications with the architect regarding questions about the project. (Emails provided to the ZBA prior to the meeting.) Concern was expressed for adherence to the Contractor Rules and sensitivity to the neighbors, given the limited space in the area. Safety concerns for vehicle traffic on the narrow street were also raised. There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed at 6:35 PM.
Discussion/Decision It was noted that the Washtenaw County septic system requirements will be completely met, and that the change in driveway location will result in a significant reduction in impervious surface area.
Motion Request for variance from Section 4.08 of the Barton Hills Village Zoning Ordinance to allow construction/renovation of the existing structure on a lot less than 1 acre in size, and with existing encroachment in the setbacks, at 320 Juniper Lane, per the plans dated June 22, 2020 and following, was approved. (Al-Awar/Butterwick/P)
NEW BUSINESS None.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 9.14.2020