MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
BARTON HILLS VILLAGE
March 14, 2022
The meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order by President Benson at 6:07 PM at Barton Hills Country Club plus online video/phone conference.
ROLL CALL Present: Trustees Al-Awar, Benson, Conlin, Darden, Haitam, Hensinger, Holmes and Smith; Popp online (Barton Hills Village, Washtenaw County, MI/ADA accommodation).
Absent: None.
Others attending: ZA Capozza, Asst. Treasurer Carey, Supt. Hnatow, ZH MDarden, BHMC President David, and twenty-two residents.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of the May 10, 2021 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting were approved as printed. (Al-Awar/Hensinger/P)
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR GUIDANCE New Zoning Administrator Dennis Capozza introduced himself, and summarized the topic before the ZBA concerning the keeping of chickens/ducks and bees in the R-1 Single Family Residential zoning district. While some things are specifically permitted and some things are specifically prohibited, this topic falls in an area of interpretation. Given that roosters are already prohibited in the BHMC Deed Restrictions, and assuming chickens/ducks and bees would be reasonably contained, not a nuisance and not dangerous, Mr. Capozza recommended that they be allowed.
Questions from the public in attendance concerning the number of chickens/ducks allowed, permits/oversight, and sight lines from neighbors were answered, indicating that reasonable limits would be expected, that no commercial uses would be allowed, and that necessary structures would be reviewed through established approval processes.
Motion The Zoning Administrator was instructed by the Board of Trustees to interpret the BHV Zoning Ordinance so that the definition of “agriculture or agricultural” does not include the keeping of chickens/ducks or bees as a hobby. The raising or keeping of chickens/ducks or bees as a commercial activity (for example, for sale) will continue to fall within the definition. (Benson/Al-Awar/P)
There being no further business or objections, the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 PM.
Janice K. Esch, Deputy Clerk Approved 6.13.22