Commission approves 2‑story addition at Schoolcraft Road with condition to secure fire access from Bob Evans

The Livonia City Planning Commission voted to recommend city council approval of a two‑story commercial addition at 29440 Schoolcraft Road, adding a condition that the petitioner obtain written permission from the adjacent Bob Evans property to provide cross‑access for emergency vehicle operations.

The petition from Kareem Alrez proposes a two‑story showroom addition to an existing commercial building. Planning staff and the fire marshal reviewed the plan and asked for clarifications about emergency access, drive widths and use of the space; the petitioner confirmed the tenant use will be a sales showroom with manufacturing located elsewhere.

Mr. Canty summarized recent plan updates, noting removal of the dumpster from the grass area, added dimensions to the parking, and a 10‑foot strip shown for potential emergency access to an AT&T building. Fire Marshal Brian Kukla’s written review flagged multiple concerns under NFPA‑1 (2015) access standards: required 20‑foot unobstructed fire access road width with minimum vertical clearance, inadequate road widths on the east and west sides of the building, and limited perimeter access that could hinder rescue and suppression efforts.

Petitioner Kareem Alrez said he has attempted to contact management at the neighboring Bob Evans and was continuing outreach to secure an agreement. Alrez said he would keep working to obtain the necessary permission and that some access may be achieved by coordinating with the Bob Evans site manager and corporate contacts.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about materials and deliveries; Alrez confirmed the proposed building will be a sales showroom only and that the rear and side façades will be finished in brick on the west side and gray face block on the rear, per the updated elevation discussion. Commissioner John Droz asked the commission to memorialize the requirement that the petitioner obtain satisfactory written permission from Bob Evans for cross‑access to the satisfaction of the fire department; the petitioner agreed to continue efforts and staff added the requirement as an additional condition.

The approving resolution included standard site conditions — sodding of disturbed areas, underground irrigation, screening of rooftop mechanicals, construction of a refuse enclosure in complementary materials, shielded exterior lighting not exceeding 20 feet, prohibition on exposed LED bands and neon — and specifically required that the elevations approved include the petitioner’s representation to extend brick along the west facade. The motion to approve was made by Commissioner DeNaro and supported by Commissioner Ventura. Roll call was DeNaro: aye; Droz: aye; Long: aye; Ventura: aye; Chair Wilshaw: aye. The commission will forward the approving recommendation to city council.