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Ann Arbor ZBA approves addition and basement conversion at 426 S. 4th Ave.
Summary
The Ann Arbor Zoning Board of Appeals granted relief to allow a 258-square-foot second-story addition and conversion of basement space into a five-bedroom unit at 426 South 4th Avenue, permitting the building to be reconfigured from six units (10 bedrooms) to four units (20 bedrooms).
The Ann Arbor Zoning Board of Appeals on a recorded vote granted relief to allow a 258-square-foot second-story addition and the conversion of basement space to habitable use at 426 South 4th Avenue.
City zoning coordinator John Barrett said the applicant, Care 1 Rental LLC, seeks relief from section 5.32.2 (alteration to a nonconforming structure) to finish currently nonhabitable basement space and to add a small second-story addition. Barrett said the project would reconfigure the existing six apartments (10 bedrooms) into four apartments with a total of 20 bedrooms. "The new basement construction does require the alteration approval from the zoning board of appeals," Barrett said.
Architect David Lewis, representing the petitioner, told the board the planned work will bring the building "more in line with the zoning code" and that "all the new work conforms with all the zoning codes." He said the lot is about 8,189 square feet — roughly 300 square feet smaller than the 8,500-square-foot standard cited in the R4C district — and that the project will include energy-efficiency upgrades, new windows and new mechanical systems.
Mustafa Alley, identified with K1 Rental, described interior upgrades and safety improvements, saying the remodel will provide "additional fire safety, fire separation between the units, fresh new alarm system, a new heating and cooling systems... new electrical system, new plumbing up to code," and that no parking spaces would be removed.
During board discussion members asked for clarification that both the basement conversion and the second-floor addition require ZBA approval; staff and the petitioner confirmed both alterations are included in the relief request. The motion recorded by the board states the ZBA "grants relief from section 5.32.2 alteration to a nonconforming structure to allow construction of a 258 square foot second story addition to the nonconforming structure as well as new habitable space in the basement" and directs construction "to be built per the submitted plans."
The motion was moved and seconded and carried on the board roll call. Board members who explicitly recorded "yes" on the roll call included Todd Grant, Dharma Ackman, Julie Wetherbee, Dave DeVardi, Patty Laszkowski and Drew Denson. The motion text notes the work will create a new basement unit with five bedrooms and three bathrooms and that the addition and interior remodeling are to be built per the submitted plans.
The board’s formal action grants the requested alteration approval; the motion and the plans will guide any building permit review and inspections going forward.
