The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 7 approved variances to allow construction of a new attached garage and conversion of an existing attached garage to living space at 25874 Lathrop Boulevard.

The appellant, Yuri Freimark, representing the owner Larry Freimark, requested relief from the Zoning Ordinance to reduce the front-yard setback to 35.5 feet where 40 feet is required and to reduce the side-yard setback abutting a street to 20 feet where 25 feet is required. City staff told the board the property is a corner lot in an R-2 single-family residential district and that the proposed work would remain below maximum lot coverage.

City staff recommended favorable consideration, saying the proposal is “consistent with the spirit and intent of the zoning ordinance,” is in keeping with the character of the surrounding area and “would not have an adverse effect upon the adjacent or surrounding properties.” The recommendation included a condition that the appellant secure all required permits and inspections from the City of Southfield building department.

Yuri Freimark told the board he sought to build a new attached garage and convert the existing two-car garage into living space to become part of a new kitchen. Board members voiced no objections. Zoning Board member Jenkins said the request appeared minimal and noted the conversion of garages into living space is a common trend. After a motion to approve from Zoning Board member Lippitt, the board voted to grant the variances with the staff condition.

The board recorded the approval without a roll-call tally in the transcript; members who spoke in support included Mister Rogers, Miss Lippitt, Mister Friedman and Mister Jenkins. The board instructed the appellant to continue coordinating with the building department on permits and inspections.