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Board allows existing open storage and fencing configuration for industrial site on Mound Road
Summary
The board approved variances allowing open storage, gravel maneuvering lanes and retention of a nonconforming front setback for a long-standing industrial property; the applicant agreed to remove barbed wire and add opaque slats to fencing.
The Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 8 approved multiple variances for a long-established industrial site owned by Mark Cicchini, allowing open storage, parking and maneuvering on the site’s gravel surface, retaining a 19-foot-3-inch front setback for the existing nonconforming building and approving existing fence placement to the front property line with the condition that barbed wire be removed and opaque slats added.
Jeffrey Graham, the project architect, explained the site’s history, saying it was originally built by the Macomb Road Commission for open storage and that Cicchini’s family has operated from the property for about 43 years with no documented complaints. Owner Mark Cicchini told the board a prior mayor had told him the site was acceptable and that he wished to regularize the property now.
Mr. Watts moved to grant the package, supported by Mr. Perry. During discussion, planning and zoning staff told the board the petitioner had received site-plan approval with conditions for outdoor storage on July 28, 2025, and staff recommended removing barbed wire and using slats in the fence screening. Board members confirmed the slats comply with ordinance rules for screening and that removal of barbed wire was appropriate.
The board’s motion approved: (1) open storage, parking, maneuvering lanes and the existing fence to the front property line with barbed wire removed and opaque slats added; (2) retention of the existing 19-foot-3-inch front setback for the nonconforming building; (3) allowing open storage and maneuvering lanes on a gravel surface; and (4) allowing a total of 22,620 square feet of open storage — an amount exceeding the allowable open storage by 19,225.5 square feet on a site whose building contains 6,789 square feet of floor area.
Board members said the location is within an industrial sector and that the approvals recognize the site’s longstanding use while addressing screening and safety concerns. The petitioner committed to follow through on the permitting and compliance steps required by the city.
