Planning commission approves Marathon station expansion with conditions, requires ZBA variance for canopy setback

The Farmington Hills Planning Commission on Oct. 16 approved a site plan for an expansion of the Marathon gas station at 29459 Nine Mile Road (corner of Middlebelt), subject to a list of staff conditions and with the requirement that the applicant obtain variances for nonconforming canopy setbacks.

The applicant proposes to expand fueling positions and the convenience store area on a compact, existing B‑3 lot. City staff summarized multiple existing nonconformities on the site — including prior canopy placement at the front setback line and constrained rear yard dimensions — and noted that enlarging the western pump canopy will create a new nonconformity that requires relief from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Why it matters: The project changes fueling capacity at an established station located at a busy intersection. Staff and commissioners focused on setbacks, illumination…