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Zoning board allows secondhand appliance store at 4415 8 Mile with indoor-only condition
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a dimensional variance July 23 to allow sales of secondhand appliances at a multi-tenant site on 8 Mile Road, with a condition prohibiting outside display.
The Warren City Zoning Board of Appeals on July 23 approved a dimensional variance permitting the sale of secondhand residential appliances at 4415 8 Mile Road (building with four tenant suites), provided all sales and storage remain indoors and no outside display is allowed.
Architect Marvin Steiner spoke for property owner Mike Shaba and described the small multi-tenant site: four suites in one building, currently occupied by an auto repair use, a granite shop and storage, with one vacant suite the applicant proposes for secondhand appliances. Mr. Steiner said the use requires a variance because the sale of secondhand goods must be a specified distance from residential zoning and the site cannot meet that separation.
Staff clarified the request is a dimensional variance (distance requirement) rather than a use variance. The architect and board members discussed whether any repairs would be performed; Angelo, the prospective operator, said he would perform only minor refurbishing (cleaning, light repairs) and would not operate an outdoor repair facility. Several board members expressed concern about outdoor storage and display; the petitioner agreed to a condition prohibiting outside display.
Mr. Watts moved to approve the variance with conditions including no outside display; Mr. Jersey supported the motion. The board voted to approve the request for the reasons stated in the motion, noting the site’s size and configuration and that indoor-only sales and storage reduce potential neighborhood impact.
