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Board approves variance to enclose deck, expand entrance at Lake Eastbrook storefront
Summary
The Grand Rapids Board of Zoning Appeals approved a set of dimensional variances allowing an existing commercial building at 3521 Lake Eastbrook Boulevard SE to enclose a rear deck and expand its front entry to create additional interior space for a salon.
The Grand Rapids Board of Zoning Appeals on an affirmative vote approved dimensional variances for 3521 Lake Eastbrook Boulevard SE that will allow the building owner to enclose an existing rear deck and bump out the front entrance to add interior space for their salon.
Planning staff said the property sits on a narrow strip of land between Lake Eastbrook and Lake Eastbrook Boulevard and that most of the lot area is within the waterfront setback. Rowan, a city planner, told the board the applicant was seeking a 25-foot variance to eliminate the required 25-foot front setback from the front property line, a 21-foot variance to reduce the required 25-foot front setback from the water’s edge to 4 feet, and a 71-foot variance to reduce the required 75-foot setback from the water’s edge to 4 feet. Rowan said the proposed enclosure would follow the footprint of an existing 12-by-12 deck and that the front entrance expansion would add roughly a 4-by-12 area.
Applicant Michael Aylo told the board the changes would create “a lot more room inside,” noting the building is about 950 square feet now and the deck is 144 square feet. “If I can just add that 4 feet out, I can have at least 2 to 3 more chairs inside, and it'll be more comfortable,” Aylo said, describing customer wait times and the salon's operational needs.
Board member Lewis, who visited the site, described the building as older and “tired” but said it has been in its current built-to-front-line configuration for decades. In recommending approval, the board applied the standard variance criteria: an exceptional circumstance (most of the lot is in Lake Eastbrook), a property-rights argument (other commercial properties in the district can expand), and no evidence of substantial detriment to neighbors — staff reported no letters of opposition.
The board voted to approve the variances without additional conditions. Chair and board members voted “aye” and no opposing votes were recorded. After the vote, Aylo was directed to work with planning staff on required building permits and inspections before construction begins.
The decision allows the applicant to proceed with plans to enclose the existing deck and expand the entrance; staff noted a canopy over the new entry in the future would not require an additional variance while enclosing additional space might.
Votes at a glance Approved: Dimensional variances to enclose rear deck and expand front entry at 3521 Lake Eastbrook Boulevard SE — motion approved; no recorded opposition.
