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ZBA approves Indian Trails expansion and front‑setback fence variances after staff recommendation
Summary
The Zoning Board granted Indian Trails a use variance to expand bus parking into the west half of 524 Riverview Drive and approved two separate fence variances — allowing chain‑link in the front yard and a 10‑foot fence along Riverview and Sherwood — while noting the 10‑foot fence exists on most of the perimeter. Staff supported the use variance;
Kalamazoo — The City of Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals on Nov. 13 approved multiple variances for Indian Trails Inc., permitting an expansion of bus parking into part of 524 Riverview Drive and allowing chain‑link and 10‑foot perimeter fencing along key frontages.
Carl Ryder, representing Indian Trails, and Chad Cushman, president of Indian Trails, told the board the company operates facilities nationwide and maintains contracts with professional sports teams that require secure overnight bus storage. “Part of the requirement for contracting with those teams is buses have to be secured at all times even when they are parked overnight,” Cushman said, explaining the need for perimeter security, lighting and cameras.
Planning staff supported the use variance — in part because the operation predates current zoning restrictions and because the planned expansion would add parking and green space — but staff said they were hesitant to endorse a 10‑foot chain‑link fence in the front setback where that material is typically prohibited. Staff noted a 10‑foot chain‑link fence already wraps most of the property and is effectively grandfathered.
The board voted separately on the use variance, the allowance for chain‑link in the front yard, and the 10‑foot height variance; each motion passed by roll call with all voting members in favor. Members cited the site’s historic use, the limited scope of the expansion and the need to maintain facility security in explaining their votes.
Board discussion noted the project will include added green space and that staff will track the variances during permit and implementation steps. The board did not impose additional design conditions beyond the approvals recorded in the meeting.
