Troy City zoning board approves setback variance at 2488 Lanigan to allow accessible addition

The Troy City Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5–2 on Tuesday to grant a variance for a home addition at 2488 Lanigan, allowing the structure to be set roughly 20.75 feet from the Beach Road front property line where the zoning ordinance requires a 40-foot setback.

Mister Isaac Bakker moved to grant the variance, reading findings that cited the lot’s unusual dimensions and existing house location as exceptional characteristics and stating the proposed accommodation for wheelchair access and an elevator was not merely a personal hardship. Miss Chambers seconded the motion.

City staff summarized the request and site plan, saying the ordinance requires a 40-foot front setback and noting a prior variance approved in August. Doug Klee, president and owner of Main Street Design Build, told the board the current proposal adds a side ‘mudroom’ and powder room and a side door to permit a ramp and elevator so occupants can "age in place." "Anybody that's going to live in this house could age in place with it," Klee said.

A written correspondence read into the record from Nancy and Mike Jones opposed the reduced setback, citing Beach Road as "a very busy road" and a possible safety risk if the structure is set closer to the frontage.

During discussion, Mister McCauley said the additional work is shorter than the prior approval, would not be visible from the street, and would improve accessibility for current and future homeowners. A board member opposed the motion on the grounds that the request "fails the requirement that it not be of a personal nature," arguing the hardship depended on the current homeowner’s circumstances.

Roll-call voting was recorded as: Yes—Mister McCauley, Mister Eisenbacher, Mister Kenrick, Mister Fox and Miss Chambers; No—Mister Bossenbrook and Mister Desmond. The motion passed 5 to 2.

Under the board’s procedure read at the start of the meeting, an applicant denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals may appeal to Oakland County Circuit Court; in this case the variance was granted so no appeal was requested at the meeting. The board adjourned and indicated it will reconvene in January 2026.

Notes: Staff cited a 40-foot front setback requirement; during his remarks the applicant also referenced a 50-foot requirement in earlier code references when explaining past approvals. Those differing numbers were stated in the record but not reconciled at the meeting.