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ZBA grants extension for Portage food trailer, conditions approval on site‑plan filing
Summary
The board approved an extension for a temporary food trailer at 1261 Portage on the condition the owner files a site‑plan review application within 45 days; staff supported the extension to allow the operator to complete permanent arrangements.
The Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals voted July 10 to permit continued operation of a food trailer at 1261 Portage, provided the applicant submits a site‑plan review application within 45 days.
Staff said the trailer initially received a 30‑day approval that had worked well and recommended a limited extension while the owner pursues site‑plan approval for a permanent restaurant arrangement with the store owner on the same parcel. Staff told the board that the site is commercially zoned, the trailer’s location is outside maneuvering lanes, and the lot has sufficient parking for customers and employees.
Translator Sergio Correa said the owner, Claudio Velasquez, hoped for another six‑month window while negotiating with the store owner and working toward a permanent restaurant. “He would like to see if he can get another 6 months extended,” Correa said during the hearing.
A board member moved and the board accepted the finding of fact noting 63 notices mailed and no public responses. After a motion to approve the time‑extension request with the 45‑day site‑plan application condition, the board approved the request in roll‑call votes.
The condition to file for site‑plan review places the project into the formal review pipeline; staff said site‑plan review often takes two to three months depending on issues raised and that the condition prevents indefinite temporary use without moving toward permanency.
