ZBA approves rear-yard variance to let longtime resident add first-floor bedroom and bath

The Royal Oak Zoning Board of Appeals approved a rear-yard variance Tuesday that will allow a homeowner to add a first-floor bedroom, bathroom and laundry to make the residence more accessible.

Staff said the 60-foot-wide lot on Parkdale Avenue is just over 93 feet deep, short of the 100-foot depth that the zoning ordinance anticipates, and that the proposed addition would reduce the rear-yard setback to about 22.3 feet. The petitioner therefore requested a 12.7-foot variance from the 35-foot rear-yard requirement.

Petitioner Marlene Chapman was represented by her son-in-law and contractor, Jason Jones, who described the project as aging-in-place modifications so Chapman can avoid moving from the home where she has lived most of her life. A family member, Randy Jones, spoke in support and described how the rear addition provides better access for mobility devices than an alternative on the west side of the house.

Board members considered whether the addition could be located on the west side but concluded that the rear location better preserves neighborhood green space and avoids significantly altering the house’s public-facing character. Multiple members noted practical difficulty stemming from the lot’s nonconforming depth and the house’s existing features (bay window, air conditioning unit, grade/baseline issues).

A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded, members voiced support and the motion carried. The petitioner may proceed with permit applications consistent with the approved setback, subject to normal building-permit and construction-code reviews.