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Zoning board approves garage and studio addition at South Connecticut, 8–0
Summary
The board unanimously approved variances to allow a garage extension and second-floor studio (reduced from prior request) at 712 S. Connecticut, approving height and setback waivers after the applicant removed bathroom and utility requests and reduced overall variance scope.
The Royal Oak Zoning Board of Appeals voted 8–0 to approve two remaining variances allowing a garage extension and second-floor studio at 712 South Connecticut Avenue.
Staff explained the petitioner revised last month’s plans by removing a second-floor bathroom and associated water/sewer lines, which eliminated three earlier variance requests. The applicant remains before the board seeking two variances: a modest height variance (approximately 3.4 feet over the 15-foot maximum for accessory buildings) and a waiver of approximately 1.5 feet from the required 5-foot south side-yard setback.
Blake Adderman, the project architect, said the design minimizes impacts and retains the existing garage while extending walls and adding modest dormers. He said functional needs — including a recreational room and a studio space — generated the height request and that a lower roof pitch would make the studio or the proposed indoor golf simulator impractical.
Neighbors and the homeowners said they have gathered letters and petitions supporting the project; one homeowner said the addition would add character and that the neighborhood generally supports the revision. Board members praised the applicant’s decision to reduce requests from the prior month and said the revisions made the proposal reasonable. Several members noted the dormers are small and the lot coverage remains modest.
On a voice vote the board approved the variances 8–0.
