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ZBA approves small porch addition at 2322 Benjamin Avenue
Summary
The Zoning Board granted variances allowing a small covered front porch and second-floor addition at 2322 Benjamin Avenue despite existing nonconforming lot coverage, finding the design minimal and neighborhood-compatible.
Royal Oak’s Zoning Board of Appeals on March 13 approved variances for a 36-square-foot covered front porch and a second-floor addition at 2322 Benjamin Avenue, concluding the small façade improvement would not materially harm neighborhood character.
Staff said the lot already exceeds 30% coverage (32.1%), and the new porch would raise coverage to about 32.7%, requiring variances to alter a nonconforming structure and to waive the excess coverage. Petitioners Joseph and Hillary Clark said they sought modest additional living space and a covered entry to improve the façade. The project limits the new covering to the main door and otherwise preserves existing roof lines.
Board members viewed the request as minimal; several noted that removing a small rear shed might bring coverage into stricter compliance but said the proposed design enhances the home and the block. The motion to approve carried by voice vote.
