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ZBA approves additions at Forestdale Road to accommodate growing family
Summary
Royal Oak ZBA granted variances for first- and second-story additions and a porch at 1109 Forestdale Road, allowing small encroachments on front-yard setback and a slight increase in lot coverage to provide needed living space for a growing family.
The Royal Oak City Zoning Board of Appeals on March 13 approved variances permitting first- and second-floor additions and a revised front porch for a home at 1109 Forestdale Road, citing practical difficulty tied to the house’s age and family needs.
Staff said the work reduces front-yard setback from an existing compliant 39.75 feet to 30.75 feet for a new front addition, requires a 2-foot waiver beyond the 7-foot allowable porch encroachment, and increases lot coverage from 30% to 30.5%, triggering three variances.
Owner Kevin Clark said the changes are intended to create additional bedrooms for an expanding family — "we've got an 18-month-old and an 8-day-old" — and a foyer to separate living and dining areas. Board members praised the design for preserving the home’s historic character (a 1926 kit house) and noted the size of the requested encroachments was modest. Several commissioners said the additions would modernize the home without harming neighborhood character.
A motion to approve the requested variances passed by voice vote. Staff will incorporate any final conditions into the permit package during the site-plan and permitting process.
