Royal Oak board approves porch and front‑addition variances at 411 Maxwell Ave with conditions

The Royal Oak Zoning Board approved variances on a renovation at 411 Maxwell Ave that will restore a front porch and add living space, the board announced after a public hearing and debate about design and accessibility. Planning staff had recommended two variances because the proposed front addition would create a 20.4-foot front‑yard setback (the ordinance minimum is 25 feet) and the covered, unenclosed front porch and steps would project farther into the setback than allowed.

Why it matters: Petitioner Don Brickner said the porch has strong family and neighborhood value and that restoring a porch would help the family age in place. Board members weighed that neighborhood character and the practical difficulties the site presents — including an electrical pole near the driveway — against the city’s setback rules.

Planning staff (Alex) told the board the rear addition complies with zoning but the front porch and steps require relief because unenclosed porches can encroach only up to 7 feet into the required front yard; the petitioner’s proposed configuration would project significantly farther. Staff recommended the board act on both variances after reviewing site plans and photos.

Don Brickner, the co‑owner and lifelong neighborhood resident, described why reviving a front porch mattered to his late mother and his family. “My mom truly missed that porch,” Brickner said, recounting family memories tied to the front porch. The contractor, Tony of Trademark Building, told the board an alternate plan turning the steps 90 degrees toward the driveway was available and that the team could implement graduated steps while reducing the encroachment.

Board deliberations focused on reducing the requested relief where feasible while allowing the family to keep porch access and mobility improvements. After discussion a motion to approve the front‑addition setback variance (variance A) passed unanimously. The board then debated the porch/steps variance (variance B), negotiated a reduced form of relief with the petitioner and contractor, and approved relief that limits the approved encroachment to an agreed 8‑foot waiver from the maximum permitted extension in the ordinance. The board recorded that the approval includes the petitioner’s commitment to submit revised drawings consistent with the agreed orientation and dimensions.

What happens next: Staff will incorporate the board’s conditions into the approval letter and the petitioner must submit final permit plans that match the approved dimensions and design commitments. If the final permit plans deviate materially from what the board approved, the applicant will need to return to the board.