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Board rules aviary is not an 'educational' or 'social service' use under zoning; directs applicant to other options
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals found that a bird sanctuary/aviary is beyond the definitions of 'educational use' and 'social service' in the City of Grand Rapids zoning code, meaning Albatross Aviary's Leonard Avenue site cannot rely on those classifications; staff and counsel were directed to work with the applicant on alternatives such as special land use or a use variance.
The Grand Rapids Board of Zoning Appeals ruled that an aviary or bird sanctuary is beyond the scope of the zoning ordinance definitions for an "educational use," a "social service club," or a "social service facility," a decision that city staff said will apply citywide to future aviary operators.
Rowan, a city planning staff member, outlined the applicant’s request and the planning director’s recommendation that the board interpret the avian sanctuary use as distinct from the listed definitions. The interpretation request stemmed from a zoning violation and a stop‑work order after Albatross Aviary relocated to 1620 Leonard Avenue NW; staff previously conducted a 2024 use determination that compared a bird sanctuary to a kennel for enforcement purposes, but that…
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