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Batter Avenue temporary-use request withdrawn after neighbors raise drainage, noise and traffic concerns
Summary
Applicants seeking temporary parking and storage of up to eight work vehicles on an industrial lot on Batter Avenue withdrew their temporary-use permit request after neighbors and board members raised questions about drainage, fence height, diesel emissions, and how gravel would be removed after a six-month temporary authorization.
Applicants who asked the Clawson zoning board for temporary permission to park up to eight work vehicles on a vacant I-1 lot on Batter Avenue withdrew the request during the meeting after prolonged questioning and neighborhood objections.
Planner Andy described the application as a temporary use request under City of Clawson Zoning Ordinance Chapter 34, article 10, section 7.19. Staff told the board the request would default to a six-month maximum if granted; the application contained insufficient dimensions and did not specify the vehicles’ types or hours of operation. Andy flagged potential stormwater and drainage impacts if the applicant installed a permanent gravel surface, and he reminded the board that permanent structures (walls, a pole barn) cannot be approved under a temporary-use action and would require separate reviews and permits.
Applicants Anton and Simon Gorbokovic told the board they bought the property to develop a pole barn/warehouse over the longer term but wanted a short-term place to park company trucks rather than pay off-site rent. They described plans to place gravel and a fence to keep vehicles contained and said they intended to submit site plans for a pole barn and office when ready.
Neighbors objected during public comment and in the hearing: speakers raised concerns about prior ground clearing on the lot, the potential for increased runoff and drainage to adjacent yards, noise (diesel engines and construction activity), light pollution, and diesel emissions from semis and heavy trucks. Several neighbors asked for stronger advance notice when the applicants submit formal plans and called for engineered drainage and lighting plans.
Board members asked the applicants to clarify vehicle counts and types, whether building materials or equipment would be stored on site, and how the gravel would be removed if the temporary permit expired. Because applicants could not provide a definite timeline for site-plan submission and neighbors remained concerned about permanence and impacts, the applicants told the board they were withdrawing the temporary-use request and said they would pursue the formal site-plan application process instead.
Planner and staff indicated they will be available to meet with the applicants to walk through site-plan requirements, engineering expectations, and notice procedures for neighbors when the project is scheduled for planning commission review.
