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Board OKs 5-foot variance to rebuild porch at 551 South Bates
Summary
The Board granted a 5-foot variance allowing replacement of a nonconforming front porch and steps at 551 South Bates, noting the porch previously existed, the structure is about 100 years old, and proposed steps have deeper treads suitable for winter conditions.
The Birmingham City Board of Zoning Appeals approved a 5-foot variance for 551 South Bates to reconstruct a front covered porch and steps that would project 15 feet into the front open space, where the ordinance allows a maximum 10-foot projection.
Mike Mora, presenting appeal 2607, told the board the property’s covered porch previously extended to the same location and that the variance was previously granted in 2021. "The original porch projects exactly 10 feet into that, and then the steps project the extra 5 or real close to that," Mora said, explaining demolition occurred because the old structure was too deteriorated to save.
Jeff Rizzo of Fenn and Associates, representing the applicant and the builder, said the request essentially restores the porch to its prior footprint and that the slightly larger step treads being proposed are safer in Michigan winters. "With the 5 foot additional with the steps, we feel that it's, you know, not too big of an ask," Rizzo said.
No members of the public appeared to comment on the application. A board member recorded in the transcript as "Mister Ray" moved to approve the variance, tying approval to the plans submitted to the city; John Miller seconded. Board members cited the house’s age (about 100 years), the practical need for adequate exterior step treads in winter weather, and said the request represented a modest rehabilitation rather than a new encroachment.
A roll call recorded 'Yes' votes for Ron Reddy; John Miller; Jason Canister/Canvas; Kevin Hart; and Crowder (as spoken in the transcript). The chair announced the variance approved and the board tied the approval to the submitted plans; planning department review and any permits remain required before construction.
