Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves porch and steps variance for 551 South Bates tied to previously submitted plans
Summary
The Board unanimously approved a 5-foot variance to rebuild a covered front porch and steps at 551 South Bates, citing the house’s age and prior nonconforming condition; no public opposition spoke at the meeting.
The Birmingham City Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5-0 to grant a 5-foot variance allowing a rebuilt front covered porch and steps at 551 South Bates, tying the approval to the previously submitted plans.
City staff member Mike Mora told the board that the ordinance permits a porch—including steps—to project up to 10 feet into front open space but the proposed porch and steps would extend about 15 feet, producing the five-foot variance request. Mora said the existing porch was nonconforming and that demolition of a deteriorated structure required a fresh variance application; a similar variance had been granted in 2021.
Jeff Rizzo of Fenn and Associates, representing the applicant, said the work would largely restore what was previously there and described the request as “a very basic variance” to replace the porch and pour new concrete steps. He said the builder and design team were present to answer technical questions.
No members of the public spoke on this appeal.
Board member Ron Reddy moved to approve, citing the property’s age (about 100 years) and special conditions that warrant relief; John Miller seconded and noted that the proposed step treads are slightly larger than the minimum and likely safer for Michigan winter conditions. The board called the roll: John Reddy, John Miller, Jason Cavison, Kevin Hart and Carl Connor each voted yes, and the variance was approved 5-0 and tied to the submitted plans.
The board’s approval allows the applicant to reconstruct the covered porch and steps consistent with the plans presented to the city.
