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Zoning board allows substation to encroach on rear setback for Metro Blocks data center
Summary
The board approved a rear‑setback variance Dec. 16 allowing a DTE‑required electrical substation to sit 10.6 feet from the rear property line for a proposed 217,030 sq ft Metro Blocks data center, with extensive screening required.
The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 16 approved a variance that allows an electrical substation serving a proposed Metro Blocks data center to be sited within the required rear setback.
Scott Cousins, representing Metro Blocks/CU1 Fund LLC, joined by phone and authorized Caleb Saundrath of Kimley‑Horn to present. Caleb told the board the 217,030‑square‑foot, two‑story data center requires a substation located closer to the rear property line to avoid wetlands, an eagle‑regulated stream and heavy woods; he said the substation location was dictated in part by DTE’s service requirements. Caleb said the project includes two‑story screening walls around the substation, landscaping and preservation of existing trees to minimize visual impacts.
City staff read findings: the site is roughly 47.34 acres, a 12.19‑acre lot split is proposed for the data center parcel, and related site‑plan approvals were approved by City Council on Dec. 15. Staff described the substation encroachment as necessary for operations, noted existing nearby utility infrastructure that has operated since at least 1980, and recommended approval based on substantial screening and the rear location of the facility.
Board members expressed some concern about proximity to an office tower being converted to residential use but noted no opposition was present. Mr. Freriedman said he would be concerned if that owner objected. Mr. Jenkins moved to approve the requested variance, and the board approved the motion by voice vote.
Next steps: the applicant will proceed with the previously approved site plan and must obtain all required permits and inspections from the City of Southfield. The zoning approval applies specifically to the substation encroachment; the data center building itself was presented as meeting setback requirements.
