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Zoning board approves variances for American Mulch Producers after neighbors cite dust and health concerns
Summary
Southfield’s Zoning Board approved variances allowing mulch piles up to 30 feet and setback waivers for American Mulch Producers, despite multiple residents testifying that dust, noise and air quality have harmed their neighborhood. The board relied on staff and the fire marshal’s safety assessment.
The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals on an occasion considered ZBA Case 24-35 and approved variances that will allow American Mulch Producers (RSB Estates LLC) to keep outdoor mulch piles up to 30 feet tall and reduce required setbacks at 20921 Maple Ridge Avenue.
Residents presented sharply contrasting accounts at the meeting. “I’m strongly opposed to increasing the height of the mulch piles,” said Tim Bannon, who read a letter describing dust accumulation on his car and an inability to open his home’s windows because of drifting particles. Terry Bannon and Frank Savage described similar problems, including what they called chronic dust settling that they say worsens respiratory conditions and degrades yards and gardens.
Randy Blackman, the appellant and owner-operator who said he purchased the business six years ago, acknowledged the complaints but said the company has taken steps and ordered equipment intended to move processing farther from homes. “The current allowed height is 15. That extra 15 ft is going to help with the noise,” he said, adding that the plan and new conveyors are intended to reduce airborne debris and that the business had engaged industry experts and the fire marshal to review the plan.
City staff recommended favorable consideration, noting the existing pile locations reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion and that the fire marshal had reviewed the site and supported piles up to 30 feet if the site plan conditions are met. Board members said the zoning board’s legal role is to decide on the variance request, not to rezone the area or close the business.
“So, we’re here to vote on whether a 30-foot mulch pile is a good barrier,” said board member Mr. Rogers, describing the request as an effort by the owner to create a containment barrier; he and other members emphasized that the fire marshal’s approval informed their safety assessment.
The board voted to grant the requested variances and instructed the applicant to coordinate required permits and site-plan conditions with city staff. The record included 13 letters in opposition that were added to the case file.
What’s next: The applicant must complete city permitting and adhere to the site plan commitments and any conditions flagged by the fire marshal and planning staff. No additional board action on this case was scheduled at the meeting.
