Zoning board clears Plum Hollow Market rebuild, approves setback variances

The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals on June 2 approved variances allowing Plum Hollow Market to rebuild on a corner lot at 21969 West Nine Mile Road after a fire destroyed the previous commercial building.

David Yono, who identified himself as representing Plum Hollow Market, told the board the demolished building is not grandfathered because it was removed after the fire. He said the proposed replacement will be reduced from nearly 10,000 square feet to about 8,640 square feet to allow for more parking and accessible spaces. "We're going to make it 8,600 so we can put a little bit more parking up front for handicap," Yono said.

City staff recommended approving the variances, citing the site's unusual inverted L shape, existing parking and ingress/egress easements and the previous building's historic siting. The variances granted include a front‑yard variance (requesting zero feet where 31.8 feet is required), a side‑yard variance (5 feet proposed where 20.5 feet is required) and a rear‑yard variance (5 feet proposed where 15 feet is required). The board accepted staff findings and approved the request by voice vote; members reminded the applicant to obtain all building permits and inspections.

Why it matters: the decision allows a long‑used neighborhood market to return and modernize after demolition, potentially restoring local retail services and jobs on a site the board said has constrained siting options. Planning staff emphasized the rebuild is consistent with neighboring properties and will have a minimal impact on traffic and adjacent uses.

What’s next: Yono said construction would begin after the city issues permits; he estimated a build time of roughly six to ten months once permits are granted. The board’s approval does not waive permit or inspection requirements.

Speakers quoted: David Yono, applicant/Plum Hollow Market; Miss Libid, ZBA member (motion carried).