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Zoning board approves reduced front and side setbacks for Eagle Drive home
Summary
The Paw Paw Township ZBA voted 5-0 Dec. 17 to grant Field and Vine Development Group permission to build at 69211 Eagle Drive with a 16-foot front setback (50 required) and an 8-foot east-side setback (15 required), citing a centrally located wetland and comparable nearby development.
The Paw Paw Township Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Dec. 17 to approve variances allowing construction of a single-family home at 69211 Eagle Drive with a 16-foot front setback and an 8-foot east-side setback, well below the ordinance minimums of 50 feet and 15 feet respectively.
Board members said the property’s centrally located wetland and the placement of existing structures on nearby lots created unique circumstances that made strict compliance unduly burdensome. Chairman Phillip Arbanas called for public comment and noted written opposition from John and Izabelle Hosek and an email from Courtney Lindsey; no speakers addressed the board in person.
Applicant Jeremy Vainavicz said the proposed 2,052-square-foot house would be shifted east to preserve the wetland area, that the location would increase the setback relative to the existing garage, and that the planned parking area would accommodate at least four vehicles. ZBA members compared setbacks on surrounding lots and determined the requested relief would be consistent with nearby properties.
The board made six formal findings under Section 42-11.03 B.4.a of the Paw Paw Township Zoning Ordinance, concluding the variance would (1) avoid an unreasonable burden caused by the wetland, (2) provide substantial justice relative to neighboring properties, (3) not be substantially relieved by a lesser variance, (4) be justified by the property's unique circumstances, (5) not be self-created by the applicant, and (6) observe the ordinance’s spirit while protecting public safety. Neil Boff moved to approve the variances; Nate Smallcombe supported the motion, and the vote was 5–0.
The board’s approval relied on the staff report dated Dec. 10, 2025. The transcript records letters of opposition from residents at nearby Eagle Drive addresses; those written submissions were noted but did not alter the board’s findings. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
The transcript does not record any additional conditions attached to the approval or a subsequent appeal timeline.
