Ferrysburg zoning board approves variance allowing homeowner to attach breezeway

The Ferrysburg Zoning Board of Appeals on Feb. 12 approved a variance allowing homeowner Liz Bovee to attach a breezeway between her house and an existing detached garage at 547 Ridge Avenue, reducing the required 30-foot rear-yard setback to 22 feet, 7 and 7/8 inches.

Board members closed a public hearing on the request after neighbors spoke in support. Resident Noelle Frazier of 540 Ridge Avenue praised Bovee’s work on the home, saying it has “turned her home into the gem of Ferrysburg,” and urged the board to approve the addition. Holly Frazier, also of 540 Ridge Avenue, told the board the breezeway would be attractive and “will keep her dogs, Peter and Snoopy, safe from traffic.” Applicant Liz Bovee told the board she provided photos and drawings to staff, said she was not changing the garage footprint and that the breezeway is intended to match the home’s character.

The board’s staff report outlined the request for parcel number 700316254032 and reviewed the variance standards under Section 9.15 of the zoning ordinance. The report noted the property sits in the core commercial zone district, described site characteristics including a rear-yard hill and the Ridge Avenue right of way, and concluded the standards could be met. During discussion one board member said the application and materials were “very clear” and that the request did not raise questions.

A board member moved to approve the variance as filed; another member supported the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve the variance. The motion authorizes the breezeway attachment that results in a 22-foot, 7 and 7/8-inch rear-yard setback in place of the required 30-foot setback for the principal dwelling on parcel 700316254032 (547 Ridge Avenue).

After the vote the board reviewed a notice from Smyrna Township planning concerning ZBA training and discussed potential evening sessions in March. The chair adjourned the meeting at about 7:13 p.m.

The zoning board’s approval is a local land-use decision; the record notes the board relied on findings tied to Section 9.15 variances. The file number and parcel information were entered into the hearing record; any further permits or inspections required for construction must proceed through the city’s normal building-permit process.