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Waterford Township Zoning Board approves three residential variances, votes 7-0 on each
Summary
At its Feb. 17 meeting, the Waterford Township Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved three variances: a lakeside deck setback at 5214 Durnham Dr, a three‑story exposure variance at 2860 Chadwick Dr, and small front-setback/eave variances at 6091 Monrovia Dr; board flagged engineering review for drainage in the Chadwick case.
The Zoning Board of Appeals for the Charter Township of Waterford met Feb. 17, 2026, at the Townhall Auditorium and unanimously approved three residential variances affecting properties on Durnham Drive, Chadwick Drive and Monrovia Drive.
The board voted 7-0 to allow Heath and Tracy Little to replace an existing lakeside deck at 5214 Durnham Dr with a new deck located 29.0 feet from the lakefront shoreline, reversing the current 44-foot setback requirement under Section 2-104.3. Heath Little, who represented the applicants, said the existing deck is in disrepair and that “the new deck will not be any closer than the existing deck,” and that deeper footings are planned for stability. Board Member Sue Camilleri said a neighboring house has a similar deck and that the replacement will not impede site lines; no members of the public spoke in opposition.
On Case PZBA26-005, the board approved a variance under Section 3-900 allowing the proposed house at 2860 Chadwick Dr to be treated as a maximum of three stories because of site slope and exposure. Applicant Michael Gordon said demolition of a prior fire-damaged foundation left contaminated spoils that must be removed and that crews “must truck out the fill and truck back in 240 tons of soil,” which influenced the site grading and basement exposure. Neighbor Mike Brodzik told the board his concerns about drainage, steep slopes and how an exposed basement would look. Vice Chairman Todd Hoffman and other members said the township engineering department will review drainage and site plans; the board approved the variance 7-0 and noted the applicant must submit a new site plan for township review.
The board also approved two small variances for a new house at 6091 Monrovia Dr. John Lauchlan, the applicant, said the project replaces the previous house and the slightly reduced front setback and roof overhang are being requested in order to retain a large rear-yard tree. Neighbor Scott Leeds spoke in support. Board Member Sue Camilleri described the small setback request and the tree-preservation rationale as a reasonable compromise. The motion carried 7-0.
Throughout the meeting board members relied on staff analysis contained in the case write-ups and onsite photos and plans reviewed during each hearing. The agenda included a reminder of public comment rules and staff contact information; the meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m. following a motion by Board Member Marie Hauswirth supported by Ron Ressler.
