Zoning board grants variance for front-yard ramp at Southfield home

The Southfield Zoning Board of Appeals voted July 21 to grant a waiver allowing reconstruction of an existing legal nonconforming front-yard ramp at 25428 Woodville Place.

City staff presented case 26-15 and recommended favorable consideration, telling the board the waiver would not create a substantial detriment to the public good and appeared consistent with the spirit and intent of the zoning ordinance. "Staff recommendation is favorable," the staff member stated while reading the case summary and the recommended condition that the appellant secure required permits and final inspections from the Southfield Building Department.

Appellant Kenneth Amy of K and S Carpentry LLC identified himself for the record; resident and owner Gabby Grossbard of 25428 Woodville Place agreed with the facts presented and asked for a clarification of the measurements. Staff confirmed the proposal would reduce the required 40-foot setback to 21.5 feet at the ramp terminus, a variance of 18.5 feet. "I do. I just would like a point of clarification," Grossbard said when asked whether she agreed with the city's facts.

During deliberation board members indicated no objections to rebuilding the ramp. Board member Mister Rogers made the motion to approve the waiver "based upon the staff's recommendation and the findings," and the motion was seconded and adopted. After the vote the chair reminded the appellant to complete permitting and inspections with the Building Department. The board did not receive any public comment on the case.

The variance is granted subject to the standard condition that the appellant secure all required permits and final inspections from the Southfield Building Department; no timetable for construction was specified in the hearing.