Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board approves variance for 50×80 pole barn at 8583 North Clinton Trail
Summary
The Eaton County Zoning Board of Appeals granted a dimensional variance allowing a 50×80 pole barn at 8583 North Clinton Trail (Sunfield Township). Staff reported the lot is about 0.93 acres; the board found practical difficulty due to the lot shape and existing well/septic and approved the request by roll-call vote.
The Eaton County Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve a variance request from property owner Mark Pellegrino that will allow construction of a 50 by 80 pole barn at 8583 North Clinton Trail in Sunfield Township. Staff presented the case (BA-6-205-2), describing the lot as approximately 0.93 acres, zoned local business (C-1), with an existing legal nonconforming former motel on the parcel. The application requests a 37-foot variance from the Granger Road right-of-way and a 20-foot variance from the rear (west) property line to locate the proposed building nearer to property lines than the ordinance requires.
Board members discussed notice and practical difficulty; staff said the county notified five surrounding property owners by first-class mail and received no written responses (one neighbor visited the office and expressed verbal approval). When asked whether the Michigan Department of Transportation had been notified, staff said MDOT had been notified and had no concerns. A committee member who moved approval argued the variance "will not alter the essential character of the district or neighborhood" and said the requested reduction appears to be the minimum necessary given the property’s triangular shape and existing well and septic locations. The motion carried on a roll-call vote with all present voting yes; the chair instructed staff to follow up with the applicant about next steps.
