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Fraser board waives 100-foot buffer to allow Birdies & Brews indoor recreation next to homes
Summary
The Fraser Zoning Board of Appeals voted to waive a zoning rule that would have kept an indoor recreation business more than 100 feet from residential lots, approving a use variance for Birdies & Brews at 34860 Utica Road with administrative conditions and unanimous final support on that motion.
The Fraser Zoning Board of Appeals voted to waive the ordinance provision that bars indoor commercial recreation uses within 100 feet of a residential district, clearing the way for Birdies & Brews to operate at 34860 Utica Road.
City planner Dan told the board he found the site’s irregular parcel shape and former industrial layout create unique constraints and recommended approval of the waiver, but asked that any approval be conditioned on necessary administrative sign-offs. "Therefore, we are recommending approval for the variance from section 32-154 subsection b1 to waive the requirement that indoor commercial recreation uses are not permitted within the building or on the site within 100 feet of a residential district," Dan said, adding that additional information from the board, the applicant or public comment should be included in the record before final determination.
Why it matters: the waiver removes a locational restriction intended to separate certain commercial entertainment uses from nearby homes. Planner Dan emphasized mitigation steps, including maintaining the existing block wall on the eastern boundary to provide buffering and requiring the applicant to obtain any necessary administrative approvals before opening.
The motion to grant the 100-foot waiver was moved, amended to require compliance with all other portions of the zoning ordinance and any necessary administrative approvals, and passed after a corrected roll call. The board recorded a final vote of 6–0 on the amended motion.
