Comstock Township - Zoning Board of Appeals

Comstock Township - Zoning Board of Appeals - March 24, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

The board addressed a dimensional variance request for rebuilding a home in the R1-B district after it was damaged by a fallen tree. The board discussed the staff report confirming that setbacks met current standards and focused on the lot coverage variance. The meeting included public comments supporting the variance, highlighting the importance of maintaining the neighborhood's integrity. Additionally, the board received updates on a temporary moratorium placed on new data centers, solar, and wind projects to allow for ordinance development. The board also discussed recent ordinances passed, including those for battery energy storage and residential chicken keeping, and ongoing work on revising the Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:31)
The Chair called the Charter Township of Comstock zoning board of appeals meeting to order.

The Chair officially started the meeting by calling it to order, indicating that the session of the Charter Township of Comstock zoning board of appeals was commencing.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:39)
The agenda for the meeting was approved by the board members after a motion and support.

A motion was made to approve the agenda for the current meeting. The motion was supported and carried with all members in favor, and there were no objections.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:16)
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved with corrections.

Board members discussed the minutes from the previous meeting, noting a couple of corrections. A motion was made to approve the minutes as corrected, which was supported and carried with all members in favor.
New Business: Dimensional Variance Request (00:03:10)
A request for a dimensional variance was discussed, focused on lot coverage variance.

The board discussed a dimensional variance request related to lot coverage for a property in the R1-B zoning district. The staff report was presented, indicating the setbacks met standards, and only a lot coverage variance was needed. The applicant and public provided input, favoring the variance to rebuild the home on the existing footprint.
Public Comments (00:09:32)
Public comments were invited regarding the agenda item, with neighbors supporting the variance.

The board invited public comments on the agenda item. Neighbors expressed their support for granting the variance, emphasizing the importance of having the house rebuilt as it was a good addition to the neighborhood.
Board Discussion and Decision on Variance (00:12:29)
Board members discussed the variance criteria and approved the variance request.

Board members reviewed the standards for granting a variance, discussing each criterion. They found that the variance would do substantial justice and was not self-created. A motion was made and carried to approve the variance for the lot coverage.
Old Business (00:18:40)
There was no old business to discuss at this meeting.

The Chair asked if there was any old business to address. There were no items to discuss under old business.
Reports from Other Boards (00:19:04)
Updates were given on recent activities and ordinances from the Township Board and Planning Commission.

Reports included updates on a temporary moratorium on data centers, solar, and wind projects to allow time for ordinance development, and a recap of recent accomplishments such as passing battery energy storage and chicken ordinances.
Other Business and Next Meeting (00:27:32)
Discussion on upcoming meetings and potential schedule adjustments due to a conference.

The next meeting was discussed, with some members potentially unavailable due to the American Planning Association conference. The Chair will send emails to coordinate schedules and determine if the next meeting date should be adjusted.
Adjournment (00:28:38)
The meeting was adjourned after a motion was passed by the board members.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, which was supported and carried with all members in favor. The meeting was officially closed.