Oshtemo Township - Zoning Board of Appeals

Oshtemo Township - Zoning Board of Appeals - May 26, 2026 Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Oshtemo Zoning Board reviewed two primary variance requests. The first request involved a frontage variance for a land division by Jenny Galey of the Myers C. Winer Company. This variance was required to allow a land division resulting in a parcel without frontage in a local business district, with various easements recommended as conditions of approval. The second item was a variance from the minimum development size for a commercial planned unit development (PUD) by Oshtemo Partnership LLC, represented by Alan Edwin Homes. The board discussed the implications of the PUD variance, which fell short by about one acre from the required minimum size, and the potential future zoning ordinance amendments that could affect such requests. The board ultimately granted the first variance and denied the second.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:12)
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 PM.

The meeting officially began with the chair calling the meeting to order at 3:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:20)
Attendees stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting participants rose and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:48)
The agenda was approved without objections.

A motion was made to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded and supported. A vote was taken, and the agenda was approved unanimously with no objections.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:01:10)
There were no public comments on non-agenda items.

The floor was opened for public comments on non-agenda items. No comments were made, and the meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:58)
Minutes from the previous meeting were approved.

A motion was made to approve the minutes from the previous meeting as presented. The motion was seconded, and after a vote, the minutes were approved without any objections or abstentions.
Zoning Variance Request Presentation (00:02:24)
Zoning administrator presented a request for a frontage variance.

Leanna, a zoning administrator, presented a request for a frontage variance from Jenny Galey of the Myers C Winer company. The request involved a land division resulting in a parcel without frontage. Various easements were discussed as conditions for approval. The board was informed about the unique circumstances and potential easements needed for access and utilities.
Questions and Discussion on Zoning Variance (00:05:02)
Board members asked questions regarding the zoning variance request.

Board members asked several questions to clarify the details of the zoning variance request, including the comparison to a previous similar case, the purpose of retaining a small strip of land, and the implications of granting the variance. The applicant, along with representatives, were present to answer questions.
Motion to Approve Zoning Variance (00:12:12)
The board discussed and voted to approve the zoning variance request with conditions.

After discussion, a motion was made to approve the zoning variance request with conditions as recommended by the planning department. The motion was supported and put to a vote, where it passed with unanimous approval.
Second Zoning Variance Request Presentation (00:15:00)
Presentation of a variance request for a planned unit development (PUD).

Leanna presented a second zoning variance request regarding the minimum development size for a commercial planned unit development (PUD) by Alan Edwin Homes. The request was for a development shy by about one acre of the required size. A detailed explanation of the PUD process and the potential impact on development was provided.
Discussion and Questions on PUD Variance (00:32:02)
Board members discussed the PUD variance request and asked questions about zoning.

Board members raised concerns about the density of the proposed development, traffic implications, and the zoning requirements. Questions were addressed regarding the zoning classification and the process for approving a planned unit development.
Variance Request Discussion (00:36:36)
Discussion on a variance request for a planned unit development (PUD) on a nine-acre parcel. The applicant and board discuss the single deed rental model and the need for a variance to proceed.

The board and the applicant discuss the variance request for a planned unit development on a nine-acre parcel. The applicant explains the need for the variance due to the single deed rental model they are proposing. There is concern about the concept plans presented and the lack of specific details about the development. The board questions the benefit to the township of approving the PUD. The applicant mentions the variance is necessary to move forward with planning commission and township board reviews.
Public Comments (00:46:02)
Public comments are invited and a resident expresses support for the development due to the long-vacant property. Questions about house sizes are raised.

Public comments are opened and a resident, Ms. Caracas, expresses support for the development, noting the property has been vacant for many years and could benefit from more housing. There is a question about the size of the houses being planned, with a requirement of a minimum of 1,000 square feet mentioned.
Other Updates and Business (00:55:11)
Site plan review process information is shared, initially discussed at a previous planning commission meeting. It is provided as informational material for the board.

An informational item on the site plan review process is included in the meeting materials. This follows questions raised at a previous planning commission meeting. The document is meant to provide clarity on the process for the board members.
Adjournment (00:56:04)
The meeting is adjourned after confirming that all agenda items have been addressed.

After confirming that all agenda items have been addressed and there are no further comments or issues to discuss, a motion to adjourn the meeting is made and passed. The meeting is officially adjourned.