City of Kalamazoo - October 9, 2025 Zoning Board of Appeals

Updated 4 days ago

The Board addresses several zoning variance requests, primarily concerning a proposed parking deck and event center. The meeting focuses on the approval of variances for large electronic message displays (EMDs) on the parking deck and event center. Detailed discussions include the environmental impact of new parking areas, the necessity for temporary parking due to construction, and the architectural integration of signage into the event center design. The Board emphasizes the importance of balancing development with community needs and environmental considerations.

Chapters

Roll Call (00:04:26)
The roll call for the meeting was conducted by staff, confirming the presence of board members Sylvester, Vanden Hamburg, Work, Harrington, McReynolds, and Han.

Staff conducted a roll call at the beginning of the meeting, ensuring that all board members were present. Mr. Sylvester, Vanden Hamburg, Work, Harrington, McReynolds, and Han all confirmed their attendance.
Public Comments and Agenda Announcements (00:05:02)
Public comments can be made during designated periods. An announcement was made regarding feedback from the city planner on a zoning ordinance amendment.

The meeting agenda included a section for public comments, stating that community members could provide comments during designated times. An announcement was made that there were no changes to the agenda, and feedback from the city planner was received on a proposed amendment to increase the zoning board of appeals membership to seven, to be included in future planning commission agendas.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:27)
The minutes from the last meeting were reviewed and approved by the board with no changes.

The board moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. After asking for any changes and finding none, a motion was made to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded, and the minutes were approved unanimously by voice vote.
Public Hearing Procedure Explanation (00:07:05)
The procedure for conducting the public hearing was explained, including the sequence of events and how public comments would be handled.

The board chair explained the procedure for the public hearing. The secretary reads the application into the public record, the applicant presents their case, and public comments are solicited, starting with those in favor and then those opposed. Any call-in comments will be aired before the public hearing is closed and the board proceeds with the finding of fact.
Variance Application for Zoning Ordinance (00:09:00)
A variance application was presented by AVB Inc. to allow a standalone parking lot on a corner lot, which requires a variance due to zoning restrictions.

AVB Inc. applied for a variance to allow a standalone parking lot on a corner lot in the LW-1 district, where it is not normally permitted. The application was presented by the applicant, who explained the need for the variance as part of a larger development plan involving housing and parking solutions for downtown. The board listened to the presentation and asked questions about the project and its implications.
Public Hearing and Comments (00:25:07)
The public hearing was opened, and Mr. Stuckey spoke in opposition, expressing concerns about environmental impact and long-term plans for the parking lot.

During the public hearing, Mr. Stuckey, a resident, spoke against the proposed parking lot, citing concerns about aesthetics, environmental impact, and the temporary nature of the parking solution. He questioned the guarantees about the parking lot's removal after five years and emphasized the need for green spaces.
Board Discussion and Conditions (00:32:55)
The board discussed the conditions of the variance, particularly the five-year sunset provision and the requirement to remove the parking lot if no primary use is established.

The board engaged in a discussion about the proposed variance and the conditions attached to it. Staff recommended a five-year sunset provision, requiring the removal of parking lot improvements at the end unless a primary use for the site is established. Board members and staff discussed the implications of this condition and how it would be enforced.
Discussion on Surface Parking Lot Development (00:37:23)
Discussion on temporary use of a parking lot with a five-year condition to promote future development, addressing environmental concerns and site plan review.

The board discussed a proposal to use a site as a temporary parking lot for five years to support adjacent development projects. The conversation covered the need to ensure the lot does not become permanent, the materials used for construction, and environmental considerations. The board deliberated on their authority to mandate specific materials and the role of the site plan review committee in ensuring compliance with stormwater management requirements.
Zoning Variance Application for Parking Lot (00:48:00)
The board considered a zoning variance application to allow a parking lot for five years, facilitating new housing development in Kalamazoo.

The zoning board discussed a variance application allowing a temporary parking lot on a site previously used as a construction staging area. The five-year variance is intended to support housing development in Kalamazoo. The board explored potential outcomes if development does not proceed within five years and the possibility of reapplying for an extension.
Approval of Variance Request (00:57:00)
The board approved the variance request with conditions as recommended by staff, allowing for temporary parking lot use.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the variance request for a temporary parking lot with conditions, including a five-year limitation. The vote was conducted by roll call and the variance was granted.
Presentation on Event Center Signage Variance Request (01:00:00)
Presentation on signage variance requests for Kalamazoo event center, including wall signs and electronic message displays.

Kendra Daniel presented a request for variances related to signage at the new Kalamazoo event center. The request included variances for wall sign size, electronic message displays (EMDs), and permission for full motion video on certain signs. The presentation highlighted the unique nature of the building and the need for signs that fall outside standard zoning allowances.
Staff Comments on Signage Variance (01:07:00)
Staff provided comments on the signage variance request, highlighting the absence of freestanding signs and focusing on building-mounted signage.

Staff comments covered the details of the requested signage variances, noting the lack of freestanding signs and focusing on wall signs and EMDs on the event center and parking deck. The need for variances was explained in terms of the overall size and functionality of the signs, which are intended to enhance visibility for the multi-use event center.
Discussion on Multi-use Board Signage (01:11:59)
Discussion on unique technology of the multi-use board where the building structure is visible when the board is off.

A unique technology multi-use board is being installed that allows the structure of the building to be seen when it is not turned on. This means it will not appear as a large white screen when not in use.
Variances for Wall Signage (01:12:28)
Discussion on several variances related to wall sign size, EMD usage, and full motion video usage.

Various variances were discussed including: 1) Maximum size for wall signs in the zone district; 2) Allowance for changeable copy boards or EMDs; 3) Comparison with the Wings Event Center's freestanding sign; 4) Conditions for full motion video usage on the EMD, with guidelines to be followed.
Event Center Signage Discussion (01:15:03)
Discussion on signage for the event center, including the locations and size of signs on different sides of the building.

The event center signage requires variances for signs on the east, north, and west sides, with specific discussions on the Bronco logo and Western Michigan University channel letters. Only the west side exceeds the overall sign square footage allowance.
Public Hearing and Comments (01:20:01)
Public hearing opened for comments on the signage variances with one participant expressing concerns about EMD impact.

The public hearing was opened to gather comments in favor or opposition to the proposed signage variances. Matt Conley expressed concerns about the east-facing EMD affecting his tenants with light and noise pollution and sought assurances regarding its impact.
Discussion on Parking Deck and Event Center Variances (01:27:02)
Detailed discussion on the variances for the parking deck and event center signage and their impact.

The discussion covered the multi-use nature of the event center, the lack of freestanding signs, and the integration of the signage into the building's architecture. Concerns about the EMD's impact on nearby residents were also discussed.
Motions and Votes on Variances (01:33:00)
Board members made motions and voted on the approval of variances for signage on the parking deck and event center.

The board discussed and voted on several motions related to the dimensional variances for the parking deck and event center signage. Each variance was discussed, and the board approved them with conditions as specified by the staff.
Adjournment (01:43:00)
The meeting was adjourned after the completion of all agenda items.

After discussing and voting on all the agenda items, the meeting was officially adjourned by the board.