City of Kalamazoo - December 11, 2025 Zoning Board of Appeals

Updated about 17 hours ago

The board reviewed two major variance requests. The first involved a dimensional variance for a screening fence around ground-mounted mechanical units at Farmer's Alley to enhance public safety and aesthetics. The second request was for a variance in building setback for new single-family homes on Martin Street, addressing challenges with infill development and maintaining neighborhood character. Both requests were approved unanimously, highlighting the board's commitment to thoughtful urban development while accommodating public safety and design considerations.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:06:05)
The meeting of the City of Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals is called to order by the chairperson.

The chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals welcomes everyone to the meeting and officially calls the meeting to order. The board is introduced as a volunteer advisory board appointed by the city commission.
Roll Call (00:06:16)
Roll call is conducted to confirm the presence of board members, with one member absent but expected shortly.

The staff conducts a roll call to verify attendance. Members present are Sylvester, Brandon Hamburg, and Mc Reynolds. Harrington is absent but expected to arrive soon.
Public Comments Procedure (00:06:36)
Procedure for public comments during the hearing is outlined, including phone call instructions and live comments.

The chairperson explains how public comments will be handled during the meeting. Community members can provide comments by phone during designated times. Callers will be queued and prompted to offer comments live to the board.
Approval of Agenda (00:07:23)
The agenda for the meeting is presented with no announcements or changes made.

The board is asked if there are any announcements or changes to the original agenda for the meeting. It is confirmed that there are no changes or announcements.
Approval of Minutes (00:07:30)
Minutes from the last meeting are reviewed, motioned for approval, seconded, and approved unanimously.

The minutes from the previous month's meeting are reviewed. A motion is made to approve the minutes, which is seconded. The board votes unanimously in favor of approving the minutes.
Public Hearing Procedures (00:08:02)
Procedures for public hearings are explained, including presentation order and finding of fact process.

The procedures for conducting the public hearings are explained. For each request, the secretary will read the application, followed by comments from the applicant and the public. The board will conduct a finding of fact before discussing the request.
First Variance Application - City of Kalamazoo (00:09:00)
Variance request for a lower fence around mechanical units for safety and visibility in Farmer's Alley.

The City of Kalamazoo requests a variance for a lower fence around mechanical units in Farmer's Alley to improve safety and visibility. The applicant, Brandon Muddle of Smith Group, presents the case, noting public safety concerns with a higher fence.
Second Variance Application - Valley Vision Construction (00:29:23)
Valley Vision Construction seeks a setback variance for a new single-family home due to lot constraints.

Darnell Clay of Valley Vision Construction requests a setback variance for a new home on a lot with double frontage and utility easements. The board previously approved the request, but it expired due to delays. The project is praised for its community impact.
Roll Call (00:42:32)
The roll call was conducted by Mr. Elbridge, confirming attendance of board members.

Mr. Elbridge conducted the roll call, listing members Han, McReynolds, Work, Brandon Hamburg, and Sylvester, all of whom confirmed their presence with 'Yes' votes. This established the quorum for the meeting.
Discussion of Second Request (00:43:02)
The board discussed the second request regarding a variance application by Valley Vision Construction.

The board discussed the second request related to a variance application filed by Valley Vision Construction and Development LLC. This application sought a dimensional variance for a property located in the residential single FA dwelling district RS5, specifically for a building setback from Martin Street. The discussion included reading the request into the record and explaining the necessity for the variance.
Public Hearing on Variance Request (00:49:21)
The public hearing was opened for the variance request, with no public comments received.

The public hearing for the variance request concerning the property at 102 Martin Street was opened. No members of the public came forward to speak in favor or opposition, and no call-in comments were received during the designated time.
Motion and Vote on Variance Request (00:50:54)
The board moved to approve the variance request after discussion and a roll call vote confirmed unanimous approval.

Following a discussion on the specifics of the variance request and its implications, the board proceeded with a motion to approve the pending request. The motion was seconded and a roll call vote was conducted, with all members voting 'Yes,' thereby approving the variance request.
Meeting Schedule Affirmation (00:55:20)
The meeting schedule for the upcoming year was reviewed and affirmed by the board through a voice vote.

The proposed meeting schedule for the upcoming year was included in the packet for review. After confirming there were no questions or objections, the board affirmed the schedule by a voice vote. The schedule follows the standard of meeting on the second Thursday of each month, adjusted for holidays.
Adjournment (00:56:26)
The meeting was adjourned after confirming there were no further items to discuss.

With no additional items on the agenda and after affirming the schedule, the meeting was adjourned. Members exchanged holiday wishes as the meeting concluded.