Oshtemo Township - Zoning Board of Appeals - September 22, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 7 hours ago

Tthe board considers a request for variances to operate a bed and breakfast at Seven Oaks Ranch and Retreats. The proposal involves using four cabins and four guest rooms in his residence to host up to seven guests and a facilitator for retreats. Key issues include compliance with zoning ordinances, inspection and approval of cabin infrastructure, and the impact of the proposed use on the local community. After deliberation, the board approves the request with conditions, including building inspections.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:03)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited at the start of the meeting.

The meeting began with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States.
Approval of the Agenda (00:00:22)
The agenda for the meeting was approved by a motion and vote.

A motion was made to approve the agenda for the meeting. The motion was seconded, and a vote was taken. All members present voted in favor, and the agenda was approved.
Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (00:00:43)
No public comments were made regarding non-agenda items.

The floor was opened for public comments on items not listed on the agenda. However, no members of the public came forward to comment.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:04)
The minutes from the previous meeting were corrected and approved with a spelling correction.

The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. A correction was noted regarding the spelling of a name. The correction was accepted, and a motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes with the correction. The motion passed, and the minutes were approved.
Public Hearing for Guest Room Variance at Seven Oaks Ranch and Retreats (00:02:02)
A public hearing was held for a variance request by Seven Oaks Ranch and Retreats to operate a bed and breakfast with two variance requests for additional guest rooms and use of cabins.

The meeting held a public hearing for Seven Oaks Ranch and Retreats, owned by Jeff Ross, seeking two variances to operate a bed and breakfast. The first variance was to allow seven guest rooms instead of the six allowed. The second variance was to allow the use of four cabins on the property for guests, which is normally restricted to the principal residence. The property is located in a rural residential district and meets the definition of a bed and breakfast. The planning commission had previously granted special exception use approval subject to securing variances. The board discussed standards for variance requests, including physical circumstances, burdens of conformance, and public safety. The applicant, Jeff Ross, explained the intent to use the property for retreats, emphasizing the non-commercial nature and the personal use by family and invited guests. Concerns about building inspections for the cabins were discussed. The hearing included questions from board members regarding the use, inspections, and potential future implications of granting the variances.
Discussion on Building Inspections (00:31:14)
Discussion about the lack of inspections for cabins and buildings, issues with contractors, and the need for permits.

The meeting discussed the lack of inspections for cabins and buildings on a property. There were concerns about contractors not pulling permits and the need for inspections to ensure safety. The septic system was also mentioned, and there was confusion over whether the buildings were inspected appropriately.
Public Hearing on Bed and Breakfast Use (00:41:05)
Public hearing on the use of cabins for a bed and breakfast, with community support and concerns discussed.

There was a public hearing regarding the use of cabins for a bed and breakfast. The community expressed support through letters, and the board discussed the special use approval. Concerns about the business nature of the use in a residential area were raised, but it was noted that bed and breakfasts are a preferred use under zoning.
Motion to Approve Variances (00:44:55)
Motion to approve variances for the bed and breakfast with conditions for inspection and special exception use approval.

A motion was made to approve the variances for the bed and breakfast, allowing up to seven guest rooms and the use of cabins, with conditions that include inspections by the building department and approval of the special exception use by the planning commission. The motion passed with a majority vote.
New Business and Updates (00:46:31)
Brief update on upcoming meetings and expected agenda items for the next month.

It was announced that there would be a meeting next month with potential agenda items. This is considered the busy season, and more details will be provided closer to the date.
Adjournment (00:47:00)
The meeting was adjourned with no further business to discuss.

The meeting was formally adjourned after it was confirmed that there were no additional items to discuss. The next meeting date was noted, and the session concluded.

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