Comstock Township - October 28, 2025 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

The board addresses a variance request from Molly Kirkland Cole concerning a property on East ML Avenue. The request involves a unique parcel shape affecting the frontage, and the board discusses the implications on zoning ordinance standards. They also deliberate on whether granting this variance would set a precedent, ultimately focusing on the property's unique shape and minimal impact on surrounding areas.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:01:13)
The zoning board of appeals meeting for the Charter Township of Comstock is called to order.

The meeting is officially called to order by the chairperson, marking the beginning of the session.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:22)
The agenda for the meeting is reviewed and approved by the board members.

The board discusses any potential changes or edits to the agenda. A motion is made to approve the agenda, and it is carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes (00:01:44)
The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved.

The board reviews the minutes from the previous meeting. After confirming there are no changes needed, a motion to approve the minutes is made and seconded, followed by a unanimous vote in favor.
New Business: Variance Request by Molly Kirkland Cole (00:02:18)
Review of a variance request for property on east M L F for frontage standards.

Casey presents a staff report on a variance request by Molly Kirkland Cole for a property located on east M L F. The applicant is requesting a variance according to article three, section one point C, subsection four for frontage standards. The discussion covers the parcel's zoning, history, and the specific details of the variance requested.
Public Hearing on Variance Request (00:09:41)
A public hearing is held regarding the variance request with no public comments received.

The board opens a public hearing to invite comments from the public regarding the discussed variance request. No members of the public come forward to speak. The public hearing is closed following a motion and a vote.
Board Discussion on Variance Standards (00:10:17)
The board discusses the standards for granting the variance, considering factors like parcel shape and precedent.

Board members discuss the various standards that must be considered when granting a variance. These include whether the variance would allow for a use not permitted in the district, the uniqueness of the parcel's shape, and whether granting the variance would set a precedent.
Motion to Approve Variance (00:18:20)
A motion is made to approve the variance request due to the unique shape of the parcel.

After discussing the standards and hearing from the applicant, a motion is made to approve the variance request, citing the unique shape of the parcel and the intention to use the variance for driveway access as reasons. The motion includes specific conditions and is supported by another board member. The motion is passed unanimously.
Reports from Other Boards (00:28:09)
Updates on various initiatives, including ordinance revisions and new developments, are provided by board members.

Board members provide updates on various topics, including the progress of new ordinances like the chicken ordinance and accessory structure ordinance, as well as new developments in the township such as battery storage units and a new Redwood complex.
Adjournment (00:35:51)
The meeting is adjourned after completing all agenda items.

After addressing all items on the agenda and ensuring no further business is left, the board moves to adjourn the meeting. A motion to adjourn is made and carried, concluding the session.
Discussion on Board Meeting Attendance (00:36:16)
The board discussed the need for a member who can attend meetings more frequently.

During the meeting, the board members talked about how often meetings occur and the importance of having someone available to attend them regularly. It was mentioned that it would be better to have a board member who is more available than some current members are.
Adjournment (00:36:40)
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and carried unanimously.

The chair entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting. A member moved to adjourn, and the motion was seconded. The motion passed with all in favor, and there were no objections. The meeting was officially adjourned.

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