07.14.2026 Board of Zoning Appeals

The City of Birmingham, MI Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on July 14, 2026, to consider two dimensional variance appeals related to residential property developments. The first appeal involved a historic property at 504-506 Townsen Street, where the owners requested variances for setbacks and distance between buildings to convert a former duplex into a single-family home with an addition. The board discussed the impact on neighboring properties and the historic preservation considerations before unanimously approving the variances tied to the submitted plans, including the demolition of an existing garage. The second appeal concerned 1982 Haynes Street, where the owner sought a variance for a side setback to construct a new home with an attached garage. Despite some neighbor concerns about light and privacy, the board approved the variance, noting it was a previously granted variance and necessary for reasonable use of the property. The board encouraged communication between the parties to potentially adjust the home placement slightly to address neighbor concerns. Both approvals were contingent on adherence to the submitted plans. No other business was conducted.