Board of Zoning Appeals

The City of Birmingham, Michigan Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on September 8, 2026, to consider two dimensional variance requests related to residential properties. The first case involved a variance request to construct a second-story addition on a nonconforming home at 1072 Ridgedale, seeking a reduction in the required setback between principal buildings. The board approved the variance unanimously, noting the addition did not increase the building footprint and that the request was reasonable given the property's age and existing conditions. The second case concerned variances for reconstructing and attaching a garage at 655 Hawthorne, including setbacks and garage door width. The garage had been demolished due to structural failure, and the owner sought to rebuild it in the same location with existing dimensions. After discussion about the feasibility of conforming garage door widths and structural constraints, the board approved all requested variances with a 5-2 vote. The meeting included detailed examination of zoning ordinance requirements, structural issues, and the impact of preexisting conditions on the variances requested.