COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater City Planner Dean Walrack said during Wednesday’s Zoning Board of Appeals meeting that a rehearing will have to be held next month on a pair of variance requests from Cheryl Ann Drive property owners Joseph and Sarah Renshaw. After a discussion that lasted for almost two hours on September 29, the Z.B.A. denied the requests from the Renshaws who were were seeking a two foot height variance and a characteristic variance to install privacy fencing at their west front yard right-of-way line.
But Walrack said there were not enough regular members present during the September meeting.
The minutes from the meeting showed there was one regular member and two alternates present.
Gordon Swan is a next door neighbor to the petitioner and recused himself from the proceedings due to a conflict of interest in the matter. The petitioner was told before the hearing that it would require the affirmative votes of at least three Z.B.A. members present to approve the request, and the petitioner could ask for a postponement of the hearing if they want to wait for a full five-member review but the offer was declined.
Walrack said at the time of the September hearing the city’s zoning ordinance limits front yard fencing to four feet six inches in height and 50 percent opacity.
The petitioner said their goal was to maximize a usable play area for a growing family while maintaining a reasonable degree of privacy and safety. The variance was turned down because it did not meet one of the five criteria needed for passage. The Renshaws later filed an appeal of the Z.B.A.’s decision in Branch County Circuit Court.
With Michael Renshaw stepping down from the Z.B.A., Mayor Tom Kramer has appointed David Sattler to serve out the balance of the term which expires in May of 2023. Renshaw was also serving as the Z.B.A. Chair. Gordon Swan was chosen Wednesday as the new Board Chair while Mike Eddy will serve as Vice Chair.
Comments