ZoningVerdict

Variances and appeals in Macomb Township, MI

What the Macomb Township zoning ordinance says about variances and appeals, district by district. Section numbers link to the official ordinance.

All districts

The Zoning Board of Appeals hears appeals from administrative decisions, interprets the ordinance and map, and grants variances (Sec. 10.2404). A variance application goes to the Planning Department with fees, a site plan at 1 inch = 20 to 50 feet showing the dimensional elements at issue, and an affidavit explaining why strict compliance unreasonably prevents a permitted use or is unnecessarily burdensome, how the variance does substantial justice, whether a lesser relaxation would suffice, and how the spirit of the ordinance is preserved (Sec. 10.2406.A-C). Notice is published and mailed to owners and occupants within 300 feet at least 15 days before the hearing (Sec. 10.2406.D). A concurring majority of the Board is needed to grant relief; decisions are final subject to Circuit Court appeal (Sec. 10.2405.A.4-5).

Special land uses are decided by the Planning Commission, not the ZBA, and an appeal to the ZBA exists only where the ordinance provides for it (Sec. 10.2404.B). Fence variances follow the separate standard in Code of Ordinances Sec. 14-29.

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