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6/12/2007 11:08:00 AM
County board approves building variance
Shelly Strautz
Assistant News Editor
STANTON - A building variance approved Monday by the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners' Economic Development and Physical Resources Committee was the final step in cleaning up an unsightly Crystal Township residence.
The property at 2390 Pine Grove Road was purchased last year by Ronald Williams of Crystal. Since then he has cleaned up a burned home there and developed a plan to construct a 40- by 60-foot pole building with a concrete approach.
Williams' request Monday sought a variance to the county's building code. He asked to be allowed to build the structure 10 feet from the property's back lot line, instead of the 25 feet defined in the county's building code. That would have left Williams with a 40-foot setback from the front lot line on Pine Grove Road.
"When we applied for the building permit we found out that the 25-foot setback rule applies to this property," he said. "Without a variance the front of my building will be 25 feet from the road.
"Basically, with a very busy road I would rather be 40 feet back than 25 feet," Williams said.
He said there are no homes adjacent to his property so he doesn't believe he would interfere with usage on neighboring land.
County Building Official Scott Minard agreed.
"I have looked at the property and everything around there is all storage buildings or storage lots," he said. "He wouldn't be within 50 feet of any existing building out there. I don't have any trouble with his request."
Crystal resident John Bird said he and several other neighbors were supportive of Williams' plan.
"We are thrilled that he took down the house," Bird said. "We are very much in favor of his plan."
However, Adam Eggleston, whose grandfather, John Eggleston, was unable to attend the meeting, wrote a letter opposing the variance on behalf of his grandfather. Adam Eggleston also attended the meeting.
"Mr. Eggleston is of the opinion that allowing the variance would cause increased congestion and interfere with his enjoyment of his own private property," the letter stated.
After extensive discussion, the commissioners suggested a compromise that would allow a 15-foot setback instead of the 10 feet requested.
"We don't approve a lot of these variances," said Committee Chairman John Johansen. "We try to do what's best for you and what's best of the neighborhood."
While not completely sold on approving the variance, District 2 Commissioner Dan Petersen said he would agree to the compromise.
"I haven't heard any real compelling reasons why we should grant the variance," Petersen said. "But it is your property and you should be able to enjoy it so I think the 15-foot setback is a good compromise."
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