Development News for Walker, Michigan

Zoning Board Approves Variance for Narrower Parking Spaces at River City Auto

The City of Walker Zoning Board of Appeals considered a dimensional variance request for 4020 Remembrance Road Northwest (River City Auto). The applicant, Chad Tyrell, sought to reduce the width of parking spaces from the required minimum of nine feet to either eight feet or seven and a half feet. This variance was requested to accommodate a growing business with limited lot space, especially for staging vehicles. The property has a history of variances related to building setbacks. The board discussed the four standards for granting a variance, with some members noting the unusual shape of the parcel as an exceptional circumstance. The city engineer expressed concerns about the use of substandard parking spaces impacting the maneuverability of tow trucks and suggested alternative locations. The applicant and community members spoke in favor of the variance, highlighting the business's investment in the community and the need for efficient use of the existing lot. Ultimately, the board approved the variance, citing the unique parcel shape and the applicant's contributions to the community as reasons for their decision. The board also noted that the narrower spaces would be for business use (staging, parts waiting) rather than general customer parking.