HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Zoning Appeals Minutes 02.12.26
Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes February 12, 2026 Page 1
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MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Thursday, February 12, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
600 W. Maple Street, Lansing MI
Approved May 14, 2026
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Alling at 6:30 p.m.
Present: M. Alling, K. Berryman, M. Jackson, C. Iannuzzi, H. Lowry, M. Rice, & S.
Robertson
Absent: B. Fryling
Staff: S. Stachowiak
A quorum of at least five members was present, allowing voting action to be taken.
II APPROVAL OF AGENDA
III. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
IV. PUBLIC HEARING/ACTION
A. BZA-4100.26, 533 Mall Court (300 Frandor Avenue)
Public Hearing – To receive public comment on a variance to Section 1310.12 (a)(9) of
the Sign Ordinance to permit three wall signs on the building at 533 Mall Court, totaling
1,108.08 square feet in area.
Zoning Administrator, Susan Stachowiak stated BZA-4100.26 is a request by Johnson
Sign Company for a variance to permit 3 wall signs on the building at 533 Mall Court
(former Jo-Ann Fabrics) totaling 1,108.08 square feet in area. Section 1310.12 (a) (9) of
the Sign Ordinance permits 3 signs (1 on each of the 3 exterior walls of the building)
totaling not more than 200 square feet in area. A variance of 9.08.08 square feet to the
allowable wall signage is therefore being requested. Ms. Stachowiak explained that
variances to permit 3 wall signs totaling a maximum of 600 square feet (all 3 signs
combined) on the building that is the subject of this request was approved in 1998. The
ordinance at the time permitted 2 wall signs, totaling not more than 200 square feet in
area. The only change under the current ordinance is that 3 wall signs are permitted (1
on each of the exterior walls of the building. The limitation on the size is still 200 square
feet. The approved variance remains valid so the applicant could install 3 wall signs up
to 600 square feet in area, collectively. The variance request for 1,108.08 square feet,
however, is from the 200 square foot size limitation as the Board cannot authorize a
variance to an approved variance.
Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes February 12, 2026 Page 2
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Ms. Stachowiak stated that the staff recommendation is to deny the variances on a finding
that they do not comply with the criteria set forth in Sections 1274.06 (c) and 1274.06 (e)
of the Zoning Ordinance for evaluating variance requests. Said that the signage permitted
under the variances that have already been approved is more than sufficient to identify
the business and direct traffic to the building. Ms. Stachowiak stated that ranting a
variance when it cannot be established that there is a markedly unique feature of a
site/building renders the ordinance ineffective in accomplishing its intended purpose and
could set a negative precedent for approval of other variance requests of a similar nature.
Ms. Alling opened the public hearing. Seeing no one wishing to speak, the public hearing
was closed
Motion – In consideration of a variance to Section 1310.12 (a)(9) of the Sign Ordinance
to permit three wall signs on the building at 533 Mall Court, totaling 1,108.08 square feet
in area.
Mr. Rice stated that there is no basis for approving the requested variance as it does not
comply with the evaluation criteria set forth in the ordinance. Ms. Alling agreed and
stated that the signage permitted under the variances that are already in effect for the
building are more than adequate to identify the business located therein.
On a roll call vote, the motion failed unanimously (7-0).
V. OLD BUSINESS – None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Excused Absences
Mr. Iannuzzi made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lowry, to grant an excused absence
for Mr. Fryling. On a voice vote, the motion carried 7-0.
VII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting, December 11, 2025
Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Lowry to approve the December 11,
2025, meeting minutes, as presented. On a voice vote, the motion carried 7-0.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT - None
IX. ADJOURNMENT AT 6:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Susan Stachowiak, Zoning Administrator