Thursday April 2, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:37pm
Meeting Location: 53640 Parkville Rd, Three Rivers, MI 49093

Attendees

  • Board Members: Bob Fenwick, Harry Brown, Olga Brezden, Holly Stephenson, Ryan Spiekerman
  • Zoning Administrator: Matt Jorgensen

Agenda

1. Call meeting to order

Ryan Spiekerman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

2. Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Spiekerman asked all present to stand and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

3. Roll Call

Roll call was taken and members present were:

  • Bob Fenwick
  • Harry Brown
  • Olga Brezden
  • Holly Stephenson
  • Ryan Spiekerman
  • Zoning Administrator – Matt Jorgensen

4. Motion to approve the agenda and meeting rules

A motion was made by Olga Brezden with support from Bob Fenwick to approve the agenda and meeting rules as written. The motion carried.

5. Motion to Approve the Minutes of the Miecznikowski Hearing February 23, 2026

A motion was made by Bob Fenwick with support from Olga Brezden to approve the minutes of the Miecznikowski Hearing February 23, 2026. The motion carried. Holly Stephenson abstained.

6. Announce and Discuss any Conflicts of Interest

None

7. Public comments not related to the Hearing

None

8. Motion to go into Variance Request Public hearing

A motion was made by Harry Brown with support from Holly Stephenson to open Public Hearing at 7:02 p.m. The motion carried.

9. Review by the Zoning Administrator Administrative Appeal Decision

Mr. Jorgensen reported that in February he received an application for a new structure which was returned with fees. The request was for side yard setbacks and maximum building height variances. Mr. Jorgensen pointed out that our ordinances measure average height from the front of the house and the front is lakeside. The plans as submitted called for a maximum height of over 25 ft which is over maximum allowed. The Mostrum survey requests a 9-foot side yard setbacks. It was pointed out that the existing house and garage violate both side yard setbacks are being torn down and the new home design will greatly reduce the setback violations. The new survey does not include the eves in determining the setback. Other point made by Mr. Jorgensen is that the front yard setback steps violate by a couple feet.
The last item to be considered is the elevation of the house. He noted that the average height is currently determined by the front elevation which is lakeside. It was also noted that the variance request of 27ft is incorrect and should be 31.5 ft as measured from the front yard (lake front). As required all fees were paid, Change of Use by Health Dept approved the well and septic. Public noticing requirements completed and sent to 15 parcels and public utilities. Apart from roof height, impact to neighbors is greatly improved. Fire code and safety benefits as a whole are improved. Setback variance for the stairs was noted.
Olga Brezden noted that the Health Dept was requiring a waiver need from the neighbor for the septic. Mr. Jorgensen pointed out that he does not have the authority to enforce their rules and apart from the permit construction of system to code is the responsibility of the land owner. If he does not get written permission the project cannot move forward.
Mr. Brown questioned if the building lot coverage exceeded 27% and it was noted that the survey says they are at 25% with what they are building.
Also questioned were different lot sizes in surveys and Mr. Jorgensen noted he pulled his numbers from the FETCH GIS system and that the Mostrum is more accurate and should be used.

10. Comments from the Applicant

(All comments directed to the Chairperson Doug Wilkinson)
Property owner agreed with Mr. Jorgensen. He noted that the builder was given incorrect information from the architect regarding measurements from eves. The neighbor has already signed the waiver per the Health Department’s request.
Roof elevation was discussed and Mr. Wilkinson noted he had hired a local architect, Starlight Home Design. It was pointed out that codes determine average height and should get clarification why only asking for 30 ft.
The application submitted and completed by builder was based on the architect’s plan.
Mr. Jorgensen figured the height of 35 ft 11.5 inches is correct and Mr. Spiekerman suggests 36 ft.
Matt Jorgensen noted that these decisions impact further decisions down the road and to consider altering mean roof height from lake front.

11. Comments from the Public

(All comments directed to the Chairperson)

  • Neighbors on both sides of the parcel noted no problems with plans.

12. Comments from the ZBA Board while in the Public Hearing

Front yard variance for stairs as illustrated on survey noted

Survey from Mostrum as pertained to footage should be given to building inspector when he does site visit.

Questioned if house next door at 25 ft height will this house be 10 ft taller giving a 36 ft variance. It was pointed out that the slop and topography are the issue. Both neighbors have two story houses on either side with walk out basements with different grades and did not feel it would be any taller than either neighboring homes when viewed from roadside.

13. Site Visit is Optional

(If a Site Visit is needed, no decisions will be made at the site. All members will return to the Fabius Township Hall. The hearing will re convene before any decisions will be made)

14. Motion to close the Public hearing

A motion was made by Olga Brezden with support from Holly Stephenson to close the public hearing at 8:02 p.m. The motion carried.

15. Deliberation by the Zoning Board of Appeals

Harry Brown suggested moving stairs

Mr. Spiekerman did not seen any problem with 36ft. variance.

Olga Brezden agreed pushing back so stairs fall inside not need variance

Bob Fenwick agreed to move back stairs and agreed with 36ft variance

Mr. Jorgensen noted that moving the structure back may put them in non-compliance with the Health Department regarding the septic drain field placement.

16. Review and Approve the Finding of Facts

Mr. Spiekerman read finding of facts 1 through 20 and noted under #10 should change 9,147 sq feet to 10,000 sq ft. The committee gave the following votes on Finding of Facts 21 through 28

  • 21 Does not 5/0
  • 22 Does not 5/0
  • 23 Does not 5/0
  • 24 Does not 5/0
  • 25 Does not 5/0
  • 26 Does not 5/0
  • 27 Does not 5/0
  • 28 Does not 5/0

A motion was made by Olga Brezden with support from Harry Brown to approve the Finding of Facts with amendment to #10. The motion carried 5 to 0 in favor. It was noted that this is a legal non-conforming lot. The motion carried.

A motion was made by Olga Brezden with support from Harry Brown to accept the variance proposal to 7.5 feet side yard set back on both sides of parcel. Roll call vote was taken:

  • Holly Stephenson – yes
  • Harry Brown – yes
  • Olga Brezden – yes
  • Bob Fenwick – yes
  • Ryan Spiekerman – yes

The motion carried.

Olga Brezden made a motion with support from Harry brown to accept the variance request for an increase of the mean roof height to 36 ft . maximum building height. Considering the average grade as defined in ordinance and not as defined on page 36 of site plan. Roll call vote taken:

  • Holly Stephenson – yes
  • Harry Brown – yes
  • Ryan Spiekerman – yes
  • Olga Brezden – yes
  • Bob Fenwick – yes

The motion carried.

A motion was made by Ryan Spiekerman with support from Harry Brown

that we allow front yard set back for stairs as described in the survey. Although do not have exact dimension it will not exceed as shown on survey.

Roll Call taken:

  • Holly Stephenson – yes
  • Harry Brown – yes
  • Ryan Spiekerman – yes
  • Olga Brezden – yes
  • Bob Fenwick – yes

The motion carried.

17. Certificates of Decision(s) Issued

18. Other Communications

Olga Brezden requested that the Planning Commission consider building heights on lake front be calculated from road side elevation. It was felt that as viewed from the road side would give a more consistent appearance.

Public Comments:
None

19. Motion to Adjourn the meeting

A motion was made by Olga Brezden with support from Holly Stephenson to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. the motion carried.

Arlene Brislen
Recording Secretary

Downloadable PDF is provided for convenience.
Download April 2, 2026 Park Township ZBA Minutes