Zoning board OKs second driveway at 218 Hutchinson to ease parking for three-unit rental

The Big Rapids Zoning Board approved a non-use variance Sept. 25 allowing a second driveway at 218 Hutchinson Street to address parking constraints for a three-unit rental property.

City planning staff explained the request and cited Article 5.62 of the zoning ordinance, which generally prohibits multiple driveway entrances in residential districts. Staff said the house is in an R-1 single-family district but has been used as a three-unit rental (grandfathered). "Article 5.62 of our zoning ordinance states that multiple driveway entrances off the street or alley are prohibited," the staff presentation noted.

Shelby Albright, the applicant and owner, explained that the property’s two existing off-alley spaces are insufficient for three occupied units, particularly in winter when on-street overnight parking is not allowed. She said the front-drive option would provide safer, more reliable parking for tenants. "Comfortably two" parking spaces currently exist off the alley, she told the board.

Board members asked whether the proposed layout meets the city’s 5-foot setback from property lines and confirmed the applicant would need to apply separately for a driveway permit that requires formal measurements. Staff said the driveway permit step will determine whether the applicant can construct a double-width front drive or needs a different configuration.

Members concluded the combination of alley access plus street access presented a unique practical difficulty and substantial justice in favor of the applicant. A motion to allow a second driveway (described in the motion as a 20-by-22-foot driveway or second access point off Hutchinson Street) was made and seconded and passed on roll call with recorded affirmative votes, including Nystrom, Lipnicki, Walton and Taylor.

What’s next: The applicant must obtain the formal driveway permit and satisfy the 5-foot setback and other technical requirements before construction; staff noted the permit process will include measurements and details that could limit the final driveway configuration.