Zoning board approves setback variance for Pioneer Construction expansion at 4950 37th Street

The Cascade Charter Township Zoning Board of Appeals on May 12 approved a dimensional variance allowing Pioneer Construction to place a building addition closer to a 66‑foot easement at 4950 37th Street, reducing the industrial front‑yard setback requirement from 100 feet to roughly 10.7 feet.

Kyle Mucha, an interim planner with McKenna working for the township, told the board the application (case 26‑3920) seeks a dimensional variance under the zoning ordinance to allow the addition. Mucha said staff found several approval criteria met because the property sits at the end of a private cul‑de‑sac and contains an uncommon 66‑foot access easement that creates exceptional site conditions. He summarized staff findings against the ordinance criteria, including minimum‑variance and practical‑use tests, and recommended the board cite those findings in any motion.

Tyler Barnes, representing Pioneer Construction on behalf of Cascade Engineering, described the project as an expansion of the existing Bursma manufacturing facility to consolidate operations. Barnes said the addition would add about 61,000 square feet of manufacturing space and that, based on the applicant’s calculations, the project would not increase impervious surface. The applicant also provided a project address of 550 Kirtland Street SW for Pioneer and identified Christina Keller as the owner of the property.

Board members focused their questions on the 66‑foot easement and a detention basin shown on the plans. Chair raised concern that the easement creates the setback issue and warned that whoever holds rights to the easement “has full use of that 66 feet,” which could include future changes such as paving that might affect the detention pond and site compliance. Staff responded that those site‑plan and drainage issues would be reviewed in detail during the forthcoming site‑plan review and by the township engineer and Drain Commissioner if necessary.

A committee member noted Kawasaki (the adjacent property) had submitted a letter approving the plan; applicant and staff confirmed the fire department had reviewed and approved the proposed fire lane at a pre‑site‑plan meeting.

After discussion, the Chair moved to approve the variance using the sample findings recommended in the staff report. A board member voiced support and the motion passed on a voice vote. The board did not record individual named votes on the record.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed to the next steps of site‑plan review and permitting; staff and the applicant noted that easement vacating or other changes would be handled separately if pursued.