ZBA approves reduced setbacks for existing convenience store at 4509 Willoughby Road

The Delhi Charter Township Zoning Board of Appeals approved setback variances for the existing convenience store building at 4509 Willoughby Road during its July 13, 2026 regular meeting in Holt.

Planner Noelle Tobias presented a staff report on ZBA Case #26-185 seeking relief from Zoning Ordinance Sections 5.10.5(3)(B) and 5.10.5(3)(C). The requested variances would allow the existing building to remain 3.3 feet from the south property line (rather than the required 25 feet) and 1.3 feet from the west property line. Attorney Tom Kalas of Kalas Kadian PLC represented the property owner; applicants Rupinder (Ryan) Singh and Rotsin Singh of 4509 Property LLC were in attendance. Kalas said the request is limited to the existing building that already holds a Certificate of Occupancy and argued that the practical difficulty requirement for a variance had been met.

Jan Poellet of St. Matthew Lutheran Church (2418 Aurelius Road) spoke during the public hearing in support of the variance. After discussion, Member DiAnne Warfield moved and Member Betsy Zietlow seconded a motion to approve the variances with conditions that they apply only to the existing building and do not authorize expansion, site improvements, or other development not otherwise approved by the Zoning Ordinance. A roll call vote recorded four ayes (Etelamaki, Kaiser, Warfield, Zietlow) and no nays; the motion carried and the variances became effective immediately.

The minutes emphasize that the approval is limited to the existing structure and explicitly disallows any building expansion or additional site development under this variance. No additional follow‑up tasks or reporting requirements were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The board adjourned at 6:10 p.m.; the minutes show Elizabeth Zietlow as the meeting secretary on the signature line.