Delhi Township ZBA denies fence‑orientation variance for 2222 Moorwood Drive

The Delhi Charter Township Zoning Board of Appeals denied a variance for a fence at 2222 Moorwood Drive during its July 13, 2026 meeting in Holt.

Noelle Tobias, the township planner, reviewed the staff report for ZBA Case #26-184 seeking relief from Zoning Ordinance Section 6.2.4(2)(D)(3) to allow an existing fence whose structural members are not directed inward. Applicant Dale Burrow of Burrow Construction told the board he was confused about the ordinance requirements and said the photograph submitted with his permit application was provided for reference rather than as a definitive plan. Member Glen Etelamaki said the fence ‘‘looked better than most,’’ but Tobias replied that visual quality did not change the fact that the installation does not comply with the fence‑orientation standard and that granting the variance could set a precedent.

The public hearing produced no oral comments; the board received a written email of support from Vincent Dragonetti of 2211 Aspenwood Drive. After discussion, Member Glen Etelamaki moved and Member Betsy Zietlow seconded a motion to deny the requested variances, finding the applicant had not demonstrated the Basic Conditions and at least one Special Condition required under Section 4.4.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. A roll call vote recorded four ayes (Etelamaki, Kaiser, Warfield, Zietlow) and no nays, and the motion carried.

The denial means the fence remains out of compliance with the fence‑orientation provision; the board did not authorize any waiver or follow‑up remedy in the minutes. The hearing record notes the board’s concern about precedent as a primary reason for denial.

The minutes list Elizabeth Zietlow as the meeting secretary on the signature line; minutes show no further action on this case at the July 13 meeting.