The Clark Township Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a height extension on Steven and Kathy Fountain's garage Tuesday, March 24. The addition will add a second story and new roof, increasing the height of the building to 24.5 feet, which will exceed the allowable height limit of 18 feet under the current township zoning ordinance.

The zoning board (ZBA) approved the request owing to a new height limit of 25 feet to be approved in the new zoning ordinance currently being reviewed by the Clark Township Board of Trustees. The 23 zoning articles in the new ordinance are already approved by the Clark Township Planning Commission and the Mackinac County Planning Commission.

"We are increasing the nonconformity in today's ordinance, but we certainly have a feel that our ordinance is very soon to change," said ZBA member Nathan Harrison.

The ZBA also tabled a decision on a variance request by Todd and Molly Snyder to build a storage building on a vacant lot without a principle structure on South Park Avenue. The proposed building would be 2,400 square feet in size, double the allowable size of such a structure. The current ordinance allows up to 1,200 square feet, however, the revised ordinance being reviewed by the township board is expected to allow up to 1,800 square feet.

Accessory buildings are not allowed on a lot without a principle or primary structure unless built in such a way that allows for a primary structure to be built at a later date. The Snyders' request does show plans to build a cottage in the future.

Mike Lofdahl, ZBA member and township board liaison to the ZBA, motioned to table the case because he felt it would come to a tie vote, owing to only four of the five ZBA members being present. A tie vote would result in a denial.

"We need a vote and we're going to need a fifth member," Mr. Lofdahl said. "It's not [the Snyders'] fault we don't have five here."

ZBA member James Eberts did not attend the meeting.

The ZBA plans to schedule a special meeting so that all members of the board can be present to make a decision on the Snyders' request.

This was the first meeting of the ZBA since October 2008. Board members include Chris Pearson, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Lofdahl, Mr. Eberts, and township planning commission liaison Joe Eger.