Kimball Township Zoning Board of Appeals
Kimball Township Municipal Office
2160 Wadhams Rd., Kimball Michigan
Minutes for May 12, 2026
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Roll Call of Members: Present: Orr, Risner, Zobl, Alternate: Hill
Absent: Strait, Bowen
Also Present:
- Building Inspector/Ordinance Enforcer, Neil Erickson
- Clerk Wrubel
- Deputy Clerk Erdman
- Ron Lowe -builder for property owner.
Motion made by Mr. Zobl to have Mr. Risner chair the meeting in place of Mr. Strait. Support by Mr. Risner. All were in favor. Motion Carried
- Approval of Agenda
Correction of the year needed. Motion to approve the agenda with correction was made by Mr. Hill. Support from Mr. Zobl.
All were in favor, Motion Carried.
- Approval of the Minutes- DECEMBER 9, 2025
Mr. Zobl made the motion to approve the minutes from Dec. 9, 2025, as written. Mr. Hill supported the motion. All were in favor.
Motion Carried.
- Public Hearing for Variance at 6094 Smith Creek Rd
Property ID 74-25-028-3015-000
Desired Use of Property– Extend front of existing Garage 20’ Wide to match and out 24’ additional. Used for additional vehicles.
Public Hearing was called to order at 6:35pm by Mr. Orr with support from Mr. Zobl.
Ron Lowe, builder requesting the variance on behalf of the property owner located at 6094 Smiths Creek Rd. spoke about the hardship request. Property owner desires to add on to current garage for more parking for his children’s vehicles.
Deputy Clerk, Erdman, stated she received two phone calls about the variance, but they were only requests of curiosity and no one with objections.
Discussion
Orr made the motion to close the hearing at 6:46pm seeing as there is no public in attendance. Support from Mr. Risner. All were in favor. Hearing was closed at 6:45pm.
Mr. Zobl made the motion to approve the Variance for minimum setback for 6094 Smiths Creek, to allow an addition to landowner’s garage. Motion to include the application to be filled out in whole first. Mr. Hill supported the motion. Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Zobl, Hill, Risner
No: Orr
Absent: Strait, Bowen
Motion Carried.
Public Participation
- New Business
- Ordinance determination of Article 20.1601A2 regarding Chickens
Mr. Orr wanted to set a determination from the ZBA regarding Chickens in a zoned residential area.
Erickson: Ordinance 142-7 states:
“The keeping of more than three dogs and/or cats, the keeping of pigeons having free access outside their cages, or the keeping of poultry, pigs, hogs, horses or livestock is prohibited within or upon any platted properties used primarily for residential purposes or within or upon any area located within 132 feet of such aforesaid platted properties unless such latter area is located in a commercial or industrial district;…..”
Per Erickson, this property is not plotted on the map. The individual keeps chickens in a nice chicken house.
Discussion about the Ordinance and enforcement
Motion was made by Mr. Orr to keep ordinance as is and enforce no chickens in residential. Support from Mr. Zobl.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Orr, Zobl
No: Hill, Risner
Absent: Strait, Bowen
Motion fails due to lack of a majority.
A motion was made by Mr. Zobl to gather information on possibly amending ordinance 142-7. Support from Mr. Risner.
Roll Call Vote:
Yes: Zobl, Risner, Orr, Hill
No: None
Absent: Strait, Bowen
Motion Carries
Deputy Clerk Erdman will send out emails with area “Chicken” Ordinances to compare and research.
- Old Business
- Officers Reports
- Bill Orr – Planning Commission
Building behind the outlet mall, hearing will take place on May 26, 2026. A good thing for the Township.
Torello is putting a pond in on Taylor Rd and will be purchasing the sand.
Wessel is doing the same on Lapeer with Gillett hauling.
- Megan Bowen – KTBT
Absent
- Adjournment
Mr. Orr made motion to close the meeting at 7:20pm. Support from Mr. Hill, all were in favor.
Minutes submitted by: Michele Erdman, Deputy Clerk
