Berkley Zoning Board Approves Kipling Avenue Variance Unanimously

BERKLEY -- August 9, 2022, Berkley Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a dimensional variance Tuesday for a Kipling Avenue homeowner seeking to replace a structurally failed rear addition. The seven-member board voted 7-0 to grant applicant Lorenza Moline relief from two sections of the zoning ordinance, allowing a rear-yard setback of four feet five inches where 20 feet is required and permitting expansion of a nonconforming structure, so that a deteriorating addition with no foundation and a flooded crawl space can be demolished and rebuilt as a mud room, laundry room, and half bath. Member Ward, who moved the motion, called the lot "very unusual" and noted its triangular shape is "atypical of Berkeley residential areas." Staff confirmed no objections were received from notified abutters, and no members of the public appeared at the meeting. The board also heard a liaison report that Operation Grow, doing business as Butter, had received a marijuana retail license on 11 Mile between Berkley and Henley Avenues.