The following is an update regarding changes in the current zoning laws.

The purpose of this letter is to update the members of the Golf Crest Country Club Civic Association regarding changes in the current zoning laws. The intent is to protect the compatibility, harmony and conformity in the Subdivision that was previously enforced by attachment to the property deed.

The last two years have witnessed the construction of several units that were approved by the city without compatibility considerations. In the last year, the Board of Directors has worked, along with the Federation of Associations support, to change its policy.

For proposed exterior changes, the compatibility issue has been moved from the City Building Department to the Zoning Board of Appeals (Z.B.A.). All residents living within a three hundred-foot radius of the proposed project must be notified of a modification to a structure. The plans will be available for review by these affected residents at the Z.B.A. office located at the Dept. of Building and Safety. A notice of at least one-week prior to the Z.B.A. meeting will be required and if the review of the proposed work is objectionable, then the residents should organize to state their opposition at the Z.B.A. meeting. The Association will support these organized members. The primary consideration is compatibility, the one issue to which the Z.B.A. guidelines are directed. Primary attention would be given to: the mass of the proposed work, the height, yard encroachment, the color of the brick and overall look of conformity to existing neighboring homes.

Present zoning laws do moderately protect us. City Policy dictates front yard set back while zoning law spells out rear and side yard restrictions. The parking of commercial vehicles, boats, and motor homes in residential areas, as well as businesses operating from homes, is prohibited. Yard backfilling requires City approval. Backfilling along drainage ditches is to be done only with approval by City of Dearborn Engineering.

Banning detached storage units and open storage of any material, firewood, building products, unless contiguous to the primary unit is still under consideration.

The City of Dearborn is reviewing and updating its zoning laws. When these laws are complete, the Board intends to issue a pamphlet letting you know what laws you may use to protect your subdivision from undesired variances.

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