The Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals on Dec. 11 approved setback variances for two separate Martin Street infill lots developed by Valley Vision Construction and Development, allowing new single-family homes to sit 20 feet from Martin Street rather than the 25 feet required by the zoning code.

For 124 Martin St., Darnell Clay of Valley Vision said the request reinstates a previously granted approval that expired because utility and funding delays prevented construction. Staff told the board the lot is a double-frontage parcel with a shallow 66-foot depth and a 20-foot utility easement on the south side, constraining the building envelope; staff also noted elevation views added windows on the Crom Avenue side to avoid a blank rear wall. Staff said 47 notices were mailed and no public responses were received.

For 102 Martin St., Valley Vision representatives said on-site staking and field inspection showed shifting the house 5 feet north would preserve a large deciduous tree on or adjacent to the property and improve usable yard space. Staff noted the lot is a corner parcel with two front setbacks and documented staking and photos in the packet; staff said the proposed position would leave about 6–7 feet between the new home and the adjacent structure and would be in character with the neighborhood.

The board adopted findings of fact for each request and approved the variances after motions and seconds; roll-call votes recorded all present members voting yes on each item. For both Martin Street applications staff reported mailed notices (124 Martin: 47 notices; 102 Martin: 59 notices), zero written responses, and no call-in testimony. Board members and staff praised the infill work and discussed the challenges of developing mature, built-out city sites while preserving existing trees and neighborhood character.

The board also affirmed its 2026 meeting schedule by voice vote and adjourned. The variances apply only to the specified front-yard setbacks and do not change property zoning classifications.