Property owners appeal rejection of plans for sun room on VBT shoreline

At the May 18 work/study meeting of the Van Buren Township Board of Trustees, an appeal to the township board by a couple who live on the lakeshore in the city of Belleville was removed from the agenda.
Gary and Judy Dapprich, who live at 153 Potter Drive in Belleville, want to convert their existing deck to an enclosed sun room on the township’s lakefront property.
Director of Planning and Economic Development Jack Knowles denied the request because it would extend into the township’s lake property. He followed the township’s policy on the matter that allows unenclosed, low-level structures on the township property adjacent to Belleville Lake. This includes decks, walkways, docks, boardwalks, seawall, boat hoists and other similar improvements.
Enclosed buildings, such as what was proposed, are not permitted on township property.
Currently about one half of the Dapprichs’ deck extends over their rear property line and into the township property line, which is permitted.
The plan is to fully enclose a portion of the exiting deck, including the area on township-owned property, with a multi-season room that measures 14 feet by 22 feet.
This building is proposed to extend into the township property about 8 feet on the westerly side and about 5 feet on the easterly side. The room would have windows with screens, a gable ceiling/roof, and would require additional foundation work to support he increased building loads.
In recent meetings, the VBT planning commission considered changes to the zoning ordinance with the addition of a Belleville Lake Ordinance that would put the prohibition into the ordinance. There is some disagreement on whether lakeside property owners should be allowed to build into the township property or not.
When the item was removed from the work/study agenda on May 18, it was noted that the attorneys for the township and the Dapprichs were talking.
Since 1929, the township has owned up to the 655’ contour line around Belleville Lake or up to the brow of the hill.
Director Knowles gave 30 days notice in resigning from his job at the township and left May 22.