City of Kalamazoo - Zoning Board of Appeals - January 8, 2026 Zoning Board of Appeals
The Kalamazoo Zoning Board of Appeals met on January 8, 2026, to discuss variance requests from QuikTrip Corporation for a new gas station and from Discover Kalamazoo for a youth sports facility. The board approved QuikTrip’s request for an additional nine parking spaces. The board also reviewed several variance requests for the proposed Kalamazoo County Youth Sports Facility, approving those related to building height, impervious cover, and bike parking, but denying the request concerning woodland preservation. The meeting included public comments from local residents and business owners, many of whom supported the sports facility for its economic and community benefits.
00:00 Call to Order
00:10 Roll Call
00:46 Approval of Minutes
01:45 Public Hearing Procedures
03:36 Variance Request by QuickTrip Corporation
23:33 Recusal of Board Member
24:28 Variance Request by Discover Kalamazoo
33:10 Welcome and Opening Remarks
33:12 Proposal for Kalamazoo County Event Center
34:37 Site Development and Variance Requests
54:00 Public Comments in Favor
63:00 Comments from Local Government and Agencies
67:18 Public Comments in Support of Sports Facility Project
80:48 Public Comments Opposing or Concerned About the Project
94:38 Close of Public Hearing and Motion for Finding of Fact
101:04 Public Comments
107:02 Opposition Comments
108:27 Clarification on Findings of Fact
109:07 Approval of Findings of Fact
109:31 Discussion on Variance Requests
134:22 Discussion on Property Tax Benefits
134:53 Impact on Kalamazoo Neighborhoods
135:52 Natural Futures Protection and Development Concerns
138:14 Procedural Clarifications and Options
144:03 Voting and Decision-Making Process
147:04 Outcome of Variance Requests and Future Options
165:54 Discussion on Impervious Coverage
168:03 Vote on Variance Request Number Five
171:00 Adjournment and Closing Remarks
