Brown v. East Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals

In the spring of 1979, 18 duplexes were built in a two-block area of the City of East Lansing. The duplexes were immediately rented to students, which resulted in a population increase of over 110 people in the two-block area. At the time the duplexes were built, the City of East lansing had enacted a zoning ordinance which required a lot width of 75 feet for new duplex construction. The ordinance did not become effective until after the 18 duplexes were completed.

During 1979, Lester Wolterink (intervenor), who lived in the two-block area in an older dwelling, decided to sell his property and…