Johnson v. Robinson Township

This is a zoning case. Plaintiff landowners have persuaded the circuit court and the Court of Appeals that the Zoning Board of Appeals erred in denying a variance. The defendant township appeals, arguing that the variance was correctly denied. We agree, and reverse the judgments of the circuit court and the Court of Appeals.

I

The parties do not contest the facts. In 1949, the township adopted its zoning ordinance. Sections 501 and 601 of that ordinance provide that, in the district where this controversy arises, a dwelling or other main building is not to be built on a lot that is less than 99…