MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - An Okemos resident built a deck expanding 8 feet into his backyard and was later faced with two choices: knock it down or request a variance.

Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Brian Beauchine said most residents are unaware of what permits are needed to make additions to their homes but he says there's a simple solution.

"If you have a question or if you're building something, if you're replacing a roof, call the township and say, do I need a permit for this," Beauchine said.

At the December 9th Zoning Board of Appeals meeting a variance for the deck was requested and approved but a small fee was imposed on the resident.

During the meeting, the Board also discussed a variance previously placed on the home in 1987. However, the board said that variance did not apply to the residents new deck.

The resident will be reimbursed for the application fee if it turns out the 1987 variance covers the eight-foot-deck.