Michigan Family Gets In Zoning Trouble Over An Igloo

Here is an igloo a Southfield, Michigan family built in
February. Efforts to delay melting got them in 
trouble with the municipal zoning office. 

A family in Southfield, Michigan built a colorful igloo in their yard during a spell of cold weather last month. 

Eventually the sun came out and threatened to melt the igloo

So they put a canopy on the igloo to block the sun. It was one of those cheap portable pop up canopies small groups of people sit under for shade during summer visits to the beach.

And that, my friends, got the Roberts family in trouble from the Southfield with the city. They got a notice from the city that read: "Zoning and building approval is required for the canopy in the front yard," the notice read. "Please obtain proper approvals or remove this illegal structure."

Remember, this wasn't a permanent structure. The family just sort of leaned the canopy against the igloo, and moved it during the day periodically to block the sun. 

The city of Southfield responded with this predictably bureaucratic response:

"City Ordinance requires permits for all accessory structures, including temporary ones. These requirements are in place to keep residents safe, especially during winter weather, and to ensure structures meet placement regulations such as setbacks and front-yard restrictions"

The pop up canopy leaning against the igloo was meant
to prevent the sun from melting, However, Southfield
Michigan officials declared the canopy an
illegal structure and threatened the family with fines.

To keep residents safe? Safe from what? A piece of plasticky canvas and some flimsy aluminum poles? Safe from allowing the three Roberts girls, all under the age of 5, and neighborhood kids from having a great tine outdoors. Gotta keep those kids indoors tied to their devices instead of getting fresh air, I guess. 

And what are the fees for these permits? Are these permits just a sneaky way to siphon more revenue from the fine citizens of Southfield? 

I'm surprised Southfield officials didn't order the family to take down the igloo as an illegal structure. Each block of ice on the igloo was made of water infused with food coloring frozen into lasagna pans. 

In the end, the Roberts family removed the pop-up canopy, which apparently satisfied the zoning staff for now. Since it was removed the city graciously opted not to fine the Roberts.    

 “If their priorities are a shade that’s clearly over a kids igloo on a warm day for the last couple of days it was going to be frozen, I have got to kind of reconsider the city I live in or who I vote for,” said dad Justin Roberts said.

I heard you, brother!

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