Durham Zoning Board Approves Setback Variance For Front Porch At 16 Austin Road

DURHAM, CT — The Durham Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a front-yard setback variance for construction of a porch and portico at 16 Austin Road during its Oct. 8 meeting.

Property owner Kees Davis requested a 2-foot variance from Section 4.5.2 of the town's zoning regulations for the proposed addition to his home in the R-20 residential zone.

The board determined that the property's legally nonconforming status, the house's unusual shape and its original placement on a 0.22-acre lot constituted a hardship justifying the variance.

Board Chairman William LaFlamme noted that the house and property predate the town's zoning regulations and that many existing homes in the neighborhood are legally nonconforming.

During the public hearing, Davis submitted a property map showing the existing house, property lines, septic system and proposed construction, along with building plans and three letters of support from neighboring property owners.

Following the hearing, LaFlamme moved to approve the variance, with Susan McNulty seconding. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.

The board also approved its Sept. 10 meeting minutes, with Chuck Stengel and Norm Hicks abstaining.

The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m.