Orange Zoning Board Approves Clarified Variance For Birchwood Drive Property

ORANGE, CT — The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a clarified variance for a home at 849 Birchwood Drive during a brief meeting Aug. 3, allowing vertical expansion within a required side-yard setback while retaining previously approved relief for ground coverage.

Chairman David Crow called the meeting to order at 6:59 p.m. at the High Plains Community Center cafeteria. Commissioners Pat Panza, Wayne Garrick and Greg Natalino, along with alternate Michael Sirochman, were present. The board announced that minutes from its July 20 special meeting would be considered at its next scheduled meeting.

The board had no old business before opening a public hearing on Petition No. 1847, submitted by Michael Marchetti for property at 849 Birchwood Drive. The petition sought clarification of an earlier approval involving variances from Sections 383-30(C) and 383-31(B) of the zoning regulations related to a side-yard setback and maximum ground coverage in a residential zone.

Following the public hearing, Commissioner Garrick moved to approve the petition as amended to clarify that the approved variance also permits vertical expansion within the side-yard setback. Commissioner Panza seconded the motion. The board approved the amended petition by a 5-0 vote, with Crow, Garrick, Panza, Natalino and Sirochman all voting in favor.

Under new business, Panza suggested providing applicants with a hardship clarification sheet along with Zoning Board of Appeals applications to help explain hardship requirements. Commissioners discussed the proposal and agreed that such a document could accompany application materials, while emphasizing that determining whether a hardship exists remains the responsibility of the Zoning Board of Appeals rather than the Zoning Enforcement Officer. No formal action was taken on the discussion.

The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m. following a unanimous 5-0 vote.