The Rome Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 Oct. 1 to approve an area variance allowing an expansion of an attached garage at 1406 North George Street that reduces the required interior side-yard setback from 10 feet to 6 feet 10 inches.

The property is in the R1-8 zone, where table 80-6-1 of the Rome zoning code sets a 10-foot minimum interior side setback for detached single-family dwellings. The applicants, Joe and Lorraine Griffo, requested the reduction to create a third garage stall to accommodate an additional vehicle.

On the record, Joe Griffo said the expansion is needed for vehicle protection and security and that the project would tie into the existing garage structure. “There is a need for a third stall to accommodate an additional vehicle,” Griffo said. He added that a small shed on the property will be removed and the new work would extend the existing driveway to the road from the alley.

The United County Department of Planning provided no recommendation in a Sept. 11 memo signed by James J. Genovese. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearing.

Board members asked whether the work required a curb cut; the applicants confirmed the driveway will continue to the road and that there is no new curb cut required. After members voted in favor, the board advised the Griffos to work with Mark Domenico in the codes enforcement office to secure building permits and ensure the addition meets required standards.

The variance approval applies only to the setback reduction; building permits, inspections and compliance with applicable codes remain necessary before construction.