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ZBA grants setback variances for rear addition at 157–161 Chestnut Street
Summary
The board approved variances allowing a two‑story, 21-by-23-foot addition to extend 5 feet into the 20-foot rear setback and 1 foot 9 inches into the seven-foot left side setback for 157–161 Chestnut Street (RC zone).
The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances April 22 for an attached two‑story addition at 157–161 Chestnut Street to extend into the required rear and side yard setbacks.
Applicant Steven Allen of Allen Davis Builders requested relief from Land Use Code section 190‑16, table 16‑3 to encroach five feet into the 20‑foot rear yard setback and up to 1 foot 9 inches into the seven‑foot left side setback in order to construct a 21-by-23-foot addition. The property is in the RC zone, Ward 4.
Allen said the addition replaces an old rear porch and provides more living space tied into the existing house. Board members discussed the lot configuration and the preexisting siting of the house, noting portions of the structure already lie within setbacks. Josh Neely said the home “is already in the side setback” and called the requested change an extension of the existing condition. Members concluded the addition would not intrude on neighbors’ sightlines or materially affect adjacent properties.
A motion to approve, made by an on‑record speaker and seconded by Steve Lionel, found the variance would not be contrary to the public interest, would observe the spirit of the ordinance and do substantial justice, and that denying relief would create unnecessary hardship given the site’s configuration. The motion passed unanimously. The approval is subject to the 30‑day appeal period.
