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Board approves uncovered front porch at 86 Naugatuck Avenue to restore streetscape
Summary
The Zoning Board approved an uncovered porch projecting to 4.4 feet where 8 feet are permitted after the owner said paving and basement repairs removed original greenery; the board found the modest porch consistent with neighborhood character.
The Milford Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance Aug. 12 allowing the construction of an uncovered front porch at 86 Naugatuck Avenue. The owner, Janine Andre Burns, asked relief to build a modest porch over an asphalted front area that was installed for emergency basement repairs when she purchased the house.
Burns said the house, built in 1925, lacked a porch and the paved perimeter installed to protect the foundation left the front elevation “plain,” preventing landscaping and a modest sitting area. She asked permission to build an uncovered porch that would rise to the existing front‑door level and include a railing; she said the footprint would be smaller than the existing paved area and would improve curb appeal.
Board members noted the block contains many houses with porches and said the proposed structure would be in keeping with neighborhood character. Several members observed that the design would not increase building height and that the bay window would remain. The board voted to reduce the permitted projection from 8 feet to 4.4 feet to allow the porch.
The owner told the board she had mailed notice to dozens of neighbors and that nearby homeowners expressed support. The board closed the hearing and approved the variance; the owner may seek building permits to proceed with the uncovered porch.
