Applicant withdraws garage variance at 21 Manor Road after board suggests zoning‑compliant redesign

The applicants for a detached garage at 21 Manor Road withdrew their variance application on Aug. 12 after members of the Milford Zoning Board of Appeals and staff suggested simple revisions that would bring the garage into compliance.

Owner Sal Catalano described a proposed 17‑by‑24‑foot single‑bay garage placed close to the east property line; he said the siting preserved backyard use and matched neighborhood scale. Board members and staff noted the proposal left only about 1.3 feet of side‑yard clearance where the zoning code requires 4 feet and advised several small adjustments — for example, reducing the garage width by a foot or two and moving it back a few feet — that would yield the necessary setback while still allowing equipment access.

Board members explained that the Zoning Board grants variances only where a hardship tied to the land exists, and that a desire to preserve backyard configuration or aesthetics is not a legal hardship. Several members pointed out that a narrower garage (or one with a slightly reduced depth) would likely avoid a variance and would not substantially affect the owners’ plans.

Faced with those options, the owners withdrew the application to pursue a redesign that could be processed administratively or brought back later if a variance proved necessary. The board recommended the applicants consult their contractor or architect and attempt to relocate the structure 2–3 feet or reduce its footprint to achieve the required 4‑foot side setback. The owner was advised that withdrawing now avoids a denial on the record (a denial would bar reapplication for six months).