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Burton ZBA approves front-porch variance for 3491 Laurel Avenue
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing a front porch/deck closer to the street than the R-1C setback requires, with administration recommending approval and no public opposition recorded.
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved ZBA case 25-12, granting a variance to allow a front porch at 3491 Laurel Avenue to encroach within the front-yard setback.
The property is zoned R-1C, single-family residential. The applicant sought to construct a porch that would reduce the required front-yard setback from 20 feet to 15 feet.
Why it matters: the variance changes the allowed front-yard setback on a residential lot in a neighborhood of small lot sizes; the board concluded the proposed porch would not impair safety or the character of the area and approved the request.
Ty Hillacre, who identified himself as the applicant, told the board the project is a modest entry porch to provide an easier entrance and described it as an 8-foot-wide addition with a 4-foot deck: "we're just looking to put in a 4 foot deck for them and 4 foot further closer to the street is all we're trying to do. 8 foot wide," Hillacre said.
City administration reported that lots in the area are small and that the house appears close to the setback line; staff recommended approval because the deck would not impair safety or change neighborhood characteristics. No members of the public rose to speak for or against the application during the public-comment period.
Board members asked whether a roof would be added; the applicant said the work is intended as a deck for ingress and egress and not a roofed porch. One board member noted nearby houses with porches of 4 to 6 feet and said the proposed work would be consistent with neighboring properties.
A motion to approve ZBA 25-12 carried on a roll call with votes recorded as yes from Burge, Craig, Rich Volsky, Fuse, Welch, Raff and Smith.
Less critical details: administration noted the right-of-way width and that, to strictly meet the 20-foot setback, the property line would have to be 50 feet from the road centerline. The board did not attach conditions beyond the variance approval.
