Milford Zoning Board approves special exception for 750 sq ft ADU at 36 Riverview Street

The Town of Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to grant a special exception for a 750-square-foot accessory dwelling unit at 36 Riverview Street, approving Jonathan and Malia Olsen’s application to replace an existing garage with a detached ADU.

The board approved the application during its meeting after hearing a presentation from Malia Olsen, one of the homeowners. "We are taking down our existing garage and rebuilding it in the same location," Olsen said, describing the project as a detached two-car garage with a rear-located ADU intended for family use. "We are proposing a 750 square foot accessory dwelling unit that would be part of a detached 2 car garage with a second story bonus room."

The nut graf: Board members said the proposal met Milford’s standards for ADUs and would not change traffic patterns, encroach on setbacks, or require new curb cuts. Chair Voci announced the board’s finding and the outcome: "Therefore, your application's been approved. There is a 30 day waiting period in case someone just hears about it that has a problem with it."

In discussion, board members — Mike Thornton, Tracy Steele, Rich Elliott and Kevin Overby — agreed the site is appropriate because the new structure replaces the existing garage footprint and remains within the 15-foot side setback. The board noted the ADU would be located at the rear of the garage, minimizing visibility from the street; members said it would match the primary structure’s materials and character. Board members also confirmed there would be "no additional curb cuts" and that the property is served by town water and sewer.

The application specifies the ADU will have one bedroom, will be owner-occupied, and include up to 750 square feet of gross floor area. The applicants reported two internal (garage) parking spaces and four external parking spaces on the lot. The house and lot are served by town water and sewer; the applicants said heating will be provided by a forced hot water boiler located in an unfinished storage area beneath the structure. Board members asked to ensure building-inspection and septic/sewer approvals are obtained as required by the town.

The board ran the special-exception worksheet item by item and recorded unanimous affirmative votes on the required findings: that ADUs are permitted by special exception in the district; the site is appropriate; the use will not adversely affect the adjacent area; there will be no nuisance or hazard to vehicles or pedestrians; and adequate utilities and other conditions are met. The recorded tally was five yes, zero no.

Board members and staff reminded the applicants there is a 30-day waiting period during which abutters or other parties may file objections; after that period expires with no valid appeal, the applicants may proceed with required building-permit applications and inspections. The board also noted the ADU must comply with applicable building codes and the specific provisions referenced in the Milford zoning ordinance.

The meeting closed the item after confirming the board’s findings and advising the applicants of the next procedural steps.