Zoning board approves modest carport/shed addition at 22 Horse Hill Road

Joseph and Elizabeth McRobert received approval to add a 12‑by‑20 carport or shed attached to their existing 20‑by‑20 garage at 22 Horse Hill Road in the RO district. The proposal would extend no further into the front setback than the existing garage frontage (existing garage is 32 feet from the road; 50 feet is required).
The applicant said the garage houses equipment and that the family wanted sheltered parking for an additional car and space for household equipment without extensive excavation behind the garage; staff and the board observed the property's slope and wooded rear yard make alternate placement impractical. The board said additions that do not deepen an existing nonconformity and that fit neighborhood character are commonly granted.
A motion to grant a variance from Section 28‑4‑1‑D‑1 (minimum front yard) carried unanimously; board members also noted the addition would not materially change neighborhood character.