Board reserves decision on second-story and porch changes at Wall Street home after plan revisions discussed

The Town of Baton Rouge Zoning Board of Appeals on July 16 heard application 25-108 for 32 Wall Street in East Farmingdale and reserved decision after discussing a proposed second-story addition and wraparound porch. The applicant, Paula Lucuna Wilmo, told the board she planned the second-story so her in-laws could move in because of distance and physical hardships.

Planning and environmental memos and a current survey were entered into the record. The board flagged that the applicant’s earlier plans showed a kitchen on the second floor; the applicant said she removed the kitchen from the plans submitted for the building permit and understood that any accessory apartment or a plan including a kitchen would require separate accessory-apartment approvals and proper permitting.

The applicant said she had spoken to immediate neighbors and they did not object to a wraparound porch facing one neighbor; she also offered to limit the porch to a front portico if the board preferred. The board read conditions on the record that would apply if the application were approved: the front porch not to be enclosed; second-story deck not to be enclosed above or below; basement to remain unfinished as per plans; interior access to be maintained throughout the dwelling; no plumbing or living space permitted in the garage; and accessory-apartment permits to be maintained should there be an additional unit.

After hearing comments and neighbor input, the board closed the hearing and reserved decision. The applicant will receive the written decision by mail.