ZBA approves variances for 46 South Beach Drive after applicant lowers pool and trims roof elements

NORWALK — The Norwalk Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve variances and the Coastal Area Management (CAM) application for 46 South Beach Drive on a 4–0 vote, with Chairman Andy Conroy abstaining.

The application from Plankport LLC seeks multiple variances to elevate and alter an existing single-family residence to meet federal and local flood-elevation requirements while retaining some nonconformities, including building height and front-yard parking encroachment. The applicants presented revised plans that eliminated an elevated pool and adjoining deck, removed two cupolas, reduced one wing’s roof by 2.5 feet, lowered the pool to grade and removed an existing shed.

“Since the renovations and proposed additions will exceed the 25% appraised value, the new regulations then require us to elevate the structure to meet the minimum flood,” said Liz Saatchi, partner at Carmitore and Sendak in Hennessy, who represented the owners, Michael and Christine Angelakis. She summarized that the finished floor and freeboard will be raised to 17 feet to meet FEMA and the city flood elevation (15 feet FEMA plus 2 feet city), and that most design changes were driven by that required elevation.

Why…