Board approves porch variance but denies third‑floor aesthetic review for 052025 project

The Planning & Zoning Board approved a variance reducing the side yard setback for a porch connection but denied the aesthetic review for a proposed third‑floor dormer and related massing changes on a June 11 agenda item identified as 052025.

At the hearing, the applicant’s team described the project as an addition that includes a connected front and side porch and a modest third‑floor dormer intended to add habitable space and daylight. The applicant said the third‑floor change increases usable area without substantially raising the perceived height when viewed from the street because the eave height remains unchanged.

Board members split the review into three parts: variance for the existing porch encroachment, aesthetic review for the porch connection, and aesthetic review for the third‑floor dormer. The board approved the variance to reduce the side yard setback from 6 feet to 3 feet 6 inches for the porch connection. The board also approved the aesthetic items associated with the porch connection, but after discussion voted not to approve the aesthetic review for the third‑floor dormer as submitted.

Members who opposed the third‑floor aesthetic review said the proposed dormer and its window proportions read “top‑heavy” and asked that the dormer be scaled down, that window sizes be adjusted to better match existing proportions, and that the design do more to preserve the visual hierarchy between original house and new work. Several neighbors and a nearby property owner urged the design to either continue original brickwork at the base or otherwise provide a clearer material transition between old and new.

The architect acknowledged cost and window‑sizing choices but said the team could revise window patterns and dormer scale. The board noted the applicant could return with revised drawings and that the denied portion of the aesthetic review could be resubmitted for reconsideration.