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ZBA permits farmer’s porch at 105 Federal Hill Road to replace unsafe landing
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a special exception to allow a slightly larger front setback encroachment so the owners of 105 Federal Hill Road can replace a failing 5x5 landing with a 24-foot‑wide farmer’s porch; board cited improved safety, stormwater control and aesthetics and voted unanimously.
The Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment on Jan. 16 granted a special exception permitting a farmer’s porch that will encroach an additional 1.5 feet into the front setback at 105 Federal Hill Road, a historic Cape-style house that the applicant said dates to the late 1700s.
Applicant Brian Pratt told the board the existing front landing is small (about 5 by 5) and in poor condition; the proposed farmer’s porch would be roughly 24 feet wide and extend about one additional foot in depth to make the porch functional for seating and better match the house’s dormer proportions. Pratt said the broader porch would also help direct roof runoff away from a granite‑block foundation that currently receives concentrated stormwater and contributes to basement moisture.
Board members considered neighborhood character, sight lines and pedestrian/vehicle safety. Several members noted Federal Hill contains other older houses with porches and that the proposed change is an aesthetic and functional improvement. Members found the site is separated from the road by a fence and grade change, and they said the addition is unlikely to create hazards or diminish neighboring property values.
The board recorded unanimous votes in favor of the special exception (Case 2024‑18). No additional permitting conditions beyond normal building‑permit and inspection requirements were imposed during the ZBA decision; board members reminded the applicant that required building‑department permits and inspections will apply before construction.
What’s next: the approval is subject to the 30‑day appeal period; the applicant was reminded to follow standard permitting and inspection processes before construction.
