Board grants variance to add roof over deck at 1607 West Highlander Court

The Andover Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a homeowner to install a roof over an existing rear deck at 1607 West Highlander Court after the board found the parcel’s shape and lot arrangement created practical difficulties under the zoning regulations.

The city zoning administrator explained that the house sits close to the front-yard setback on a corner lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, leaving a narrow rear yard and a 10-foot utility easement along the back property line. Staff advised that adding a roof over the existing deck would not encroach on the easement and that the roof should not produce adverse effects on neighboring properties. The administrator also reported the homeowner had obtained homeowners association approval and that no neighbors had voiced objections.

Homeowner Long Tong, 1607 West Highlander Court, told the board he sought the roof to provide shade—he said the rear yard receives full sun from sunrise to sunset and his family rarely uses the space without a cover. He said contractors would install pull-down shades in the future.

Board members reviewed the five variance criteria, agreed with staff’s findings that the lot’s shape and narrow usable rear yard create hardship, and concluded no detrimental impacts were expected. Commissioner Gary moved to authorize the chairperson to sign a resolution granting variance case BZAV25-00008 as requested; the motion was seconded, the ayes prevailed, and the motion carried. A resolution will be prepared within 45 days and filed with the zoning administrator; parties retain the right to appeal to district court within 30 days after filing.