Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Improvements topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zoning board allows homeowner to extend rear deck at 89 Devonshire Road
Summary
The Zoning Board granted an area variance permitting a 6‑foot rear deck at 89 Devonshire Road, approving an extension from an existing nonconforming porch and finding no adverse neighborhood impacts.
The New Rochelle Zoning Board approved an area variance allowing homeowner Vanita Seagal to replace and extend a rear platform at 89 Devonshire Road from about 3 feet 6 inches to 6 feet. The board concluded the proposed deck is substantially similar to the existing nonconforming rear porch and will improve the property’s condition.
Architect John Woodruff told the board the existing platform is in poor repair and that the house’s location — about 30 feet from the rear property line — limits the available yard. The proposed extension would bring the deck to roughly 24.5 feet from the rear property line, an 18% variance and about 5.5 feet short of the 30‑foot rear setback required by the R1‑10 zone, the architect said.
Board members noted the new deck largely replaces an existing nonconforming porch and will provide a more attractive, safer structure than what is currently in place. The motion to approve cited the existing nonconformity and the limited options to achieve the homeowner’s objective without relief. The board found no evidence of adverse environmental or physical impacts.
The board voted in favor; roll call recorded affirmative votes from Fernando Arias, Abel Rodriguez, Carla Clapper, David Fernandez, Bob Stanzial and Erica Eisner. The motion included no additional conditions in the minutes other than typical building‑department review for permits and compliance with plan details disclosed at the hearing.
