Board grants variance for rear/side setbacks at 1701 Independence Trail

The Zoning Board of Adjustments on Jan. 22 approved a variance to reduce side and rear yard setbacks for a structure attached to the house at 1701 Independence Trail (case ZBA24‑12‑0055).

Planning staff described the structure as originally constructed as an accessory building that was gradually tied into the main house as an addition; not all required permits had been obtained during that work. The property is in a planned‑development zone (PD‑8.1), and the applicant requested a side setback reduction from 6 feet to 5 feet and a rear setback reduction from 10 feet to 0 feet because the structure now abuts the rear property line.

Staff said 46 notices were sent; two returned in favor and none returned in opposition. The staff presentation concluded that, despite the lack of earlier permits, the existing structure met the factual basis for relief and staff did not object to granting the variance.

The applicant (represented at the hearing) and two nearby residents also provided letters of support that the board read into the record. Board members asked about roof attachment, structural ties to the main house, and whether utilities or easements were affected; staff answered that the rooflines and attachment details supported classifying the work as an addition and that no utilities were located beneath the encroaching section.

A motion to approve ZBA24‑12‑0055 carried unanimously, 9‑0. The approval regularizes the structure for zoning purposes; the owner still must complete any necessary building‑permit work and inspections.