Zoning board approves variance to rebuild historic porch at 1216 Fulton Street

The Zoning Board of Adjustment on Nov. 6 approved a variance to reduce the front‑yard setback from 14 feet to 7 feet so an owner can rebuild a non‑enclosed porch at 1216 Fulton Street.

Staff told the board the house — originally built in 1913 — included a 7‑by‑22‑foot covered porch that was removed due to deterioration. The applicant is seeking to reconstruct the porch in the same footprint and location. By current code the porch would need to meet a 14‑foot setback, but staff described the feature as a legal nonconforming element from the building’s original construction and recommended approval with the stipulations listed in the staff report.

The staff presentation noted the property is zoned Medium Density Residential and that Fulton Street at this location has a 100‑foot right‑of‑way; the proposed porch would remain about 35 feet from the curb edge. Staff also said the property lies within the environs of a local historic district and that Special Projects Planning reviewed the proposal; under the present plan the reconstruction does not trigger a formal historic review. Commissioners asked staff to clarify that enclosing or expanding the porch later could require a separate historic determination.

Commissioner Mike Quasi moved to approve the variance with the staff‑recommended stipulations, citing minimum adjustment necessary and no adverse neighborhood impact; Pat seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The board’s approval applies only to the setback variance to reconstruct the porch in its original location; any future change—such as enclosing the porch—would require additional review under historic‑district rules and applicable codes.