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Middletown zoning board approves five variances, tables used-car-lot request
Summary
The Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved five area-and-dimensional variances — for a front-yard shed, a school facility, a backyard recreational court, and parking setbacks — and tabled a use-variance request to convert a residential parcel into a used-car lot pending applicant attendance.
The Middletown Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 2025 approved five variance requests and tabled a separate use-variance application for a proposed used-car lot, the board announced after a meeting that included staff reports, applicant testimony and public comments.
The board approved an area-and-dimensional variance for 4131 Merrill Drive to permit a 12-by-24 shed in the property’s technical front yard. Applicant Alan Prophet told the board the structure will be “behind the detached garage” and oriented toward Jennifer Lane; staff said the shed meets other code requirements and was approved by the architectural review board. The motion carried on a roll-call vote, 6–0.
The board also approved St. John’s Catholic Church’s request to build a consolidated 4,200-square-foot facility at 3806 Manchester Road that exceeds the 15-foot accessory height limit; architect David Helmers said the site lacks a definable rear yard and the proposed midpoint roof height (about 25½ feet) was needed to meet program needs. Commissioners cited special site conditions and neighborhood character when approving the variance, 6–0.
At 4729 Dunham Drive, the board approved a dimensional variance to allow a recreational court that will exceed 25% of the rear-yard area. Owner Sean Roland said the footprint was reduced from a prior application, lighting plans comply with city standards and lighting will be controllable; neighbors who supported the proposal noted similar courts exist in nearby yards. The board voted 6–0.
At 3711 Commerce Drive the board approved a variance to reduce the five-foot parking setback required for lots with five or more spaces, allowing the applicant to place customer parking adjacent to the right-of-way to serve a proposed restaurant and other tenants; the motion passed 6–0.
Separately, the board considered a use-variance request for 2019 Oxford State Road / 3228 Omaha Street to permit automotive sales. Staff reported a notice of violation and that no certificate of zoning compliance for auto sales is on file. City counsel warned that an approval would apply to the entire parcel (including an on-site residence). The applicant, Dylan Mohammed, was not present; after discussion the board voted to table the application to the December meeting and urged the applicant to attend so the board can address outstanding questions, including parcel-wide impacts and prior enforcement history.
All formal votes reported at the meeting were unanimous by roll call. The board closed the hearing with no further business and adjourned.
Authorities cited during deliberations included the Middletown Development Code (accessory uses, height and setback provisions) and the city’s notice/appeals procedures for variances. The board scheduled the tabled use-variance for further consideration at the next meeting.
