Stratford ZBA approves setback and wetlands variances for garage expansion at 1356 Elm Street

The Stratford Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5–0 April 2 to approve variances allowing expansion of a one-car garage into a two-car garage at 1356 Elm Street.

Megan Rowley, the homeowner’s agent and contractor, told the board the property is a preexisting nonconforming corner lot with wetlands on the neighboring parcel that complicate compliance with setback rules. "We are looking for a variance to take a current one-car garage with a woodshed and convert it, the one-car garage, into a two-car garage," Rowley said during her presentation.

Board members raised questions about proximity to property lines and potential excavation near the wetland, and Rowley said the work would involve minimum digging on the side opposite the wetlands, use of silt fencing and site controls, and efforts to keep the work within the existing footprint to limit cost. A board member reported a conservation-office email stating the applicant needs only an administrative inland-wetlands permit, which would be issued this week.

The board added stipulations before approving the variance: all necessary siltation and erosion controls must be in place; the zoning enforcement officer must be notified for an inspection prior to any construction; and a condition was proposed that if the structure is fully removed in the future any reconstructed building must meet the required setback (three feet) from the property line.

Mr. Carroll moved to approve and Ms. Sweely seconded; the motion passed 5–0. The board noted the conservation office’s administrative wetlands permit and emphasized the need for erosion control and inspections to protect the adjacent wetland.