Zoning Board Approves Accessory Apartment Variance at 370 Bunnyview Drive

The Stratford Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Dec. 3 to approve a variance allowing an accessory apartment above a new two-car garage at 370 Bunnyview Drive.

Bruce Lovallo, the property owner, told the board he plans the apartment for one of his daughters to help him as he faces health issues. Lovallo said the apartment would occupy the space above the expanded garage and include a bedroom, kitchen, living room and bathroom. Planning staff explained current accessory-unit rules require any apartment to be at least 400 square feet, or no more than 800 square feet, or up to 25% of the home’s livable area, whichever is smaller. Because the house is 1,029 square feet, 25% equals 257 square feet—below the 400-square-foot minimum—so staff concluded “the regulation itself creates the hardship” cited in the application.

Chair and board members discussed whether the hardship was self-created and confirmed Lovallo purchased the property three years ago; members agreed the shortage of livable floor area stems from the existing, preexisting house rather than owner action. Commissioners also noted the proposal fits the neighborhood and that written neighbor mailings indicated support.

After deliberations, Miss Cleary moved to approve the variance; Miss Lynch seconded. The board made a record that the variance requested is the minimum relief necessary to allow the accessory apartment while meeting development standards for the RS-3 zone. The roll-call vote was 5–0 in favor (Miss Cleary, Miss Doolin, Miss Wheeling, Miss Lynch and the chair). The variance is approved.

The board moved on to other agenda items; no further conditions or additional approvals were recorded for this variance.