Depew ZBA unanimously approves front-porch setback variance at 21 Tyler Street

The Village of Depew Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant an area-variance that permits a front porch to be built within the required front-yard setback at 21 Tyler Street.

Nathan Manser, speaking for applicant Ashley Manser, said the work is intended to address safety concerns with the existing entry: "Currently it's like 6 steps in there in a row and they're old height, they're not the current standard," and the project will reduce the number of steps to meet modern standards.

Board members heard the six statutory area-variance criteria read into the record and reviewed the applicant's written responses. The chair summarized the answers as indicating no expected detriment to neighborhood character, no viable alternative other than relief, and no substantial environmental impact, but said the "self-created difficulty" question likely weighed the other way.

A board member gave on-the-record, approximate measurements related to the request, noting the lot is roughly 60 feet to the front property line and the applicant seeks about an 8-foot setback relief; the member described those figures as estimates made in the meeting. Member Yarborough moved to grant the variance; Member Bernard seconded. Roll-call votes were recorded as Galvin Yes, Overholt Yes, Bernard Yes, Yarborough Yes and Acting Chairman Delaney Yes. The motion passed 5–0 and the variance was granted.

The hearing proceeded to the next agenda item after the board closed public comment on this application.