Planning commission tables site‑plan for 13332 Ludlow after staff flags size variance

The Huntington Woods Planning Commission on a voice vote tabled consideration of a site‑plan application for a two‑story addition at 13332 Ludlow, after staff said the project exceeded the municipality’s maximum house size and would likely require a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Architect Zach Astraff, speaking for the owner, described a two‑part renovation: extending and covering the front porch with a metal roof and building a second‑floor master suite over the family room. Planning staff noted the plans would raise the house size above the allowable limit by roughly 290 square feet as drawn and pointed to existing nonconforming side yards that limit flexibility.

Staff told the commission that some adjustments—deducting stairwell square footage, adding consistent window trim to claim design bonuses, or slightly redesigning cantilevers—could reduce the variance requested but would require updated drawings. Commissioners pressed for clarified plans and cautioned against ad‑hoc “design on the fly.”

The commission offered three options: table the application so the applicant can return with revised drawings, deny without prejudice, or forward the proposal to the Zoning Board of Appeals with a recommendation. A motion to table was made and seconded so applicants could produce a modified plan; the motion passed on a voice vote. The applicants were told they could either revise the design to reduce the variance or pursue the formal variance process at the ZBA.

No formal decision on the variance was taken; the commission’s action simply deferred final consideration until revised plans are submitted or the ZBA acts. The commission noted applicants should clarify window changes, stairwell deductions and any dimensional errors on the front‑page plan before resubmission.