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Quincy zoning board approves homeowner’s porch enclosure at 42 Elm Ave
Summary
The Quincy Zoning Board approved a variance to enclose an existing covered front porch at 42 Elm Ave, allowing a 140‑square‑foot unheated mudroom despite a front-yard setback deficiency. No public opposition was recorded.
Chair Marty Akins opened the hearing on ZBA 2547 and the board heard from Jim Chen, who represented the homeowner seeking a variance to enclose the existing covered front porch at 42 Elm Ave.
Chen said the covered porch measures about 7.7 by 18.3 feet (roughly 140 square feet of unconditioned area) and that the property’s front-yard setback is 16.8 feet where 25 feet is required. He said the proposed enclosure would not be heated and would be used as a mudroom for clothing and shoes. The applicant indicated no exterior dimensional changes beyond rebuilding a stoop/landing to comply with code.
Board members asked only clarifying questions about the dimensions and parking; staff noted there were no department comments. No members of the public spoke in opposition. After discussion a motion to allow the petition was moved and seconded and the board approved the variance by voice vote.
The board’s approval allows the owner to enclose the existing covered porch at 42 Elm Ave as described in the petition. The board recorded the approval on Jan. 13, 2026; no additional conditions were listed on the record.
