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Planning board urges denial on garage, driveway variances for Jonathan Lerner property
Summary
The board recommended a negative referral to the Zoning Board of Appeals for Jonathan Lerner’s application (ZBA 02027‑25), citing factual inconsistencies in the applicant’s justification, an illegal circular driveway and no stated hardship; the motion passed unanimously.
The Stamford City Planning Board voted unanimously to send a negative referral on ZBA application 02027‑25, associated in the record with Jonathan Lerner, which seeks variances for street‑line setback, street‑center setback and building coverage connected to a garage and driveway redesign.
Staff (Lindsay) told the board the property can remain a single‑family dwelling without variances and that the application’s benefits — including removal of an illegal circular driveway and a second curb cut — could improve safety and compliance. Board members questioned a written claim that the proposed expansion is "no closer to the street line and street centre" than the northern portion of the lot, noting the road curvature makes that statement inaccurate. Members also flagged granite ("Belgian block") pavers on site that lack a city waiver and said the proposed larger garage appears to be the primary driver of the variance request.
Member 6 and others concluded the application did not demonstrate the minimum necessary hardship and that many benefits could be achieved without variances. The planning board moved to pass a negative referral to the ZBA; the motion carried unanimously.
Next steps: the planning board’s negative referral will be transmitted to the ZBA. Zoning enforcement may continue to work with the applicant on nonconforming elements such as the circular driveway and stone pavers.
