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Warren ZBA approves porch and setback variances for multiple Baker and Associates parcels
Summary
The Warren Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved variances allowing porches up to 5 feet into the front setback and modest increases in lot coverage and reduced rear setbacks for several Baker and Associates Realty Group parcels on Packard and Hupp streets. No public opposition was recorded.
The Warren Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 28 granted a series of variances to Baker and Associates Realty Group that will allow porches to extend up to 5 feet into the front setback and increase permitted lot coverage on multiple parcels on Packard and Hupp streets.
Faye Baker, representative for Baker and Associates Realty Group, told the board the porches were not reflected on the original site plans because the civil engineer labeled the feature a landing. “We have a porch that’s on the property…so I’m just coming in to ask that you allow 5 feet for us to have a porch on the front of the home,” Baker said. She said three houses are currently up, two have sold and another had an expected offer by the end of the week.
The board approved the requests in several grouped votes. For 7567 and 7575 Packard the motion to grant a 5-foot front-porch variance was moved by Mister Jersey and supported; board members recorded affirmative votes and the items were approved. Similar motions and votes followed to permit a 27-foot rear setback with up to 37% lot coverage and porches up to 5 feet for parcels identified on Hupp and Packard; those grouped motions were also approved.
Planning staff had earlier read an impact statement saying review of the petitions (items 6–25) found no issues affecting public safety, and noted an administrative approval dated Feb. 21, 2025, had reestablished plat lines to create 20 parcels for single-family development, conditioned on retaining a 10-foot public easement and with no objections from engineering, fire or building divisions.
Board members asked clarifying questions about parcel numbers, the reason porches were omitted from initial plans and whether the variances would be a detriment to the neighborhood. Mister Brock and others who visited the open house praised the interiors. Baker explained the porch became necessary to add steps and a landing; board members accepted that explanation when casting their votes.
The record shows no public commenters opposed to the variances; the board closed public testimony before each vote. Motions were made and seconded on the record and approved by recorded voice votes. The ZBA chair closed the items by congratulating Baker and expressing anticipation to see the homes built.
What’s next: The approvals allow Baker and Associates to proceed with construction under the granted variances. Any further zoning text changes or an overlay district discussed elsewhere at the meeting would follow separate legislative steps at City Council.
