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Council approves small enclosed bridge at 4911 Cumberland after debate over variance
Summary
After a short legal debate about whether the project expands a nonconforming structure, the council approved an application to build an enclosed second-floor bridge at 4911 Cumberland; the architect said the addition is about 50–55 sq ft and the county permit had been issued.
Somerset’s Town Council approved an application on Aug. 26 to construct a small enclosed bridge linking the second floor of a house to the second floor of its garage at 4911 Cumberland.
Permit staff and town counsel raised a question about whether connecting the garage to the house over an existing breezeway would expand a nonconforming structure and therefore require a variance. Town counsel read the town code’s grandfathering language on nonconforming structures, explaining the code allows some rear additions to lawfully constructed buildings while new construction generally must comply with current setbacks.
Architect David Newman, on Zoom, said the project involves no ground disturbance and "the new amount of enclosed square footage is about 50 to maybe 55 square feet," describing the bridge as a small, conditioned connection intended to improve access to an existing upstairs gym and facilities. Newman said the county permit had already been issued.
Councilors split on legal interpretation but a majority said the addition appeared to be the minor, exempted type of internal addition. The council proceeded with the hearing, heard supportive public comment from a neighbor who said the design was consistent with the house’s character, and approved the application by voice vote.
Next steps: The council’s approval allows the applicant to proceed under the town permit; if an appeal were filed it would follow the town’s procedures for variance/interpretation disputes.
