Farmington ZBA approves side-yard variance for 3 Poplar Hill Drive to allow attached two-car garage

The Town of Farmington Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5–1 on Jan. 20 to grant a side-yard variance for 3 Poplar Hill Drive, clearing the way for an attached two-car garage and mudroom to be built 17 feet from the property line instead of the 40-foot setback required in the R‑80 zone.

Applicant Andrew Ritchie told the board the plan itself is unchanged from a prior submission but that his revised hardship letter clarifies why the variance is necessary. "The intent of this request is to exercise reasonable use of the land and increase safety, by building a main floor access point," Ritchie said, arguing that steep grades and an irregular lot shape prevent driveway access to the main living level from the existing driveway.

Staff described the lot’s topography and showed shaded‑relief and site-plan images that, they said, demonstrate the house is set lower and farther back than neighboring homes. Ritchie acknowledged the project would require the removal of five mature trees on the lot, noting that one is dying and that the property contains 97 mature trees overall; he said the plan includes planting at least five replacement trees following construction.

During questioning, commissioners asked whether similar driveway configurations had required previous variances; staff said it had not found prior variance approvals for neighboring houses. Commissioners also pressed on safety and emergency access; Ritchie and staff confirmed a front entrance exists but is reached by roughly 14–15 steps from the driveway. Neighbors who spoke in favor cited accessibility and neighborhood consistency.

After deliberation a commissioner moved to approve "the application for a variance to reduce the side-yard setback from 40 feet to 17 feet to construct an attached garage and mudroom on an existing single-family home located at 3 Poplar Hill Drive, R‑80 zone." The motion was seconded and, after comment emphasizing the lot’s topography as the basis for hardship, the board conducted a roll-call vote. Commissioners Callahan, Cloud, Walsh, Gimsky and Grady Benson voted in favor; Commissioner Schoenhorn voted no. The board chair announced the variance approved by a 5–1 tally.

The applicant was advised to coordinate final plans with town staff and to submit any required planning commission applications related to proximity to the ridgeline. The board’s approval is limited to the zoning variance; additional permits and reviews are required before construction begins.