Planning board approves three ZBA referrals and CBA variance requests

On Feb. 24 the Stamford Planning Board unanimously approved three items referred to it for comment: ZBA application 011-26 (36 Congress Street), ZBA application 012-26 (41 Idlewood Place), and CBA application 013-26 (75 Sea Beach Drive).

36 Congress Street: Staff summarized that the property has preexisting nonconforming elements and that the proposed additions largely duplicate existing conditions. The applicant’s representative was not present; the board moved to approve the referral.

41 Idlewood Place: William Haid, representing Sharon Axe, seeks to convert a sunroom into a bedroom and bathroom and requested a rear‑yard setback of 24.6 feet in lieu of the 30 feet required. Staff advised this largely formalizes an existing nonconformity; the board discussed runoff concerns and asked staff to consider mitigation but approved the request.

75 Sea Beach Drive: Applicant Anna Blaze said the work would create a first‑floor bedroom and bathroom to accommodate elderly parents. Staff noted the property lies in a coastal management area and stressed runoff and impervious‑surface issues because the proposal increases lot coverage from 49.5% to 51.6%; building coverage, as presented, would remain under 20%. Members encouraged exploring measures to limit runoff. The board approved the variance and included an encouragement to consider impervious-surface mitigation.

All three motions passed unanimously. The planning board’s recommendations are advisory and the relevant boards will take final action as required by ordinance and zoning procedure.