Board of Zoning Appeals approves variances for 1808 Dan Patch Lane

The Westfield Board of Zoning Appeals approved a request for multiple variances for 1808 Dan Patch Lane (case 2603‑VS‑02) at a short meeting that opened at 7:00 p.m. The motion to approve, with the conditions noted in the staff report, passed on a roll‑call vote.

Dane Crabtree of the Community Development Department summarized the petition, telling the board that the Morganwood subdivision was platted in 1972 before local zoning took effect in 1977 and that every lot is a legal nonconforming parcel. He said the petitioner seeks to increase square footage of an existing accessory building, to waive the US‑31 overlay architectural standards for the addition, and to encroach 8 feet into a platted 40‑foot yard that under current zoning definitions functions as a front yard. “This item has been properly noticed and advertised, and the department has received no comments,” Crabtree said.

Chair called and closed the public hearing after staff reported no in‑person speakers and no emailed comments. The petitioner, Zach Goldsberry, was present but did not make a presentation.

During board discussion a member described the lot as having multiple frontages; staff clarified that the plat’s 1972 rear‑yard designation and current zoning definitions differ, which is why the variance is required. A committee member moved to approve 2603‑VS‑02 with the conditions in the staff report; another board member seconded.

Dane Crabtree called the roll. The transcript records affirmative votes from Doctor Keane, Miss Clarino and Mister Plummer; the motion carried. The board then moved and voted to adopt findings of fact for the case; that motion also carried.

The meeting moved on to routine reports and adjourned at about 7:11 p.m.