Board approves front-yard variance at 1437 Bombgard Road for two-stall garage and accessibility upgrades

The Zoning and Planning Board of Appeals approved a front-yard variance for homeowners at 1437 Bombgard Road authorizing a front addition to provide a two-stall garage and additional living space, including ADA-friendly improvements.

City staff explained that front-yard setback rules use the average setback of principal structures on a block; for this location the block average was about 181 feet from the right-of-way. The applicant sought to build an addition with garage space set back to about 121 feet — forward of the block average but within the observed range for accessory structures along East Shore Drive.

The homeowners told the board that site constraints — narrow lot, angled lot lines and bulkhead/bay setback rules at the water edge — make rear expansion impractical and that a front addition was the only workable option to add a second garage stall and accessible features. Neighbors who have recently rebuilt or built homes on the block testified the proposed massing was consistent with the neighborhood pattern and would avoid building further toward the bay.

Board members said the combination of the narrow, pre-existing nonconforming lot and the desire to preserve neighbor views toward the water provided an exceptional circumstance. The board voted to grant the variance as requested and directed staff to work with the applicants on permit plans and technical conditions.

The board's approval allows the homeowners to proceed with detailed design and permitting; staff will confirm setback dimensions and any conditions before building permits are issued.