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Morrisville planning board approves variance to enclose porch at 152 Grand Drive
Summary
The Morrisville Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve a variance allowing a screened porch at 152 Grand Drive to be enclosed with glass and encroach from the required 10‑foot rear setback to 2 feet 3 inches. Applicant Richard Robbins cited noise, pollen and seasonal limits on use; one board member recorded a no vote.
The Morrisville Planning and Zoning Board on the evening of its January meeting voted to approve a variance allowing the enclosure of a screened porch at 152 Grand Drive, reducing the property’s required rear setback from 10 feet to 2 feet 3 inches.
The board’s approval followed testimony from the homeowner, Richard Robbins, who said the porch’s seasonal usefulness is limited by constant noise from nearby roadway traffic, a railroad line and operations within the RDU airport flight path. “It does create a substantial amount of noise at times … we almost have to wait to carry on the conversation until the airplane passes, train goes away or the light changes on car parkway,” Robbins said, asking the board to allow glass panels so the space can be used year‑round.
Staff explained the relevant provisions of the Town of Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), noting that the UDO allows screened porches to encroach but generally prohibits enclosures with glass or solid materials that would effectively constitute an addition. Elliot Ward, planning manager filling in for the absent staff member, told the board the variance standard requires the applicant to prove four factors, including that a hardship is “peculiar to the property” and not common to the neighborhood.
Board members split during deliberations. Several members said the combination of roadway, rail and aircraft noise at the property — and the site’s particular relationship to nearby open space and lot lines — could meet the UDO’s “peculiar to the property” hardship standard. One member questioned whether enclosing a porch with glass is effectively creating additional indoor living space that should not be allowed to encroach in the same way as a screened porch. The board also heard that the homeowners association had approved the change and that immediate neighbors had raised no objections.
After debate, a board member moved to approve the requested variance; the motion was seconded and passed (one board member, identified in the record as Chris, voted against the motion). The chair directed staff and the town attorney to draft the written findings and formal resolution, which will be returned for adoption at a subsequent meeting.
The decision applies only to this property and does not, from a legal standpoint, change the UDO for other properties. Several board members asked staff to consider bringing the issue back as part of a broader UDO review so the town can clarify whether and when screened porches, glass enclosures or all‑season rooms may be treated differently in setback calculations.
The board’s vote resolves the immediate application for 152 Grand Drive; the written decision and resolution will be prepared and presented at the next Planning and Zoning Board meeting.
