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Zoning board grants setback variance for Brushy Hill addition after topography, septic constraints cited
Summary
The board approved a variance reducing the front-yard setback at 215 Brushy Hill Rd. from 50 ft. to 44.5 ft. Applicant argued the lot’s interior configuration and septic constraints create a hardship; neighbors and the homeowner supported the project.
The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeal voted to allow a front-yard setback reduction Thursday for a proposed addition at 215 Brushy Hill Road, granting relief from a 50-foot minimum to 44.5 feet in the RA-80 zone.
Agent Tim Draper told the board the lot is an interior parcel with an existing septic system and that the proposed design places a garage/workshop and living-area addition in the only practical location without expensive regrading or relocation of septic infrastructure. "The variance is for a reduction of the front yard setback from 50 feet to 44.5 for construction of a proposed addition," Draper said, noting the proposed change is the minimum needed.
Board staff explained that setback determination follows the lot line most parallel to the nearest street rather than the position of the front door, and that technical rules, plus topography (the house is built into a hillside), make the requested relief necessary. A licensed septic installer and Draper explained that a full new septic system design (B100A) would be prepared only if the primary septic failed; otherwise the code allows limited additions without immediate replacement.
Homeowner Steven Shanley described the site and its history, saying the house has sat with the same orientation since at least 1939 and that the proposed addition would improve livability. Neighbors Roseanne and George Albert spoke in support, saying the addition would be an appropriate improvement and would not harm privacy.
After closing the public hearing, the board moved and approved the variance, finding that the hardship stems from particular site circumstances (lot configuration, septic and topography) rather than actions by the applicant and that the relief is the minimum necessary to allow reasonable use of the property.
The approved variance reduces the minimum front-yard setback for the lot in the RA-80 zone from 50 feet to 44.5 feet in accordance with the plan submitted. Further permitting and any required health-department approvals for septic work remain separate city processes.
