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Avon Zoning Board unanimously approves five residential variances tied to lot-specific constraints
Summary
At its April 17 meeting the Avon Zoning Board of Appeals approved five variances for residential properties in Avon’s Secret Lake, Old Farms, Lawrence Avenue and Northington Drive neighborhoods, citing sewer easements, discontinued septic infrastructure and existing nonconformities as hardships.
The Avon Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved five variances for residential properties during a virtual public hearing on April 17, 2025.
Vice Chair Jaime Polhamus presided over the meeting and Planning and Community Development Specialist Emily Kyle presented each application, describing lot constraints such as sewer easements, wetlands and a discontinued septic tank that the board said constituted hardships justifying relief from setback and coverage rules.
The most contested technical details were practical: Tara Lockwood asked to site a prefabricated single-car garage 5 feet from a neighboring property line — a 10-foot variance from the 15-foot side-yard requirement — and to raise lot coverage to 19.8% where 15% is allowed. Kyle explained a large sewer easement limits buildable area and showed site photos and the survey. Neighbors provided positive letters. Commissioner James McNeely moved to approve; Vice Chair Polhamus seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
At 106 Old Farms Road, LAK House Holdings (applicant Alexander Kahn) sought a 2-foot side-yard variance for a deck and a variance to alter a non-conforming house located within the Town’s 60-foot front-yard setback (Old Farms is a collector road). Kyle said the proposed rear addition stops short of a sewer easement; no abutter objections were recorded and the board approved the request.
Christopher and Rachel Hodson received approval to add about 380 square feet as a second-story addition on an existing 800-square-foot cottage at 127 Secret Lake Road. Kyle noted nearby wetlands and submitted architectural drawings; a neighbor letter from Adam Peirce was on file in support.
Federico Abramzon and Inez Rivera were granted a 7-foot variance for a prefabricated 14-by-30-foot detached garage at 61 Lawrence Avenue after Kyle and the applicants cited a discontinued septic tank (confirmed present by the Farmington Valley Health District), mature trees and a dry well that constrain placement. Letters of support from nearby residents, including Dennis and Molly Brown, were reported.
David and Lisa Stevenson received a 5-foot variance from the 25-foot side-yard setback to site a standby generator at 34 Northington Drive; Kyle pointed to the house’s mechanical layout and building-code considerations about exhaust distance from windows as reasons to allow the proposed siting.
Votes at a glance Tara Lockwood, 143 Secret Lake Road — Approved (motion to approve moved by James McNeely; seconded by Jaime Polhamus; unanimous) LAK House Holdings / Alexander Kahn, 106 Old Farms Road — Approved (moved by Jaime Polhamus; seconded by Michele O’Connor; unanimous) Christopher J. & Rachel A. Hodson, 127 Secret Lake Road — Approved (moved by James McNeely; seconded by Michele O’Connor; unanimous) Federico D. Abramzon & Inez P. Rivera, 61 Lawrence Avenue — Approved (moved by Jaime Polhamus; seconded by Thomas McNeill; unanimous) David A. & Lisa A. Stevenson, 34 Northington Drive — Approved (moved by James McNeely; seconded by Jaime Polhamus; unanimous)
What happens next Kyle said approved applicants will receive a letter with instructions to record the variance in the Avon Land Records and pay a $60 recording fee; once recorded, applicants may pursue building permits. The board set its next regular meeting for May 15, 2025 and adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
