Zoning board approves front-porch variance for Warwick Turnpike home

The Town of Warwick Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 23 approved an area variance allowing an 8-by-11 covered porch to be added to the front of a house at 91 Warwick Turnpike, reducing the front-yard setback closer to the roadway than the town code normally requires.

Staff reviewed the submitted site plan and told the board the existing dwelling was shown at about 102.8 feet from the roadway while the required setback in that zone is 100 feet; the proposed porch and steps would extend the dwelling slightly closer to the road and therefore required the variance. County planning reviewed the referral under GML 239 and issued a local determination with no further comment, the board noted.

Board members discussed neighborhood character, the prevalence of similar setbacks on nearby lots and whether the change would create an undesirable impact. After applying the five statutory variance criteria, the board agreed the small porch would not alter the character of the neighborhood and voted to type the matter as a Type 2 action with no adverse environmental impact and to grant the variance as advertised.

"Congratulations. We'll issue a written determination that will be submitted through the planning department. You'll be notified directly when that determination is ready," staff said, adding it should be available in about a week.

The board also noted that, if the applicants need building permits, the written determination will allow them to proceed to the building department for any required permits. No additional conditions beyond the standard permitting process were recorded in the hearing record.