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Board grants homeowner variance to raise detached garage for storage
Summary
The Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing a Naugatuck homeowner to raise a detached garage roof to create non-habitable storage space, setting maximum heights at 23 feet (front/side) and 17 feet (rear). The owner said neighbors support the proposal; the decision is subject to a 15-day appeal period.
The Naugatuck Board of Appeals unanimously approved a height variance on March 25 that allows a homeowner to raise the roof of a detached garage for non-residential storage.
Applicant Jody Mercier told the board she built the house 18 years ago and that the existing garage headroom is only about 5.5 feet, which creates a safety hazard when she walks inside. "All I want to do is just raise that," Mercier said, describing an 8-foot increase to provide storage space and improve the house’s appearance. She said the work is strictly for storage and not for creating living quarters.
Board members asked for clarification about grades and how the change affects measured heights at the front and rear of the property. The applicant and staff confirmed the requested maximum heights: 23 feet for the front and side elevations and 17 feet for the rear elevation, necessary because the house is built into a slope. Mercier said she has letters of support from two neighbors and that immediate neighbors have no objection.
The board closed the public hearing and approved Appeal 2066. The motion specified the variance to zoning regulations for detached-garage height, was seconded and carried with all voting members in favor. The chair reminded the public that the decision will be published and that a 15-day appeal period applies before any building work proceeds.
The board’s action relieves the property owner from strict compliance with the local maximum detached-garage height in order to address an internal headroom and site-grade issue; the approval does not authorize creation of any habitable space.
