Irondequoit zoning board grants four variances, tables one application after neighbor concerns

The Irondequoit Zoning Board of Appeals met in June and approved four area variances while tabling one application for additional review.

At the start of the meeting the chair reminded attendees that applicants are sworn to ensure truthful testimony and noted the board was operating with one absent member; under state law a majority of constituted members is required to grant a variance, meaning four votes were necessary tonight.

The board granted a height variance for 231 Shore Drive to allow roughly an 8-foot increase so the homeowner may finalize construction documents. In moving to grant the variance the chair cited findings of fact that the change would not alter the character of the neighborhood and that alternatives (a substantially smaller house) would be impractical. The motion passed 4-0.

The board approved an attached-garage variance for Bethany and Curtis Laralier at 250 Per Avenue, finding the enclosed garage would improve property and neighborhood appearance, the expansion was modest, and no adverse environmental effects were expected. The motion passed 4-0.

At 69 Gennonado Road, the board approved a variance to replace a small plastic shed with an 8-by-12 vinyl-sided shed that increases lot coverage by about 61 square feet (from roughly 29.55% to about 30.4%). The board described the request as modest and the motion passed 4-0.

The board also granted a variance to Fireplace Fashions (1936 Hudson Avenue) to construct a 2,400-square-foot pole barn behind the store for on-site storage. Board members noted an existing business/warehouse context on the block and found the rear location would shield nearby homes; the motion passed 4-0.

One application was tabled. Joe O'Donnell, architect for owners of 397 Rock Beach Road, sought renewal of previously granted setbacks and related variances. Resident Greg Pike raised multiple concerns — drainage and standing water on adjacent lots, questions about whether the parcel could pass a percolation test, the potential cost and maintenance of installing and dedicating a sewer connection, and disagreement about appropriate front/rear setback distances. O'Donnell said civil engineers had previously vetted technical items and, after hearing neighbors' concerns, told the board his client elected to table the application to the July meeting so they can pursue additional neighbor discussions and technical review. The motion to table (with the public hearing left open) passed 4-0.

The board approved the May 4 meeting minutes and then adjourned. Several applicants and residents were present for deliberations; the board remains short one member and urged applicants to attempt to ensure five members will attend future hearings when possible.

Votes at a glance: 231 Shore Drive (ZB2025.10.05) — height variance granted, vote 4-0. 397 Rock Beach Road (ZB2026.05.05) — renewal tabled with public hearing left open, applicant-consented postponement, vote 4-0. 250 Per Avenue (ZB2026.06.01) — garage variances approved, vote 4-0. 69 Gennonado Road (ZB2026.06.02) — accessory-structure lot-coverage variance approved, vote 4-0. 1936 Hudson Avenue (ZB2026.06.03) — commercial pole barn variance approved, vote 4-0.

The board said the results are available via the town's replay channels and by calling the town hall zoning and building department the next morning.