ZBA grants small sideyard variance for addition at 148 Richmond Hill Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance for 148 Richmond Hill Road to permit a modest residential addition that would result in a minimum sideyard setback of roughly 19.6 feet where 25 feet is required.

Brian Kerry of Lantech Civil Engineering presented the application on behalf of owners Alexander and Ayano Meyers, saying the corner‑lot configuration, dual front‑yard requirements and the placement of a 1909 house on the lot create a buildable‑area constraint. He said the addition would allow the family to house an aging parent and that the proposal was consistent with neighborhood character.

Staff clarified that the lot is narrow in width (not undersized by area) and that much of the dwelling predates current zoning; board members asked whether the addition could be moved or reduced in size to avoid a variance and whether the proposed design represented minimum relief. Members reviewed the architectural renderings (A103) and discussed roof‑line and structural considerations that would make an offset addition awkward.

Several members said the requested relief—about 105–200 square feet in total, with roughly 100–200 square feet of actual encroachment depending on the plan—was modest and that the proposed design would not increase the property’s nonconformity materially. After discussion and confirming no public opposition was on record, a board member moved and the board voted in favor.

The board asked the applicants to follow the normal building‑permit process and noted staff recommendations were being followed. The variance will allow the applicants to finalize design and apply for building permits.