Zoning board approves homeowner’s modest addition at 75 Fezant Drive

The New Canaan Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant a variance for 75 Fezant Drive, allowing a modest first‑floor bedroom conversion and a small second‑floor expansion.

Owner‑representative Steven Finn told the board the family bought the 1967 house in 1998, has grown to eight household members over 28 years and now plans to "age in place," prompting the need for a ground‑floor bedroom. He said wetlands, a pond, a septic tank and significant slopes constrain where the house can expand and that the addition will add about 225 square feet of coverage while remaining well under the parcel’s allowable coverage.

Board members and staff reviewed the property onsite and discussed a recent FEMA application that has removed most of the house from the flood zone while leaving portions of the lot still affected. Finn argued the basement level counts as a story under current definitions because more than half of that level is above grade, producing a technical three‑story measurement that predates the owners’ tenure. He presented neighbor outreach and said only one immediate neighbor responded with no objection.

After questions about intended use, basement modifications and flood‑insurance implications, a board member formally moved to grant the variance "as presented" citing the flood‑zone change, the home’s grandfathered status, wetlands, the pond and the steep slope as the exceptional conditions unique to the parcel. The motion was seconded and carried by unanimous roll call.

The board closed the public portion before deliberating; the applicant was reminded to follow building‑department procedures for permits and inspections as the project proceeds.

The board’s approval resolves the application for the homeowners to finish design and obtain building permits. The meeting continued with other agenda items.