Avon Zoning Board of Appeals approves variances for Secret Lake Road porch

The Avon Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4–1 on May 21 to grant two variances that will allow a front porch to be added to a nonconforming house at 90 Secret Lake Road.

The board considered an application from owner Lynne E. Namerow and applicant CSB Construction, Inc. seeking an 8-foot variance from the 40-foot front-yard setback and a variance to enlarge an existing nonconforming building in the R15 zone. Planning and Community Development Specialist Emily Kyle read the legal notice and described the next steps required if the variances were granted.

Applicant representative Matt Walsh told the board the owner renovated the house and wants a porch "to complete the lake house effect" and said the porch would also address a steep contour at the front entrance that he described as a winter safety concern. Commissioner Martha Dean asked whether the situation was unique to this lot; Walsh said the property's front contour and slope toward the detached garage create an entrance way steeper than typical for the neighborhood and that the porch and associated drainage work would reduce the fall hazard and prevent water from washing over nearby sidewalks.

Commissioner Kershwin Singh asked whether the porch roof would block neighbors' views; Walsh said the porch edge would not extend past the dormer over the garage and would not impede neighboring sightlines. Kyle explained that the town allows porches to extend up to 5 feet into the front setback under a town exception, but because the house is already nonconforming any enlargement requires a variance; she also said the work lies within the 100-foot upland review area for wetlands and, if the variance is granted, the applicant must submit a staff-level wetlands application rather than go before the full Inland Wetlands Commission because of the project's small footprint.

After discussion, Commissioner Michele O'Connor moved to close the public hearing; the motion passed unanimously. O'Connor and Vice Chair James McNeely supported approval of both variances, and the board approved them by a 4–1 vote with Martha Dean opposed. Emily Kyle read the board's findings on the record: "the granting of this variance will be in harmony with the purposes and intent of the regulations, will accomplish substantial justice, and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare." Kyle then outlined next steps for finalizing and recording the variance in the land records and for the required wetlands staff review.

The board had no other business, set its next meeting for June 18, 2026, and adjourned at 7:26 p.m.