Board of Adjusters approves front-porch variance for pre-zoning house

The Board of Adjusters approved a variance to allow a front porch to be added to an existing house that, according to the record, was built before the current zoning code. The motion to approve passed by roll call, with Tim, Kevin, Ben and Zack recorded as voting yes.

The hearing opened after board members reviewed emailed diagrams and plans submitted by the applicant. Staff explained the porch would have a foundation attached to the house and said it would not extend beyond the front face of the existing garage. The applicant asked to increase the front stoop by two feet and discussed construction details with builders present.

Board discussion focused on setbacks, a public easement in front of the property, and the porch roof/soffit alignment. Staff and the builders said the porch could be constructed so the soffit and gutter line up with the garage, keeping the porch plane within about six inches of the garage face; builders also said the overhang could be reduced from one foot to six inches to stay within that line. The record notes the easement in front of the property as a technical constraint for any slab work.

During the public-comment portion no online participants spoke. After questions were answered, a board member moved to close the hearing and another moved to approve the variance; the second on the approval was recorded as Jim. A roll-call vote then recorded four yes votes and no recorded no, abstain or recused votes, and the chair declared the motion carried.

The transcript contains inconsistent references to the applicant's surname (the applicant is variously identified as "Doug Vos," "Doug Blash" and later as "Mr. BL"); the board record should be checked to confirm the applicant's correct name for the official minutes. The board adjourned following the vote.