ZBA approves 3.7‑foot variance for Kenlock Street sunroom; board notes deck was installed without a permit

The Newington Zoning Board of Appeals on July 2 granted a 3.7‑foot variance to 19 Kenlock Street, reducing the west side‑yard setback from 10 feet to 6.3 feet to allow construction of an 11‑by‑11 unconditioned three‑season sunroom built within the existing deck footprint. The motion passed by roll call, 5–0.

Applicant Kirsten Buschka told the board the proposed sunroom "remains entirely within the existing deck footprint" and "does not increase the existing setback encroachment in any way," noting the project will reinforce and upgrade the deck to code. The Buschkas supplied renderings, site photos, historical aerial imagery and a letter of support from adjacent neighbors Manny and Anna Mendez.

Staff reviewed the records and said the existing deck appears to have been installed around 2012 with no permit on file; staff cited state statute 8‑13‑a making structures that have been in place for more than three years nonconforming and therefore allowed to remain. Commissioners said the project does not expand the nonconformity and noted direct neighbor support.

A motion to grant the 3.7‑foot variance for the sunroom only (not to reduce the entire side‑yard setback) was made, seconded and approved by roll‑call vote. Staff reminded the applicants they will receive a certificate of variance to be recorded at the town clerk's office before pursuing building permits.

The board's approval allows the Buschkas to proceed with permit applications once the certificate is recorded.