Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Avon Zoning Board unanimously approves variance to raise garage roof at 244 Waterville Road
Summary
The Avon Zoning Board of Appeals on July 17 approved a variance allowing Tracy F. and Raymond M. Bennett to add about 7 feet of height to a nonconforming garage at 244 Waterville Road; planning staff said the structure predates local zoning and the change won unanimous board support.
The Avon Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a variance July 17 that lets homeowners Tracy F. and Raymond M. Bennett raise the roofline of a nonconforming two-car garage at 244 Waterville Road to add roughly 7 feet of height.
The applicants told the board the garage and house were built in 1951. Tracy F. Bennett said the upper storage area has a low knee wall and sloping ceiling that limits use and that a fallen tree branch has left a hole in the roof. The owners proposed keeping the existing footprint, replacing the roof and siding, and adding an exterior stair on the house side for safer access rather than the current interior ladder.
Planning and Community Development Specialist Emily Kyle told the board she reviewed the building permit file and found the garage predates the Town of Avon's 1957 zoning regulations, so setbacks were not considered when it was built. Based on submitted drawings, Kyle described the project as similar to adding a large dormer to match the rear elevation and said, "the granting of this variance will be in harmony with the purposes and intent of these regulations, will accomplish substantial justice and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare."
Alternate member Christy Yaros moved to close the public hearing; Michele O'Connor seconded and the motion carried. Vice Chair Jaime Polhamus then moved to approve the variance; James McNeely seconded. The motion to approve passed unanimously with five members voting yes (Aden Baume, Jaime Polhamus, James McNeely, Michele O'Connor, and Christy Yaros acting as alternate for the absent member).
Kyle explained post-approval steps to the owners: the variance must be recorded in the Avon Land Records (the recording fee is $70 as of July 1) and the Bennetts must obtain a building permit before construction begins. There were no abutter comments recorded during the hearing.
The board had no other business and adjourned at 7:17 p.m.; its next regular meeting is scheduled for Sept. 18, 2025.
