Zoning board approves variance for retaining wall at 24149 Cedar Street

The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance Oct. 24 to allow grading within 5 feet of the property line for a retaining wall that was built at 24149 Cedar Street.

The applicant told the board the wall was built in August 2023, before the pool contractor began work, and said he “take[s] full responsibility for not reviewing the pool plans closer.” He said the pool was installed and filled in April 2024 and that several nearby property owners submitted letters saying they were not opposed to the wall and pool.

Board members focused questions on drainage and the potential for stormwater to run toward neighboring properties. A board member who inspected the site raised concern about a drainage pipe at the end of the retaining wall and asked whether the applicant could install a rock bed to capture runoff. The applicant said he was willing to add a rock bed or take measures “whatever it is that you guys will require.”

The town’s building official confirmed the pool itself is in the correct location but that the retaining wall was closer than the five‑foot zoning setback, which required ZBA consideration before a final building approval could issue. The applicant and staff acknowledged that the building permit could not be finalized until zoning compliance was resolved.

After board discussion and no public opposition, a motion to approve the variance passed by voice vote; all members present voted in favor.

What happens next: the building department will complete its final review once the zoning variance documentation is processed. The board did not attach special conditions beyond the requirement to meet applicable drainage and building inspections as part of the permit process.