Zoning board approves small porch variance at 17 Cedar Drive

The Danbury City Zoning Board of Appeal on March 12 approved variances allowing a covered front porch at 17 Cedar Drive.

Alex Bollina of Dolekauf in Architecture, representing property owners Cody and Carrie Gunch, told the board the existing single‑story house already sits close to the eastern property line—about 3.6 feet—and the proposal would add a small open porch and entry without increasing the house footprint beyond the existing condition. Bollina said the project reduces some existing covered area and results in a net increase of roughly 165 square feet of coverage; he also said the porch will tie into existing roof drains.

Board members questioned details about enclosure, stairs and the potential for future expansion; Bollina said the addition is an open porch and there are no plans to add a second floor. A board member moved to approve the requested relief—reducing the easterly site yard setback to 3.6 feet and increasing maximum building coverage from 20% to 23.7% to permit two covered porches—and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The approval allows the property owners to add a modest, street‑facing porch intended to improve curb appeal and create a defined entry. The board characterized the variance as minimal change from the existing nonconforming condition and posed no apparent threat to public safety or welfare.

The board closed the public hearing on the item with no speakers registered in opposition or support and moved the matter to an executive session for voting. The minutes record the motion to approve and the board’s affirmative vote; staff will handle any follow-up permits or inspections required under city regulations.