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Board approves steeper driveway and retaining‑wall variances for 1499 West Street
Summary
The ZBA approved variances allowing grading within 5 feet of the property line for retaining walls and raised allowable driveway grades (up to 17%) at 1499 West Street; the applicant's engineer said the revised design avoids impacts to neighbors and keeps ADA‑compliant approach grades.
The Danbury Zoning Board of Appeal on Nov. 13 granted variances for 1499 West Street that allow grading within 5 feet of the property line to construct retaining walls and increase the maximum driveway grade to 17 percent (overall) and up to 17 percent in the first 30 feet, as shown in revised plans presented to the board.
Dines Verbakis, a professional engineer with Hartel Engineering Group, said the applicant relocated the driveway toward the center of the lot so the driveway can reach the rear yard without needing neighbor permission. Verbakis noted cuts deepened to a maximum of about 9 feet and retaining walls were extended roughly 15 feet on each side, but the design keeps the walls just shy of the property lines and respects an overall grade limit requested in the variance.
Board members asked about neighbor impacts, sidewalk/ADA compliance and stormwater management. The engineer said the design includes an ADA‑compliant approach (a short flattened section at about 2% run), that the overall driveway slope remains just under 17%, and that the plan will address stormwater by capturing roof drains and managing runoff so neighbors are not adversely affected. The board noted final approval remains subject to city engineering and public‑works review.
After closing the public hearing, the board moved into voting and approved the requested variances by voice vote; the applicant thanked the board and said they appreciated the action.
