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Board approves area variances for sheds, porches and decks at five homes
Summary
The Greece Board of Zoning Appeals granted area variances for a corner‑lot shed and fence at 377 Adeline, porches at 229 Buck Hill and 1216 Edgemere, a platform at 280 Fielding and a front deck at 395 Edgemere — all with conditions such as permits, gutters or hold‑harmless agreements.
The Greece Board of Zoning Appeals approved area variances on July 7 for several residential accessory structures across multiple neighborhoods, granting relief from setback and front‑yard rules with conditions to address safety and permitting.
At 377 Adeline (also known as 200 Lawson), applicant Andrew Espenshade asked to install a 72‑square‑foot storybook cottage shed in the front yard of a corner lot and a 3‑foot open‑construction picket fence located less than two feet from the public sidewalk. The board approved the variance with conditions that the applicant work with town staff on the precise siting to meet sight‑line requirements and sign a hold‑harmless agreement for potential sidewalk damage.
"We found these blueprints online, and we want something that adds to the aesthetic of the neighborhood while also functioning as a shed," Espenshade said during his presentation.
The board also approved a covered porch and future ramp concept at 229 Buck Hill Road for Donald Jerome, finding the homeowners' long tenure in the neighborhood and an expressed need for future wheelchair access supported a limited setback variance. The board conditioned approval on obtaining all necessary town permits.
Emily Egan and Dylan Mahan received approval for a replacement covered porch at 1216 Edgemere Drive with a 2.1‑foot side setback (where 6 feet is required). The board required that the new porch include gutters or other measures so rainwater does not discharge onto the neighboring property.
April Elisea's platform at 280 Fielding Road, intended to cover deteriorating front steps and add structural support beneath a roof section, was approved with the condition that the project comply with building codes and obtain permits, including any required railings.
Finally, Elaine Jones was granted an area variance for an 8x14 front deck at 395 Edgemere Drive to replace a rotting entry; the approval is conditioned on permit issuance and applies for the life of the deck.
Votes at a glance
- 377 Adeline (shed & fence): Approved with conditions (work with staff on placement; hold‑harmless for fence). - 229 Buck Hill Road (covered porch / ramp planning): Approved with condition to obtain permits. - 1216 Edgemere Drive (covered porch / side setback): Approved with condition that gutters be installed or equivalent to prevent runoff onto neighbor property. - 280 Fielding Road (platform/porch): Approved with building‑code compliance and permit conditions. - 395 Edgemere Drive (front deck): Approved with permits required; approval is for the life of the deck.
All approvals were passed by roll call; board members recorded affirmative votes and directed applicants to secure required town permits and, where specified, sign agreements or add gutters.
