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Board grants small area variance for 722 Jefferson Ave. to allow front portico
Summary
The Board granted an area variance for 722 Jefferson Avenue to permit a modest front-portico addition and related side-yard relief, finding the change de minimis and that the house is a prior nonconforming legal dwelling; counsel will draft the resolution using a prior template.
The Board of Appeals voted to grant an area variance for 722 Jefferson Avenue, approving a front-portico addition and a limited side-yard relief after concluding the requested changes were minor and would not harm neighborhood character.
Alex Glass, an architect representing the homeowners, explained the proposal would replace an unsafe stoop with a concrete portico faced in bluestone and a roof to match the home's character. He said the existing house sits inside current setback lines as a prior nonconforming legal dwelling; the proposed portico would slightly expand the nonconformity (bridge measurements discussed included a 1.7-foot requested side-yard variance and a few inches of front setback change).
During deliberations the Board applied the statutory criteria for area variances and emphasized that the requested adjustments were small and intended to improve ingress/egress safety and curb appeal. The Board directed counsel to prepare a resolution on the record using an earlier 'Henry Avenue' template with the specific dimensions, findings on de minimis change, and a two-year term for administrative follow-up. Members moved, seconded and voted in favor of the application.
Next steps: counsel will draft the final resolution and the homeowners must obtain building-department permits prior to construction.
