Stratford Zoning Board unanimously grants variances for ADU at 421 Oak Bluff

The Stratford Zoning Board of Appeals on July 7 unanimously approved three variances to allow a second‑story addition and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 421 Oak Bluff Avenue.

Mike Procik, representing April Builders, told the board the proposal is for an addition on a long, narrow, preexisting nonconforming lot and that the project removes several existing encroachments. “We are requesting approval for three variances,” Procik said, adding the current lot measures about 7,404 square feet — 96 square feet shy of the 7,500‑square‑foot minimum required for an ADU under the town requirements. “We have concurrently designed the project to comply with every other applicable ADU requirement,” Procik said.

Petitioner John Amoroso, the homeowner at 421 Oak Bluff, spoke in favor of the application and described the family rationale for the work. “My parents were looking to move in...with growing a family, I think...more support would be great,” Amoroso said, noting he recently purchased the house and that the ADU would help keep family members in a single household.

The board discussed the history and physical constraints of the parcel, noting the house was built in 1953 and that the lot’s long, narrow shape creates practical difficulty in meeting current zoning standards. The chair said the proposed changes would eliminate some existing nonconformities — including a projecting front stoop and adjacent bay window — by recessing a new entry and adjusting deck/stoop locations. The chair also emphasized that zoning commission approval for the ADU remains a separate, required step.

Commissioner questions focused on design details and precedent; Commissioner Ryan Ehrenhaus asked staff to compare this application with a previously considered ADU and was told the facts differed. After discussion, Commissioner Lynch moved to approve, with a second recorded; a roll‑call vote followed. Commissioners Lynch, Carroll, Gann, Commissioner Ryan Ehrenhaus and the chair voted to approve. The vote was 5–0 and the board granted the three variances.

Letters and form letters submitted by neighbors were entered into the record in support of the application, and no members of the public spoke in opposition.

The board then approved the minutes from its June 2, 2026 meeting, handled a few administrative items and adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

The variances permit relief from the side‑yard setback, expansion of a nonconforming structure, and the minimum lot area requirement for an ADU; any ADU installation will still require separate zoning commission review and approval.