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Zoning board grants small front‑yard porch variance for 149 Birchwood Drive
Summary
The Zoning Board granted a four‑foot front‑yard setback variance to allow a covered 5‑foot porch at 149 Birchwood Drive, finding the change consistent with neighborhood character and noting prior similar approvals.
The Middletown Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant a variance allowing a covered front porch that encroaches 4 feet into the front‑yard setback at 149 Birchwood Drive.
Applicant Luis Rubino (DPS Builders and Remodelers) said the house currently sits about 1 foot inside the setback and that a 5‑foot covered porch would require a 4‑foot variance: "5 feet is really the minimum that I could do to make it a usable front porch," Rubino said, noting similar porches exist on neighboring homes and that the area has many older residents who would use the porch.
Staff noted the neighborhood's consistency with previously granted small encroachments and explained that uncovered stoops can be treated differently under the code, while a full covered porch requires a variance. The public hearing had no speakers. A board member moved to approve the request and the motion carried; the variance was granted.
What happens next: The applicant may proceed with plans consistent with the variance and must follow any building‑permit or site requirements enforced by staff.
