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Board approves small front portico at 602 Van Hill Road
Summary
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a modest front stoop/portico at 602 Van Hill Road that was already installed; the owner said the feature provides weather protection and the board characterized the encroachment as minimal and reasonable.
The Monroe Zoning Board of Appeals on July 7 approved a variance allowing a small portico/overhang at 602 Van Hill Road, voting 5-0 to grant the requested encroachment into the front yard setback.
The homeowner (unnamed in the public record) told the board the overhang was installed to protect the front door from weather and acknowledged it is already in place. "It's already actually there. So, yes, I'm sorry. It was my fault," the owner said.
Commissioners described the feature as a modest, reasonable addition that improves safety and weather protection without altering the front wall of the house. Board member Jim Wentz said the proposed portico is "a very reasonable encroachment" and that the existing location presents the hardship required for relief. Another commissioner cited the damage and wear that weather can cause to a front entrance as grounds for the hardship finding.
The board moved and seconded a motion to approve and recorded a unanimous vote in favor. The approval allows the homeowner to proceed to the building-permit stage, subject to any standard permit reviews and inspections.
