Zoning board approves variances for addition at 42 East 3rd Avenue

At its July 14 meeting the zoning board of appeals approved variances for an addition at 42 East 3rd Avenue, concluding the applicant had reduced impervious coverage and adjusted setbacks to better align with the code.

Alice Santos, the property's owner, told the board she revised engineering and site plans and reduced impervious coverage from 47.5% to 34.2% and increased combined side-yard setbacks to 12.9 feet. "We've gone from existing condition of 47.5% to now a 34.2%," Santos said, adding the project would keep the addition on the same plane as the existing building.

Board members reviewed the five statutory factors for area variances — neighborhood character, feasible alternatives, substantiality, environmental impact and self-created difficulty — and the panel generally found the changes mitigated prior concerns. One board member noted the applicant had improved setbacks and reduced impervious cover, and that the proposal did not materially change the neighborhood character. The board then moved and seconded a motion to approve the application; the chair told the applicant the office will send a signed letter in a couple of weeks confirming the decision.

The board also reminded the applicant that the final building-permit submission must match the approved plans and urged clear labeling on all plan sheets so future reviewers and the public can see what was approved.

The decision ends the board's review of this application for now; the applicant was told to expect written confirmation of the approval from the office.