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Board approves small portico for 1780 house at 738 Robinson Road
Summary
The board granted a variance allowing an 8-by-6 portico at 738 Robinson Road that will extend into the front setback; applicants Skyler O'Connor and Audrey Thoreau said the entry cover is needed to protect a historic 1780 dwelling and improve safe access.
The Pembroke zoning board approved a variance permitting a small, open‑air portico to be added to the front entry of a historic house at 738 Robinson Road.
Applicant Skyler O’Connor said the proposed structure is an open wood frame portico roughly 8 feet wide by 6 feet deep with a gabled roof supported by two columns; the portico would sit about 46 feet from the front lot line where 60 feet is required under the setback provisions. O’Connor said the dwelling predates modern zoning and that a modest covered entry would reduce weather‑related deterioration and let the family use the front door safely.
“The dwelling was constructed in 1780,” O’Connor told the board, and the application argued applying the current setback standard to a small portico on a historic house would provide little public benefit while preventing a reasonable improvement for safe access. Co‑applicant Audrey Thoreau showed photos and clarified the structure will not be a fully enclosed porch but a covered landing to protect the primary entrance.
After hearing no opposition the board moved to approve the variance. The motion includes the usual condition that the work comply with state and local regulations except to the extent the variance alters setback requirements, and the board recorded a voice vote in favor. The board noted the decision will be posted within five business days and a written decision will be sent to the applicants within 30 days.
