What: Variance from the Section 5.1 maximum floor area ratio for a rear first-floor addition to an existing home on Garden Road in the suburban single-family district; the house already exceeds the ratio, counting basement, porches and attic, and all setbacks are met.
Where it stands: Approved on November 9, 6 to 0, with a condition that the project provide no additional runoff offsite and mitigate added impervious surface onsite.
The applicants said the addition would add two bedrooms and improve the kitchen and living areas, remains well back from the neighboring line, and keeps an existing wooded buffer. They disputed a neighbor's claims about the location of the addition and about a basement drainage system.
Neighbors opposed, citing the neighborhood's uniform homes, the 2007 reduction of the district floor area ratio cap from 0.50 to 0.35, past basement flooding on nearby lots in December 2023, and stormwater runoff; one asked for a continuance to seek legal advice and another asked which plan was under review. A former owner and a nearby resident spoke in favor.
The contractor explained how floor area is counted, including basements, and said a perimeter drain and larger sump could be used. Members said the flooding was more likely tied to the high water table and heavy rain than to the existing house, and added the runoff condition.
Roll call: 6 in favor, 0 opposed; approved with condition.
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