Newtown Zoning Board Grants Three Variances For Garage And Shed Projects

NEWTOWN, CT —The Newtown Zoning Board of Appeals approved three variance requests at its Sept. 3 meeting, allowing property owners to move forward with projects that required modifications to setback rules.

The board, meeting at the Newtown Municipal Center, voted unanimously in favor of applications involving homes on Mohawk Trail, Old Town Road, and Hanover Road.

Shed on Mohawk Trail

The first application, submitted by Christopher W. Pace for 53 Mohawk Trail in Sandy Hook, sought approval to place a 10-by-16-foot shed closer to the property line than regulations allow. Neighbor Mary Ann Jacob spoke in support, noting the small, nonconforming nature of lake lots in the neighborhood. She cited steep slopes, the location of the septic system and well, and the property’s topography as limiting placement options.

The board determined the circumstances created a hardship and voted 5-0 to approve the request.

Detached Garage on Old Town Road

The second application, from John Tita Jr. for 7 Old Town Road, requested permission to build a 22-by-27-foot detached, two-car garage on a concrete slab. Tita explained the garage would encroach about 20 feet into the 25-foot setback because of the lot’s shape, an existing well and septic system, and steep slopes from an adjoining property.

A neighbor submitted a letter of support. With no opposition voiced, the board unanimously approved the variance.

Garage Addition on Hanover Road

The final application came from Kathryn Cullinan for 32 Hanover Road. Cullinan plans to replace an aging carport with a one-car garage, requiring an additional two feet of width beyond the standard setback allowance. She said the lot’s angle, backyard slopes, a retaining wall, and the placement of utilities limited other options.

The board again found a hardship existed and approved the variance in a unanimous vote.

Other Business

The board also approved the minutes of its June 4 meeting before adjourning at 7:22 p.m.