Board grants variances to allow single-family house on undersized Spruce Wood lot

The Cheektowaga Board of Appeals granted variances to allow construction of a single-family house on a preexisting nonconforming lot at 3 Spruce Wood Drive.

Architect David Stumpf, representing owner Dimon Thomas, told the board the lot is pie-shaped with approximately 35 feet of frontage and roughly 7,069 square feet of area, smaller than current zoning minimums. Stumpf said he had prepared site sketches showing how a modest, gable-ended two-story home could be sited and set back to reduce street impact.

Board discussion focused on setbacks, minimum front-yard distances (measured from the inside edge of the sidewalk), and ensuring the finished home "suits the character of the neighborhood," as a member put it. Staff confirmed that modest houses can be built on narrow lots in some parts of town, and members asked for design attention to massing and siting.

Motion and vote: The board moved and granted the requested variances so the owner may proceed to design and building-permit steps.

What happens next: The applicant may continue the design process and submit for building permits; staff reminded the applicant that final building permits and inspections are required to ensure code compliance.