Board grants variance to connect garage at 10 Winthrop after revisions

The Norwalk City Zoning Board of Appeals approved on April 16 a rear‑setback variance allowing the owners at 10 Winthrop Avenue to connect an existing detached garage to the principal dwelling with a reduced rear setback.

Staff described the application and noted an earlier discrepancy between advertised setbacks (9.4 feet) and a more recent survey (6.7 feet); the applicant submitted revised plans proposing to pull the garage back to a 12‑foot rear setback (a 3‑foot variance from the required 15 feet), lower the garage height about 20 inches, and reduce impervious coverage from about 49.9% to 47.8%.

Architect Eric Jacobson presented elevations and a first‑floor plan, showing a smaller connector, a powder room/mudroom inside the addition, and a redesigned driveway with retaining walls meeting the five‑foot setback and a maximum height of about 30 inches. Jacobson said drainage would be handled on‑site and the redesign decreases impervious surface.

After questions about the powder room location, driveway geometry and retaining wall detail, a motion to approve the variance was moved, seconded and passed with one member recorded in opposition. Board members said the applicants had addressed staff concerns, reduced nonconformity and provided necessary engineering follow‑up.