Wellfleet zoning board grants special permit to relocate nonconforming porch at 55 Ryder Court

The Wellfleet Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant a special permit for 55 Ryder Court, allowing the demolition of an existing nonconforming front porch and construction of a new 24-by-12-foot screened "farmer's porch" on the northeasterly side of the dwelling. The application, filed by Kevin Sheehan and Julie Michailidis, had been continued from June 11, July 9 and August 13.

The board reviewed the certified site plan and zoning findings, including existing lot area and setback intrusions. The board found that moving the porch would reduce intrusion into the front setback and would not be "more substantially detrimental to the neighborhood than the existing nonconforming structure," noting that removing "the decaying front porch will be an improvement to the neighborhood and decrease the dwelling's infringement into the front setback." The historical commission had reviewed the project on June 7, 2023 and approved it, and the file included at least one abutter letter of support.

Applicant Kevin Sheehan described the plan to relocate the porch farther from the road and confirmed the revised certified site plan was provided. The board made the required zoning findings under Wellfleet zoning provisions cited in the record and then voted to accept the findings and to grant the special permit. The board recorded its vote with affirmative voices from present members; no formal opposition or correspondence in opposition was read into the record.

The decision notes no change in use or increase in the dwelling's use, a slight increase in lot coverage described in the record, and that the benefits of the project "will outweigh any adverse effects on the town and the vicinity." The board stamped the approved plan package before moving to the next agenda item.