During the meeting, the applicant explained the need for a 2.5-foot encroachment into the roadside setback to connect the new addition with the existing one-story house through a visually appealing porch design. This variance was sought to avoid the proposed addition from appearing disproportionately tall and out of sync with the surroundings. The proposed farmer porch, though extending slightly further towards the roadside than currently permitted, would be less intrusive than the existing uncovered porch and would not encroach on neighboring properties.

In a display of plansning, the applicant presented the hardship on-site, indicating the house, built in the 1950s, is already close to the setback line and adding a normal-sized, 5-foot covered porch to the new two-story addition would be impossible without slightly exceeding the front setback. The homeowner provided comprehensive answers to standard variance questions.

The board, after a brief discussion and no public opposition, unanimously approved the special permit for the dimensional variation. The decision was contingent on the condition that all local, state, and federal regulations would be adhered to and that the permit would be subject to periodic review to ensure ongoing compliance.