FLB Law Secures Zoning Approval for Addition to Historic Connecticut Home

FLB Law Managing Partner Eric Bernheim, head of the firm’s Land Use and Real Estate practices, recently obtained zoning approval for a Connecticut family seeking to add a 500-square-foot addition to their historic 2,000-square-foot home in New Canaan. The approval allows the family to move forward with expanding their living space to accommodate children returning from college.

The project required lot coverage relief under the town’s zoning regulations, which limit the percentage of a property that can be occupied by buildings, patios, and other impervious surfaces. Because the home sits on a small lot, the proposed addition would have exceeded the maximum coverage allowed.

FLB Law initially sought approval under a regulation that permits the zoning commission to grant coverage relief for historic structures but concern that the addition would obstruct the neighbors’ water views resulted in a denial.

The firm then identified a viable alternative under the town’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations. A provision within the ADU rules allows accessory buildings to be set back only 15 feet from the property line. Working with the project architects, FLB Law helped redesign the addition to comply with this requirement, and the firm obtained the necessary zoning permit.

This outcome of this matter demonstrates FLB Law’s experience in navigating complex zoning regulations and securing approvals that balance property improvement with community and regulatory considerations.