Granby Zoning Board Grants Garage Variance After Years of Procedural Delays

GRANBY — May 26, 2026 — Granby Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously grants variance for nonconforming garage after two failed quorums delayed the case for months. The five-member board voted 5-0 Tuesday to allow a property owner to rebuild a detached garage on a foundation that has stood since at least the early 1960s but falls short of current setback requirements. Chairman Stephen Alley noted that the building department file from a 1994 demolition permit contained no written notice that the owner had only two years to rebuild before losing her grandfathered status — a gap he called central to the hardship finding. A builder representing the applicant estimated that demolishing the existing foundation and pouring a new one at a conforming location would cost at least $40,000, with the lot's septic system further constraining available sites. Member Ralph Chauvin, who disclosed he grew up across the street, said "even if it was only $25,000, that's a hardship." The decision will be filed with the Town Clerk and is subject to a 20-day appeal window.