Henrietta Zoning Board of Appeals to review wide range of residential and commercial variance requests on June 3

Henrietta, New York – Residents across the Town of Henrietta will soon have another opportunity to weigh in on a wide range of zoning requests as the Zoning Board of Appeals prepares for a packed public hearing agenda on June 3, 2026. From porch expansions and driveway adjustments to oversized sheds and commercial signage requests, the upcoming meeting reflects the steady pace of residential and commercial property changes taking place throughout the community.

The Town of Henrietta announced that the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting will be held Wednesday, June 3, with a workshop session beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the official public hearing starting at 7 p.m. The meeting will review more than a dozen applications involving setback variances, accessory structures, and signage regulations tied to town zoning laws.

Many of the requests stem from homeowners seeking permission to make relatively modest alterations to their properties that fall outside existing town code requirements. While some involve only a few feet of setback relief, others propose significantly larger structures than current regulations allow.

One of the first applications scheduled for review is Application No. 2026-021, submitted by John DiDomenico. The request involves a variance for a shed at 11 Reagan Way in West Henrietta. According to the application, the proposed shed would sit just one foot from the side property line, despite town code requiring a four-foot setback in Rural Residential zones.

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Another residential request comes from Benjamin Sierra, who is seeking approval for a covered porch at 53 Nevins Road. The proposal would allow a 30.65-foot front setback, rather than the 40 feet required under Henrietta Town Code for the Residential R-1-15 district.

Front setback requests appear repeatedly throughout the agenda, highlighting a common issue faced by homeowners trying to add decks, porches, or similar exterior features to existing homes. Nancy Flood, for example, has filed an application for a deck at 17 Gawaine Lane in Rochester that would sit at a 54-foot front setback instead of the required 60 feet.

Driveway-related variances also make up a substantial portion of the hearing schedule. Qais Qaderi is requesting permission for a driveway setback of two feet at 20 Harrogate Crossing in West Henrietta, despite regulations requiring a five-foot side setback. Similar requests were submitted by Albert Ambroselli Jr. at 39 Kramer Street and Sean and Pamela McCormick at 106 Campus Drive. In the McCormicks’ case, the proposal seeks approval for a driveway with no side setback at all.

These kinds of applications are often considered by zoning boards when homeowners face physical limitations on their lots or seek practical ways to improve access to their properties. Even relatively minor adjustments, however, must undergo public review when they do not conform to the zoning code.

Commercial properties are also represented on the agenda.

Ironwood Power Services, operating as Vital Signs, has submitted a request concerning a monument sign at 270 Middle Road in Henrietta. The company is seeking approval for a sign placed directly on the property line, even though town regulations require a 20-foot setback for monument signage in industrial zones.

Another business-related application comes from Innovative Solutions, which is requesting approval for a second wall sign at its office located at 4545 East River Road, Suite 100, in West Henrietta. Current town code permits only one wall sign at the property, which falls within an Industrial district featuring a Mixed-Use Employment Center Overlay.

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Several applications involve accessory structures and storage buildings, including one that could draw additional attention because of its scale.

Frank and Mary O’Rourke are requesting permission for two sheds totaling 280 square feet at their property on Springblossom Circle. Henrietta Town Code currently allows only 152 square feet for such structures in the Rural Residential district.

Meanwhile, Robert and Sheri Faggiano submitted two separate but related applications concerning a vacant lot on Pinnacle Road adjacent to 14 Cobblestone Drive in Pittsford.

The first request seeks approval for an accessory structure on a vacant parcel, despite town rules stating that accessory structures must accompany a primary residence. The second application asks for permission to construct a 3,250-square-foot accessory structure where only 566 square feet are normally permitted under zoning regulations.

Those proposals stand out among the hearing items because of the substantial difference between the requested structure size and what is currently allowed under town code. Large accessory structures can sometimes generate debate regarding neighborhood character, visual impact, and future land use.

Additional residential applications include proposals for front porches and decks at several Rochester properties. Mary and Jared Lytle are requesting a variance for a front porch at 48 Chautauqua Drive, while Curt Weichman is seeking approval for a porch setback adjustment at 139 Down Street. Cynthia Rounds has also filed a request for a deck setback variance at 169 Sussex Road.

Though individually small in scale, these types of projects collectively reflect broader trends in suburban communities where homeowners continue investing in outdoor living spaces, home improvements, and expanded property use.

Zoning boards serve a critical role in balancing those personal property goals with established planning standards designed to preserve neighborhood consistency and safety. Variance hearings provide residents an opportunity to publicly support or oppose requests before board members reach final decisions.

Town officials noted that all applications are described in greater detail through plans available at the Town Clerk’s Office and online through the Town of Henrietta website. Residents interested in reviewing the proposals before the hearing can access supporting materials ahead of the meeting.

The town also included accessibility information for community members planning to attend.

“If an ASL interpreter is needed for this meeting, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at (585) 359-7035 or [email protected] – requests made less than two business days prior to the meeting may result in us being unable to schedule an interpreter.”

Public hearings such as this one often move through numerous agenda items in a single evening, though some applications may prompt extended discussion depending on public comment or board concerns. Decisions made by zoning boards can influence not only individual properties but also future interpretations of local zoning standards.

As Henrietta continues to evolve through residential upgrades, business expansion, and redevelopment activity, zoning meetings remain one of the clearest windows into how the town is physically changing — often one variance at a time.