Danbury Zoning Board of Appeals Regular Meeting – October 27, 2026

Note: The transcript indicates the meeting occurred on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., but the instruction for this summary requires the date October 27, 2026. The discrepancy is noted.

The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) held a regular meeting via Zoom, chaired by Juan Rivas. The board approved minutes from October 8, 2026, and conducted a public hearing on Application 26-17 for variances at 29 East Pembroke Road. The applicant requested multiple variances to allow a church in an existing building built in 1845. After discussion, the board voted to continue (table) the application to the next meeting pending submission of a floor plan.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of October 8, 2026: Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke.

Discussion Items

• Application 26-17 – 29 East Pembroke Road: Attorney James Jowdy Jr. represented the contract purchaser, Egresia Evangelica Desgate Rescue Evangelical Church (a church). The property is in an RA20 zone, has approximately 1.060 acres, 322 feet of frontage on East Pembroke Road and Hayestown Road, and an existing 8,310 sq. ft. building (built 1845) formerly a restaurant. No building expansion is proposed.
  • Requested Variances:
    1. Front yard setback reduction from 50 ft to 45.7 ft (52 inches less) due to pre-existing nonconforming building location.
    2. Front yard parking permitted between principal building and public street (Hayestown Road) because dual frontage constrains parking.
    3. Vehicular access from Hayestown Road (a non-collector street) – both entrances historically used by the restaurant.
    4. Removal of northernmost parking island (64 inches wide) to allow two-way traffic flow.
    5. Allow existing stockade fence (8–10 ft high) to serve as required screening/buffer; installing prescribed buffer would reduce parking.
  • Hardship Argument: Attorney Jowdy argued that the combination of dual frontage and pre-existing building location creates a unique hardship, not self-created, and the variances are the minimum relief necessary. He noted no building expansion or intensification.
  • Church Operations: Pastor Alessandro W. Diaz testified that the church currently operates elsewhere in Danbury and would hold about four services weekly: Sunday (120–130 attendees), Monday women’s meeting (20–25), Friday youth day (20–25), Wednesday Bible study (35–40). Maximum attendance 130.
  • Parking: The site plan shows 52 parking spaces. Attorney Jowdy stated this exceeds the zoning requirement of one space per four seats (based on 130 people, about 33 spaces needed). Board member Mr. Rickert asked about a parking survey; attorney confirmed 52 spaces shown.
  • Board Questions & Concerns:
    • Mr. Delusha noted that several neighboring properties also have dual frontage, so the hardship may not be unique. He expressed safety concerns about vehicular access from Hayestown Road, which is used to bypass heavy traffic.
    • Mr. Williams requested a floor plan showing sanctuary capacity, Sunday school rooms, etc., to better evaluate the use. The applicant agreed to provide one.
    • Mr. Rickert asked if attendance numbers were hard (based on current church) – Pastor confirmed yes.
• Motion to Table: Mr. Williams moved to continue Application 26-17 to the next regular meeting (November 12, 2026) to allow review of a floor plan. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Application 26-17 (29 East Pembroke Road): Tabled (continued) to the next ZBA regular meeting on November 12, 2026, pending submission of a floor plan detailing interior layout (sanctuary, classrooms, etc.). The associate planner will coordinate with the applicant on required schematics.
• Next Regular Meeting: Scheduled for November 12, 2026.