2020-06-25-ZBA-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Noonan stated the shed right now is only three feet from the lot line. So they are creating less of an intrusion than what exists. A Board Member, David G. Williams, stated he agreed with Ms. Krieger. He is concerned with having a room above the garage. There will be windows with a house next door very close. It is too close to the property line. It should be more in the back and they will still have a decent sized back yard. A garage is nice to have but not something they have to have. A Board Member, Nyles N. Barnert, asked why the garage was 32 feet deep when it could be only 24 feet deep (Mr. Noonan stated the homeowner wanted a mudroom behind the garage). Mr. Petros stated they are hoping to have the mudroom as they have three young boys in a tight space. Mr. Barnert stated if they got rid of the mudroom and moved the stairs to the left side would not be so close to the property line. Chair, Ralph D. Clifford, stated it is unlikely the Board will be willing to grant this variance as it stands. Such a large increase is problematic. It is a very small lot that holds a smaller house. The challenge is putting in everything the homeowner wants. The lot is not an outrageous shape. Mr. Barnert stated there is a bump out on the right hand side and questioned what that was. (Mr. Petros stated that was a gas fireplace). Mr. Barnert asked if that would need a Variance as well. Mr. Clifford stated if that is not preexisting that will need a Variance. The Zoning Administrator stated the applicant stated it is replacing an existing area that was a bathroom. Mr. Clifford asked if that is existing (Mr. Petros stated it is not existing. They can redesign that). The Zoning Administrator stated the existing setback is 11 feet and 12 feet is required so it is non-conforming. They could go closer on that side and it would be a Special Permit. Mr. Clifford explained the difference of a Special Permit and a Variance. A Board Member, Norman P. Cohen, asked if the Board is comfortable to vote, assuming all issues are addressed, that this comes up to a Variance standard. It might not meet Variance standards. Mr. Clifford stated it is unlikely to obtain the Variance on this lot. The hardship is missing. The homeowner may not be able to get the garage. The Board agreed they would not vote for this Variance as it stands. Mr. Clifford stated this house will be there for 100 years. The next neighbor might not want this big structure so close to the property line.