More Sheds and setbacks

The January 28 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting there was one public hearing and 2 discussions - with only four members (meaning that all 4 would have to agree to approve).

The public hearing concerned a property on White Corners Lane of 6.2 acres where they currently have 4 accessory structures (2 sheds which are adjacent, a pool house and a gazebo) where only two are allowed. After a site visit by the Zoning, the public hearing - they board voted to approve a variance allowing the 2 additional accessory structures - with the provision that if they structures are ever removed, any replacement would have to get a variance.

The Discussion -

Application - a homeowner on Regency Drive wants to add a 30'x40' garage with a 10'x40' overhang. The property is 9.5 acres The board asked a number of questions about the need for the size of garage, why the overhang, the number of vehicles that he owns and asked whether he would consider reducing the size of the structure. A site visit was scheduled for February 8, with a public hearing to follow on February 11.

Application - a property owner on Route 9D (next to the new town park) - has a 2 story structure and a barn - both constructured in the 1800s. The Barn was modified in the 1980s (as seen by historic aerial photographs). The applicant bought the property in 2023 - and no title search etc. brought forth any issues. The insurer has withdrawn insurance because of the need for the repairs to the barn - but to do the repairs the town is requiring a variance for an exisitng, historic barn. The barn is 1.5 feet from the property line and they need a variance of 18.5 feet to comply with setback requirements.

The board kept asking what his ultimate use for the barn is, his attorney pushed back to say that he wants to get the barn insured and make the repairs. That is his primary purpose for this request. A site visit was scheduled for February 8, with a public hearing on February 11.

The board then went into an attorney/client session.

When they returned the board stated that no actions were taken in executive session and they then adjourned.