Routine ZBA Meeting April 11

After many months of observing Zoning Board of Appeals meetings, it is clear that the majority of Town Residents who appear before the ZBA have common sense -- and are very respectful of the zoning code. Requests for variances inevitability are because of challenges unique to their property that are not accommodated for in the zoning code (like the property owner with 3 front yards) or buildings/structures in place before the code was in place.

Tuesday's Public Hearings:

- Approved variance for property on Schlichter Road that had a structure built very near the property line, requiring a substantial set-back variance.

- Approved the placement of a driveway in the rear of the property on Forest View and Pine Ridge Drive.

- Approved two variances for setbacks for a new home/existing garage on Chelsea Road

- Adjourned a public hearing for a property on Kent Road to allow for an update to the application to include an existing shed that was on the property when the current owner purchased the property.

- Approved accessory structure (existing) on Ketchamtown Road.

- Approved setback variances for existing pool/deck/shed for a property on Edgehill Drive.

New Projects presented to the ZBA

- Request for a variance for an additional accessory structure for a property on Wheeler Hill Road - property has over 24 acres.

- Request for a variance for additional accessory structures for a property on Widmer Road -property has over 59 acres - in an ag district.

- Request for a setback variances for existing covered decks/screened in rooms and shed on Applesauce Lane.

- Request for a variance on fence height to block traffic/headlight disturbances caused by the rerouting of Sergeant Palmateer Way (did anyone think about this when the town allowed the road changes to be made? Is that not the role of the Planner to think through the consequences on residents' properties?)

- Request for a variance on set-back requirements for a home in a commercial district to enable coverage over front steps and an addition to the second floor of the home as well as adding a shed to the property on Sergeant Palmateer Way.