ZBA Minutes
June 30, 2009
Members Present: Steve Filipi, Chairman, Jane Roberts, Gretchen Wittenborg, Jack Ernst and Sue Wood, alternate in for Cathy Davis. Tom Parker, Selectmen’s representative, was present.
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM
7:00 pm Case # 09-02 Garry and Lisa Lohman application for an Area Variance to construct a single floor handicap access, entrance and storage area that encroaches on the front setback of property located at 182 Upper Troy Road, Map 15, Lot 13, Rural District.
Filipi asked the Lohmans to make their presentation. Mr. and Mrs. Lohman told the board they would like to put an enclosed porch, shed extension for storage and trash, and ramp all on one floor so Mr. Lohman will have wheelchair access. He presented revised plans that show the proposed construction with the extension for the trash shed. The house was originally built within the current setback for the rural area and adding the porch will encroach further on the setback by seven feet, making the front setback 42 feet.
Roberts asked how far below street level the home is. Mr. Lohman said he can see cars on Upper Troy Road directly across from the second story.
Wittenborg said the town needed a copy of the revised plans for the file. She requested that in the future north arrows be affixed to plans. (Application forms will be so revised.) Mr. Lohman sketched the north arrow in on his plans.
Filipi asked if there were any other questions. Parker noted that while the Selectmen have not discussed this case, he would support the variance for this purpose. A letter from an abutter, Suzanne Gray, in support of the variance was entered into the record and is attached to these minutes.
Ernst moved, Wittenborg seconded and the Board approved closing the public hearing. Filipi moved to the Mandatory Findings for an Area Variance. The Board unanimously agreed with each of the mandatory findings and Filipi announced the Area Variance was approved.
Minutes: The Board reviewed minutes of the April 14, 2009 meeting. Wittenborg requested that a phrase be removed from the minutes since it lacked context. Roberts moved, Ernst seconded and the Board approved the minutes as amended.
Wittenborg asked Parker if a building inspector will do follow-up to insure the variance is implemented as designed. Parker said the town does not have a building inspector, nor does it have a building code. The Code Enforcement Office does conduct inspections for setbacks and will be asked to do so in this case. He does not do plumbing or electrical inspections.
Filipi distributed the information packets for the next meeting of the ZBA on July 14, 2009.
Ernst moved, Roberts seconded and the Board voted to adjourn at 7:15 PM.
| 
