Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes 02/26/2014 ADOPTED
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING
February 26, 2014
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Tegan Blackburn called the regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals to order at 7:01 P. M. in the Main Meeting Room at Simsbury Town Hall. The following members were also present: Jacqueline Battos, Paul Cocchi, Dennis Fallon, Thomas Horan, Katie Martin, and Greg Piecuch. Also present were Howard Beach, Planning Analyst; Lisa Gray, Commission Clerk; and other interested parties.
II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES
None
III. PUBLIC HEARINGS
14-01 – Application of Kerry M. Wisser, Owner, for a Side Yard Variance, pursuant to Article Eight, Section A, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations, to accommodate a stand-by generator and associated propane tanks on property located at 19 Stillwood Chase (Map F14, Block 114, Lot 056). R-40 OS.
Chairman Tegan Blackburn recused herself from this hearing and asked Thomas Horan to act as Chairman. Jackie Battos, Paul Cocchi and Dennis Fallon were seated as replacements
James Ferrigno explained that the applicant is seeking a 12-foot side yard variance to install a stand-by generator and two associated propane tanks. Mr. Ferrigno further explained that regulations pertaining to the placement of generators and propane tanks, as well as a very small building area on the property, inhibit placement in any other area of the property.
Acting Chairman Horan opened the hearing to public comment; hearing none, he closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Ms. Martin to approve a 12-foot side yard variance for placement of a stand-by generator and two associated propane tanks, resulting in the equipment being placed 28 feet from the side yard line, based on the existence of current regulations restricting placement elsewhere, the location of the home on the property, and subdivision restrictions. The motion was seconded by Mr Piecuch, and unanimously carried.
14-02 – Application of Paula Johnston, Owner, for a front yard variance, pursuant to Article Eight, Section A, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations, to accommodate a garage addition to the house on property located at 62 Canton Road (Map B17, Block 307, Lot 005). R-40 Zone.
Tegan Blackburn returned to serve as Chairman. Dennis Fallon and Paul Cocchi were seated as replacements
David Quisenberry, architect, explained that the applicant is seeking a 12-foot front yard variance to demolish an existing two-car garage and construct a three-car garage with mud room, laundry room, and bonus room. He further noted that the owners are unable to fit their large vehicles in the current garage, and are, therefore, requesting the variance to construct the larger garage.
Paula Johnston, Owner, presented a letter in favor of the variance from Dawn Cohen, 2 Drumlin Road, and said that she has spoken with the other abutting property owners and there have been no objections.
Mr. Quisenberry stated the hardship to be the way the home was sited, or “skewed”, on the lot. Peter Rose, resident of 62 Canton Road, also noted that the property has some steep sloping topography that further restricts placement of the addition.
Chairman Blackburn opened the hearing to public comment.
A motion was made by Ms. Martin to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Piecuch, and unanimously carried.
A motion was made by Ms. Martin to approve a 12-foot front yard variance to accommodate a garage addition, resulting in the addition being placed 38 feet from the front property line, based on the placement of the home on the lot and topography that further restricts placement. The motion was seconded by Mr. Horan. Mr. Piecuch was opposed. The motion carried.
IV. MINUTES
January 22, 2014
A motion was made by Mr. Piecuch to approve the minutes of the January 22, 2014 meeting, as amended. The motion was seconded by Ms. Martin, and unanimously carried.
V. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mr. Piecuch to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 P. M.
__________________________
Katie Martin, Secretary