Zoning Board of Appeals Minutes 08/28/2013 ADOPTED

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
REGULAR MEETING
August 28, 2013

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairman Tegan Blackburn called the regular meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals to order at 7:02 P. M. in the Main Meeting Room at Simsbury Town Hall.  The following members were also present:  Jacqueline Battos, Paul Cocchi, Dennis Fallon, Craig MacCormac, Katie Martin, and Greg Piecuch.  Also present were Hiram Peck, Director of Community Planning; Lisa Gray, Commission Clerk; and other interested parties. 

II. APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATES

Chairman Blackburn appointed Dennis Fallon to serve for Carol Bingham and Jacqueline Battos to serve for Thomas Horan.

III. PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. 13-09 – Application of Christopher J. Colli, Owner, for a Side Yard Variance to accommodate an addition to an existing garage, pursuant to Article Eight, Section A, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations, on property located at 9 Ridge Road (Map F09, Block 204, Lot 011).  R-40 Zone.

Christopher Colli explained he is seeking a side yard variance to expand an existing non-conforming garage.  The structure became non-conforming due to a change in the zoning regulations in 1954.  The addition would bring the structure no closer to the side property line, but, as it represents an increase in non-conforming square footage, a variance is required.

Chairman Blackburn noted that there is “interesting topography” on the site which may hinder placement of the addition in any other location.

Chairman Blackburn read a letter in favor of the variance from Mary and Neil Czaikowski, 15 Ridge Road.

Mr. Piecuch noted that there is a pond on the property which may hamper the property owner’s ability to locate the addition elsewhere.

A motion was made by Mr. Piecuch to close the public hearing.  The motion was seconded by Mr. MacCormac, and unanimously carried.

A motion was made by Mr. Piecuch to approve a 21-foot side yard variance for an 11-foot addition to an existing garage, as shown on the submitted plan dated July 30, 2013, based on the existence of wetlands on the property, the topography of the site, the location of the home on the property, and changes in the zoning regulations which caused the existing garage structure to become non-conforming, pursuant to satisfactory receipt of the affidavit by town staff within 24 hours.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Martin, and unanimously carried.

Simsbury Zoning Board of Appeals
Regular Meeting
August 28, 2013
Page 2

B. 13-10 – Application of Igor and Patricia Lepak, Owners, for a front yard variance to accommodate a closet structure for the master bedroom, pursuant to Article Eight, Section A, of the Simsbury Zoning Regulations, on property located at 58 Seminary Road (Map G08, Block 122, Lot 001).  R-15 Zone.

Andy Lombard, contractor, explained the applicant is seeking a six-foot front yard variance to add a walk-in closet addition to the master bedroom.  This is a corner lot encumbered by two front yard setbacks and is touching the setback line on the Phelpscroft Road side and is just five feet from the line on Seminary Road.  The master bedroom is on the front corner of the house and the current floor plan doesn’t allow expansion within the current footprint.  The only option is to create a “bumpout” on the Phelpscroft Road side of the house.

A motion was made by Mr. Fallon to close the public hearing.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Martin, and unanimously carried. 

A motion was made by Ms. Martin to grant a front yard variance, based on the encumbrance imposed by the two front yard variances, and the location of the septic system on the property.  The motion was seconded by Mr. MacCormac, and unanimously carried.

IV. MINUTES

A. July 24, 2013

A motion was made by Mr. Piecuch to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2013 meeting, as presented.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Martin, and unanimously carried.

V. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Mr. Piecuch to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 P. M.

___________________________
Katie Martin, Secretary