Minutes
Present:
Beth Williams, Chairman
Scott Smith
Heather Whaley, Alternate
Trevor Furrer, Alternate
Absent:
Henry Polio, Secretary
Bruce Given
Colleen Litof
The meeting was called to order at 7:31 p.m.
APPROVAL OF ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MINUTES:
Approval of the June 16, 2015 Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes is postponed until the September meeting as the minutes received by the Board members were incomplete.
Ms. Williams noted that while a quorum was seated (4 members), any decisions made will need to be unanimous. The applicants were previously notified and given an opportunity to postpone their application until the September meeting. A letter was received for Application 15-08-04 from Mr. Palumbo requesting postponement.
REGULAR APPLICATIONS:
Application 15-08-01 –382 Newtown Turnpike – Owner: Scott Morris ( Map #23 & Lot #130) – Requesting a variance to reduce front yard setback 45’ feet and side yard setback 35’ feet for a Non-Heated Storage Shed. Section 4.6.5 of the Redding Zoning Regulations requires a 50’ foot front yard setback and side yard requires a 40’ feet. Variance requested 5’ feet front and 5’ feet side. Applicant returning with revised proposed plan from May 19, 2015 meeting.
Mr. Morris presented the application to the Board. He indicated that the revision to the original application is a decrease in the setback requested to 5’ in both front and side yards; original request was for a 25’ front yard setback and 10’ side yard setback. Mr. Morris reviewed suggested locations for the non-heated storage shed with his contractor/excavator and was advised that due to the ledge at the back of the dwelling and the septic area in the side yard these locations were not feasible. Mr. Morris reviewed the plans with the Board members. Ms. Williams asked if the structure was to be the same size as noted in the original application. Mr. Morris indicated it would be the same size, 24 feet x 30 feet, approximately 20 feet high. Mr. Morris stated that due to the sloping topography on the small, 1-acre, triangle-sized lot he is quite limited for placement and feels that it would be most aesthetically pleasing in the proposed location.
Application 15-08-02 – 49 Putnam Park Road – Owner D.Z. Tunasek (Map #8 & Lot #3)- Requesting a variance to reduce side yard setback to 12’ feet for a Garage. Section 4.6.5 of the Redding Zoning Regulations requires a 40’ feet setback. Requesting a variance of 28’ feet.
Mr. Tunasek presented the application to the Board. He indicated that due to severe topographical sloping issues as well as location of the septic, well and swimming pool he felt the proposed location for the garage in the rear corner of the lot is the only viable option. Mr. Smith noted that he visited the property and stated there is an extreme slope to the property all the way to the residence. Mr. and Mrs. Tunasek showed a photo of the property and proposed location to the Board and alternate locations were discussed. Mr. Tunasek indicated that in the proposed location the garage would be 8 feet from edge of the swimming pool. Ms. Whaley reviewed the calculations which showed the entire footprint of the garage, 24 feet x 28 feet and approximately 20 feet high, would be within the setback.
Mr. Paul Greenhill of 47 Putnam Park Rd, an adjacent property owner, indicated that he did not object to the plan as long as the structure was in compliance with all other Town Building and Zoning Regulations.
Application 15-08-03 – 8 Woodland Drive Ext. – Owner Marilyn & Anthony Forlenzo (Map #33 & Lot #6) – Applicant David Forlenzo (same address) – Requesting a variance to reduce side yard setback to 13’ feet for a 10’x 12’ Shed. Redding Zoning Regulations requires a 40’ feet setback. Requesting a variance of 27’ feet.
Mr. David Forlenzo presented the application to the Board. He indicated that he planned on siting the shed on a gravel bed. He had photos of the property showing the proposed location for the 10’ x 12’ shed. Mr. Forlenzo indicated that he requires access to the shed throughout the year. Ms. Williams inquired if the shed was a temporary structure without footings. Mr. Forlenzo stated it is a temporary structure with no footings to be set on gravel. Ms. Williams explained that per the Zoning Regulations a temporary structure does not require a variance.
Application 15-08-04 – 38 Cross Highway – Owner William Palumbo & Sandi M. Rich (Map #22 & Lot #33) – Requesting a variance to reduce front yard set 25’ feet and side yard setback 25’ feet for 2 Hoop Barns. Redding Zoning Regulations requires 50’ foot rear setback and 40’ feet side yard setback. Variance requested is 25’ feet rear setback and 15’ foot side yard set back.
Applicant requested postponement until the September meeting as noted above.
Upon motion of Mr. Smith and second of Mr. Furrer, the Board voted to enter deliberative session at 8:16 p.m.
DELIBERATIVE SESSION:
Application 15-08-01 –382 Newtown Turnpike – Owner: Scott Morris (Map #23 & Lot #130) –Upon motion of Ms. Whaley and the second of Mr. Smith, the Board voted 4-0 to deny the request for variance due to lack of hardship.
Application 15-08-02 – 49 Putnam Park Road – Owner D.Z. Tunasek (Map #8 & Lot #3) – Upon motion of Mr. Furrer and the second of Ms. Whaley, the Board voted 4-0 to deny the request for variance due to lack of hardship.
Application 15-08-03 – 8 Woodland Drive Ext. – Owner Marilyn & Anthony Forlenzo (Map #33 & Lot #6) – The Board unanimously (4-0) acknowledged that the applicant has a right to build a temporary structure (a structure that can be moved and has no footings) without the need of a variance.
Upon motion of Ms. Whaley and second of Mr. Smith, the Board voted to exit deliberative session at 8:28 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.
These minutes have not been approved by the ZBA.
Submitted by klg 8/20/15