The proposed 4.8-foot bump out at the rear of the firehouse is designed to provide adequate space for the maneuvering of a new, larger ladder truck, which is essential for the fire company’s operations. The fire company member who spoke emphasized that the current apparatus is limited by the existing space and that the new truck is necessitated by changing needs within the town. The board addressed concerns about the project’s cost, the structural support required during construction, and the impact on the building’s height concerning the ladder truck’s access. An architect and a civil engineer presented insights and technical details on the rear bump out, including variances related to the setback and lot coverage. There was also a discussion about the need for forgiveness for any non-conformities related to the generator installation.

Further, the board engaged in a substantive debate on the ordinances governing home office signs in residential zones. The discussion centered around a recent application where the current size limit for signs posed a problem. As a result, there was a suggestion to increase the allowable signage size. The board also debated whether a home office must be permitted under the ordinance before a sign can be displayed and discussed the types of businesses that would require further clarification in the ordinance. The size and design of signs, as well as the types of permissible signs, were also topics of debate.

The board’s discussion on residential sheds focused on the need for an ordinance to address the size and placement of sheds in residential areas, including whether sheds exceeding a specific size should require a variance. A suggestion was made to consider a sliding scale for setback requirements based on the size of the shed. Additionally, the maximum allowed height for sheds and the possibility of limiting the size and height of sheds with loft areas were debated.

The regulations for fences were also a topic of discussion, particularly the requirement for construction permits for fences six feet and higher. The board members considered the possibility of improving communication among themselves to ensure a quorum at meetings, expressing concern over the lack of response to meeting invitations from some members and the timeliness of agenda and material distributions.