The application for a dimensional variance on Al Lan garnered substantial attention, as it proposed the addition of a single-car garage to an existing single-family home. The applicant sought relief from side yard setback requirements, proposing a setback of 27 feet in place of the mandated 30 feet to accommodate a garage measuring 13 by 22 feet. The board previously reviewed the application’s details, including testimony from the applicant’s engineer, who emphasized that relocating the garage further back would obstruct a kitchen window and create logistical challenges. The property’s irregular shape and its setting among similar single-family dwellings were also considered.

A focal point of the discussion was the garage’s environmental impact, particularly regarding water runoff and drainage. The property owner, identified as Rachel H, noted that the garage would be obscured by trees, potentially alleviating public aesthetic concerns. Ultimately, the board concluded that the garage addition was a logical enhancement to the property, granting the variance as a minimal and reasonable request given the circumstances.

In another significant deliberation, the board considered an application for a variance to construct a swimming pool, patio, and a minor addition on a residential property on Post Road. The board reviewed a memorandum requesting several waivers, which were granted to facilitate the public hearing. The applicant proposed a 20 by 40-foot swimming pool and a 1,220-square-foot patio, to be located behind the existing dwelling to minimize the impact on steep slopes. The plan also included a one-story addition intended as a mudroom, replacing an existing porch.

Key elements of the proposal included managing water runoff through a drywell and channel drain. Architect Alexander Rodriguez highlighted the necessity of a side setback variance due to the garage’s existing encroachment. Licensed surveyor Mark Mella confirmed that the proposed features would remain discreetly positioned behind the house to minimize slope disturbance.

The board heard from Frank Bish, a licensed land planner, who supported the application, arguing that it met the criteria for granting variances and would enhance the property’s aesthetic appeal. The board found that strict adherence to zoning regulations could entail significant practical difficulties for the property, and the proposed mudroom and swimming pool, along with associated landscaping, were deemed appropriate additions. Approval was granted with conditions to revise plans per recommendations and to secure all necessary permits.

The meeting also explored the intricacies of another application involving the replacement of a structurally unsound barn with a new facility incorporating a four-bay garage, greenhouse, and office space on Turn Lane. The board highlighted the importance of ensuring the proposed development aligned with zoning regulations and the master plan without adversely affecting the neighborhood. Discrepancies in impervious coverage figures prompted the board to defer finalizing the resolution until accurate numbers could be confirmed, emphasizing the need for precision before approval.