10:07The most notable agenda item involved Benedict and Christina Seymour’s petition for a special permit to erect a barn at their property. The proposed structure would store more than three vehicles, including small sailboats, a race car, and an off-road Jeep. Ben Seymour, in presenting his vision, described the barn as an indoor space for his “small armada of small sailboats.” He emphasized the aesthetic value of the barn, situated twenty feet from the property line to minimize visual impact on neighbors. The board scrutinized the barn’s use, ensuring it would not serve as a business or habitable space, a concern Seymour addressed by confirming the lack of water and sewage connections. The board approved the permit with conditions limiting vehicle storage to four and prohibiting habitation, allowing a 20-day appeal period following the filing of the decision with the town clerk.

16:43Adjacent to the Seymour petition, the board tackled the contentious issue of a reconstructed shed on Chandler Grey Road, owned by Khalil and Elham Naung. The shed, claimed to replicate a previous structure’s dimensions, was subject to scrutiny over setback compliance and required a variance due to its size exceeding 150 square feet. The board debated the legality of its proximity to property lines and septic systems, with concerns about setting a precedent for non-compliance with zoning regulations. Despite suggestions to relocate the shed or decrease its size, the board was hesitant to grant a variance without a compelling hardship. They ultimately proposed a compromise, allowing the variance contingent upon reducing the shed’s dimensions and obtaining post-modification verification from an engineer.

50:07In another noteworthy discussion, Marcio Gonzalez sought a special permit for a home office within a condominium complex, intending to operate a handyman service without external storage or client visits. The board considered zoning bylaws for home offices, ensuring compliance with restrictions on employees, external storage, and customer traffic. While Gonzalez lacked condominium association approval, the board approved a personal, non-transferable special permit, emphasizing its limitations to maintain zoning integrity.

01:09:14Conversely, Eugene Kovville’s appeal against a building commissioner’s decision regarding a utility trailer on his property faced unanimous denial. The trailer, deemed a zoning bylaw violation, prompted neighbor complaints about its commercial appearance in a residential zone. Kovville’s attempts to reposition the trailer were constrained by septic system proximity and board members’ reluctance to set a precedent for violating section 202.1. The board upheld the violation notice, with Kovville withdrawing his variance request without prejudice, preserving future application opportunities.