Zoning Board of Appeals

CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS January 8, 203 Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the City of Norwich Zoning Board of Appeals was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken and it was determined that a quorum was present. PRESENT: Marc Benjamin, Chairman Joseph Jacaruso, Co-Chairman Dorothy Travers Paul Kramarewicz Henry Olender Joe East – Alternate Peter Cuprak - Alternate ABSENT: Raymond Dussault-Alternate ALSO PRESENT: Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Zoning Enforcement Officer Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary E. COMMUNICATIONS - None F. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES On a motion by Peter Cuprak/Dorothy Travers, it was voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the November 13, 2012. G. OLD BUSINESS: None H. NEW BUSINESS: Tianne Curtis confirmed that the regular five members would be hearing and voting on the variances. 1. V#12-20 – Application of Harlan Hyde Sr. for property located at 104 West Town St. in a Residential R-20 zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1, 30’ front yard setback required; requesting reduction to 12’ for the construction of a 3’W x 6’L landing & associated stair. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers, Henry Olender, and Paul Kramarewicz. Tianne Curtis entered into the record exhibits A-G. Property owner, Harlan Hyde, 401 Plain Hill Road presented. Mr. Hyde explained to the Board he would like to construct a 3’x6’ landing and stair off of the front of the home. Mr. Hyde stated the prior stair had been removed without 1 of 3 applying for the necessary permits and he was looking to correct the violation. Mr. Hyde stated he had made improvements to the front yard and sidewalk. He noted approximately 50% or more of the neighboring properties also encroached into the front yard setback. Mr. Hyde explained he was proposing to rebuild with a landing, resulting in the additional 3’ extension. He noted the dimensions of the stair and landing were compliant with the Building Code. Marc Benjamin noted that with the 30’ setback, the pre-existing stair was also non-conforming. Joe East confirmed a landing at an exterior door was required by current building code; creating a hardship to the property. Tianne Curtis clarified the requested reduction to 12’ was to the property line; the reference to 18’ was to the road line. There being no other speakers, the public hearing was closed. 2. V#12-21 – Application of Sharon Caron for property located at 49 Baltic St. in a Multifamily (MF) zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1, 25’ MF rear yard setback required; requesting reduction to 15’ for the construction of a 14’L x 8’W x 10’H exterior stair. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers, Henry Olender, and Paul Kramarewicz. Tianne Curtis entered into the record exhibits A-I. Property owner, Sharon Caron, 49 Baltic Street presented. Ms. Caron explained to the Board the existing stairs were very unstable, missing some steps and protruded into the driveway. She has lived in the house for 3½ years and they’ve never been repaired. Ms. Caron recently purchased the home and was informed by her home inspector that the stair was incorrectly built. Ms. Caron explained her hardship was the pre-existing location of the house, being a corner lot and the need for another exit. Marc Benjamin asked staff if the setbacks of the corner lot were a factor. Tianne Curtis stated the property line in question would be defined as a side yard (10’) if it weren’t a corner lot. Ms Caron’s proposed stair would not require a variance if this were the case. Joe East confirmed the two independent exits for a two family house are required. The proposed stair would bring the property into compliance. There being no other speakers, the public hearing was closed. I. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPLICATIONS Page 2 of 3  1. V#12-20 – Application of Harlan Hyde Sr. for property located at 104 West Town St. in a Residential R-20 zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1, 30’ front yard setback required; requesting reduction to 12’ for the construction of a 3’W x 6’L landing & associated stair. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers, Henry Olender, and Paul Kramarewicz. Dorothy Travers made a motion to approve V#12-20 as the structure was pre -existing non-conforming and had to adhere to current building code regulations; and Joseph Jacaruso seconded the motion. Marc Benjamin added to the motion; noting the proposed landing/stair will only encroach an additional 3’. Upon motion by Dorothy Travers, second by Joseph Jacaruso, V#12-20 APPROVED unanimously. 2. V#12-21 – Application of Sharon Caron for property located at 49 Baltic St. in a Multifamily (MF) zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1, 25’ MF rear yard setback required; requesting reduction to 15’ for the construction of a 14’L x 8’W x 10’H exterior stair. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joseph Jacaruso, Dorothy Travers, Henry Olender, and Paul Kramarewicz. Dorothy Travers made a motion to approve V#12-21 as the property is a corner lot; the direction of the stairs will be reversed in order to not exit into the driveway and a second means of egress must be provided. Upon motion by Dorothy Travers, second by Paul Kramarewicz #V12-21 APPROVED unanimously. J. OTHER MATTERS- 1. Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman Tianne Curtis stated the matter must be postponed until the next regularly scheduled meeting pending referral by the City Council. K. ADJOURNMENT On a motion by Paul Kramarewicz, .second by Dorothy Travers it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:21 pm Respectfully submitted, Linda Lee Smith Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3