Zoning Board of Appeals

CITY OF NORWICH ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS December 9, 2014 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-chair Dorothy Travers Henry Olender Joe East – Alternate Peter Cuprak - Alternate ABSENT: Raymond Dussault ALSO PRESENT: Tianne Phoenix Curtis, Zoning Enforcement Officer Linda Lee Smith, Recording Secretary E. COMMUNICATIONS F. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES Upon motion by Dorothy Travers, seconded by Joe Jacaruso it was voted unanimously to APPROVE the minutes of the November 18, 2014 regular meeting. G. OLD BUSINESS: None H. NEW BUSINESS: 1. V#14-09 – Application of Paul Butcher for property located at 1-2 Terrace Avenue in a Multi-family (MF) zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1 25’ front yard (Shetucket Ave) setback required, request reduction to 10’ and 25’ front yard (Maennerchor Ave) request reduction to 13’ for the construction of a 12’ x 32’ carport. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joe Jacaruso, Henry Olender, Dorothy Travers and Peter Cuprak Tianne Curtis entered into the record Exhibits “A-H” Paul Butcher, property owner of 1-2 Terrace Ave presented. Mr. Butcher explained he and his wife had lived in the house since 1969. Mr. Butcher was requesting the variance to build a 32’ x 12’ carport to be attached to the side of his house. Mr. Butcher explained he would not be able to meet the 25’ setback in any location because his lot is too small. Mr. Butcher stated he’d like the 1 of 3 carport to protect his vehicle from the elements in addition to being able to store his lawn mower, snow blower and yard equipment. Mr. Butcher stated the south side would also be an ideal location to install solar panels in the future. Mr. Butcher explained Exhibit “G” which showed where the carport would be constructed 13’ from the property line because he couldn’t meet the 25’ setback on Maennerchor Ave, and 10’ from the Shetucket Ave. property line. Joe East asked Mr. Butcher if there would be another curb cut on Maennerchor Ave. Mr. Butcher stated no because most of the area is paved. Henry Olender asked Mr. Butcher if the area was elevated. Mr. Butcher stated yes a little bit. Mr. Olender asked Mr. Butcher how he decided to make the garage 32’. Mr. Butcher stated the 8’ pieces of plywood would fit nicely as well as if he decided to install solar panels in the future. Henry Olender stated the garage would not be located any closer than the rest of the house to the property line. Joe East asked if Mr. Butcher had taken into consideration factors such as the building code requirements and utility location. Mr. Butcher replied yes. Joe East questioned if the garage would be enclosed on the sides with lattice. Mr. Butcher stated yes just with lattice and the garage would be open on three sides. Joe East asked about the deck if there would still be a 3’ landing with the stairs. Mr. Butcher stated yes and the stairs would be going out toward Shetucket Ave. Mark Benjamin stated Mr. Butcher has a small lot with 3 front yards and no place to build the garage with the 25’ setbacks. There being no others speakers, the public hearing was closed. I. DISCUSSION/DECISION ON APPLICATIONS 1. V#14-09 – Application of Paul Butcher for property located at 1-2 Terrace Avenue in a Multi-family (MF) zoning district. In accordance with Sec.12.1 25’ front yard (Shetucket Ave) setback required, request reduction to 10’ and 25’ front yard (Maennerchor Ave) request reduction to 13’ for the construction of a 12’ x 32’ carport. Seated were Marc Benjamin, Joe Jacaruso, Henry Olender, Dorothy Travers and Peter Cuprak Upon motion by Dorothy Travers, second by Joe Jacaruso the Board voted unanimously to APPROVE V#14-09. Marc Benjamin stated the garage would allow him reasonable use of his property; and he has 3 front yards; each requiring a 25’ building setback. Page 2 of 3 Dorothy Travers stated the hardships were the size of the property with 3 front yards with 25’ setbacks; and the garage is needed for storage for his vehicle and yard equipment. Joe Jacaruso stated his hardship was the size of the lot and it was the least objectionable location for the garage. Marc Benjamin stated the existing house was 25’ to the property line, which would require a concession in any location. Henry Olender stated the Maennerchor Ave. area is elevated and the Terrace Ave where the garage would be located the grade would be better. J. OTHER MATTERS: NONE K. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Dorothy Travers, and second by Joe Jacaruso it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Linda Lee Smith Recording Secretary Page 3 of 3